Rheinmetall has unveiled new footage of its Skyranger35, a 35 millimeter anti-aircraft turret mounted on the reliable Leopard-1 chassis. This genius combination has sparked discussions about the potential evolution of the legendary Gepard anti-aircraft system, leading some to dub this merger “the New Gepard-2”. The concept of integrating a state-of-the-art air defence system into an existing tank chassis is a game changer in modern military defence strategies.

Staff Cadets from the Royal Military College – Duntroon had their leadership tested during Exercise SHAGGY RIDGE, which was conducted at the Majura Training Area near Canberra over 15-19 February 2025. In an arduous environment, the exercise required 158 Staff Cadets to demonstrate their character as leaders and make sound ethical decisions under stress and fatigue, and push the limits of their physical and mental endurance. Exercise SHAGGY RIDGE references the Battle of Shaggy Ridge, which was one of a number of engagements Australian troops fought against the forces of Imperial Japan in Papua New Guinea in World War II. The Royal Military College – Duntroon prepares commissioned leaders of character in support of Army’s contribution to the Joint Force in peace and war.

eWise Blog

Australians are facing yet another punishing increase in electricity bills, with the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) warning that prices will rise by up to nine per cent from July 1. This comes as a crushing blow to households already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and raises serious concerns about the Albanese government’s renewable energy strategy.

The AER’s draft decision outlines increases ranging from three per cent to six per cent in Queensland and South Australia, with New South Wales bearing the brunt of a nine per cent rise. These hikes follow years of soaring energy prices, with some regions experiencing increases of up to 40 per cent in just two years. The reason? A reckless rush towards renewables without ensuring reliable baseload power remains available.

The Albanese government continues to champion a transition to renewable energy, but the reality is that solar and wind power alone cannot provide the stability needed for an affordable and reliable electricity grid. While federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen insists that long-term reforms will eventually bring prices down, Australians are seeing their bills skyrocket in the meantime.

Consumers were promised relief, with the Labor government pledging to reduce electricity prices by $275 per year before the 2022 election. Instead, average power bills have increased by more than $600. Households and businesses are being left to suffer while policymakers push an agenda that is failing to deliver.

The solution is clear: Australia must maintain coal-fired power stations until nuclear energy can be introduced as a viable alternative. While renewables have their place in the energy mix, the premature shutdown of coal plants is putting unbearable strain on the grid and driving up costs.

Despite the government’s claims that keeping coal in the grid raises prices, the opposite is proving true. As affordable coal-fired generators are retired, the wholesale price of electricity is increasingly set by the higher costs of gas, hydro, and battery storage. The result? Power bills continue to climb, and households are left footing the bill.

Nuclear energy presents the best long-term option for Australia’s energy security, offering a clean, stable, and reliable power source. However, establishing nuclear power infrastructure takes time, meaning coal must remain in the mix until nuclear plants can be built and operational.

With another round of price hikes looming, it’s time for the government to rethink its energy policy. Australia needs a pragmatic approach that prioritises affordability and reliability over ideological commitments. Coal-fired power stations must continue operating until nuclear energy is a reality. Otherwise, Australian households will continue to bear the brunt of reckless policy decisions that put politics before people.

The Albanese government must act now to secure energy affordability before it’s too late. The future of Australia’s power grid depends on it.

This is the most informative interview I have heard on the ABC radio.

To the best of my knowledge it has never again seen the light on any ABC or SBS TV which is interesting

“You are being conned” nuclear DOES lower power bills, Dr Adi Paterson

CLICK LINK to read this article from The Strategist by Malcolm Roberts

For a waterbombing reserve, adapt ADF aircraft | The Strategist

ED: This is a well-reasoned and practical proposal that makes excellent use of existing Defence assets without compromising their primary role. The ability to quickly convert Chinooks, Hercules, and Black Hawks into waterbombers when civilian resources are stretched is a smart, cost-effective contingency plan. Investing in proven solutions like MAFFS and Helitak tanks ensures that Australia is better prepared for our fire seasons while maintaining flexibility in Defence operations. A proactive approach like this would give Australians confidence that the government is planning ahead, rather than scrambling to react when disaster strikes.

CLICK LINK to read this article

Government and prospective ADF recruits ‘feeling the frustration’, says Deputy PM – Defence Connect

ED: A 300-day waiting period for ADF recruitment is utterly unacceptable, especially given the ongoing personnel shortfall and the critical need for a strong defence force. The government’s acknowledgment of the issue, coupled with vague reassurances and bureaucratic excuses, does little to inspire confidence. If the Defence Strategic Review already identified the urgency of streamlining recruitment over a year ago, why has there been no meaningful progress? The time for investigations and talk is over—immediate, decisive action is required to cut through red tape and ensure recruitment happens in days, not nearly a year.

ED: This arrived in my inbox this morning from Bob Buick – So now it’s todays smile.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made an unexpected appearance in Kursk, dressed in military fatigues, in a move aimed at bolstering troop morale and celebrating recent victories over Ukrainian forces. The visit, which was not publicly announced in advance, showcased Putin’s direct involvement in the ongoing conflict and reinforced his commitment to the Russian military.

Putin’s trip to Kursk was a calculated move to boost morale and assert dominance. Addressing Russian troops, he commended their efforts in reclaiming territory from Ukraine in the border region. The visit came on the heels of a US-backed 30-day cease-fire proposal, which Putin dismissed as a strategic disadvantage, signalling his intention to maintain offensive operations.

During his speech, Putin did not hold back in his rhetoric against Ukrainian forces. Over 400 Ukrainian soldiers were reportedly captured during the recent offensive. Under Russian law, Putin labelled them as “terrorists,” a classification that excludes foreign fighters from the protections of the Geneva Convention. This controversial stance has drawn criticism from international observers and human rights organizations.

The conflict continues to escalate, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces digging in for prolonged engagements. While Russia pushes forward in certain areas, Ukrainian forces are reportedly repositioning to what their top commander describes as “more advantageous positions.” This repositioning suggests that Ukraine is preparing for counteroffensive manoeuvres, keeping the battlefield dynamics fluid and unpredictable.

As the war grinds on, Putin’s visit to Kursk serves as a stark reminder of Russia’s unwavering stance in the conflict, despite increasing global pressure for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.