Defence Media Release

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft and personnel have landed in Alaska to take part in Exercise Red Flag, a large-scale air-combat exercise hosted by the United States Pacific Air Forces Command.

This year, RAAF F-35A Lightning IIs will team up with United States combat and support aircraft to face simulated peer adversaries and ground-based air-defence systems. The RAAF’s E-7A Wedgetail’s superior airborne surveillance capabilities will play a critical role in coordinating aircraft.

Task Unit Commander, Group Captain Tracy Douglas, highlighted the importance of the exercise to train in complex environments alongside the United States to meet any future contingency.

“Exercise Red Flag Alaska enables United States and allied aviators to refine their operational concepts, enhance their capabilities, and develop strategies that strengthen deterrence and maintain a competitive edge,” Group Captain Douglas said.

“Our air forces continue to improve interoperability and integration through combat scenarios that reflect the challenges of real-world conflicts.”

The expansive 174,000 square-kilometre Joint Alaska Pacific Range Complex provides an ideal setting for simulating a contested environment, where battlefield strategy demands a high-operations tempo and necessitates innovation, determination and teamwork to stay ahead of ever-changing mission needs.

“The goal of Red Flag is learning as a team,” Group Captain Douglas said.

“While individuals may improve from their exercise experience, the aspiration is to forge ever-greater ability and efficiency working with our United States partners.

“Taking aircraft overseas and adapting to different airspaces and procedures can be challenging, but the rewards of such exercises are immense, paving the way for enhanced capabilities and stronger international cooperation.”

The exercise will involve more than 260 Australian personnel operating from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska from 19-30 August 2024.

Australia has expressed interest in acquiring over 350 Javelin FGM-148F missiles and associated equipment, under a proposed foreign military sale valued at approximately $100 million. The United States Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) informed Congress of the potential transaction on August 19.

The proposed deal encompasses the missiles, technical assistance from the U.S. government, repair and return services, logistics, and program support. The DSCA emphasized the sale’s alignment with U.S. foreign policy and national security goals, noting Australia’s critical role as a key ally in the Western Pacific.

According to the DSCA’s public statement, Australia’s strategic significance as a political and economic powerhouse in the region is crucial for maintaining peace and stability. The sale aims to bolster Australia’s self-defence capabilities, ensuring the country is well-prepared to address both current and future threats.

The statement also clarified that the Australian Army would seamlessly integrate the new equipment into its existing forces, without disrupting the regional military balance or affecting U.S. defence readiness.

The prime contractors for this potential sale are the Javelin Joint Venture, a collaboration between RTX Corporation and Lockheed Martin. The implementation of the sale is not expected to require any U.S. government or contractor personnel to be stationed in Australia.

In 2023, the Australian Defence Force successfully fired Javelin missiles from a War-fighter unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), marking just the second known instance of such a launch globally. The Special Operations Command of the Australian Defence Force showcased the Javelin system in a live-fire demonstration at Singleton Military Training Area in New South Wales in March 2023. The Cyborg Dynamics Engineering UGV system, equipped with the R400 remote weapon station developed by Electro Optic Systems, demonstrated the ability to accurately strike targets at maximum range with the Javelin missiles.

The Straits Times

Australia and Indonesia have pledged to enhance their cooperation in the contested Asia-Pacific region, unveiling a “treaty-level” defence agreement on August 20 that Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles described as “historic.”

The treaty, under negotiation since February, will be formally signed in the coming weeks during Marles’ visit to Indonesia. It builds on the existing Australia-Indonesia Defence Co-operation Arrangement, which enables joint security exercises, by allowing military and security personnel from each nation to operate within the other’s territory.

Despite the significance of the agreement, details remain scarce. A joint press conference featuring Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesian President-elect and Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto allowed no questions, leaving much to speculation. Albanese emphasized the importance of the Australia-Indonesia relationship, highlighting mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. He declared, “There is no more important relationship than the one between our two great nations,” and announced the conclusion of the bilateral treaty-level defence agreement.

Albanese referenced the 2006 Lombok Treaty, which includes Australia’s commitment to not supporting separatism—a nod that has been interpreted as a stance against the West Papua independence movement.

Marles underscored the significance of the new agreement, describing it as “a profoundly significant moment for the national security of both of our countries” that would enhance “interoperability between our defence forces.” He called Australia and Indonesia “the closest of neighbours” with a “shared destiny,” and praised the treaty as a symbol of deep strategic trust between the two nations. “When you consider the journeys of Indonesia and Australia over the decades, it is profoundly historic that we have reached this moment where we find security in each other,” Marles remarked.

As the two nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations—Australia being one of the first countries to support Indonesian independence—Prabowo echoed the sentiment, calling the defence pact “a mark of the friendship” between the countries. He acknowledged the ups and downs in their relationship over the years but expressed optimism for continued cooperation, stating, “I am determined to continue this good neighbour relationship.”

The two countries already collaborate on various issues, including security, people trafficking, and drug smuggling. However, on the economic front, Canberra still faces challenges in securing Jakarta’s full allegiance, as highlighted by Prabowo’s visit to China in April and the subsequent visit of Beijing’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Jakarta. During these meetings, discussions on bilateral defence ties, particularly in education, training, joint exercises, and defence-industrial collaboration, took place.

BAE Systems Media

BAE Systems has been chosen by the U.S. Navy to develop the Dual Band Decoy (DBD), one of the most advanced radio frequencies (RF) countermeasures in existence. The DBD is a state-of-the-art RF self-protection jammer designed to shield fighter jets from enemy attacks.

Building on the proven capabilities of BAE Systems’ AN/ALE-55 Fibre-Optic Towed Decoy, the DBD consists of a towed unit connected by a fibre-optic cable to the aircraft’s onboard electronic warfare equipment. This decoy employs the latest jamming technology to disrupt enemy radars and divert missiles away from the aircraft. It can be deployed either manually by the pilot or automatically in response to detected threats, providing essential protection in highly contested airspace.

“With Dual Band Decoy, we are building on the ALE-55’s years of mission success as a high-powered jamming system,” said Don Davidson, director of the Advanced Compact Electronic Warfare Solutions product line at BAE Systems. “Dual Band Decoy delivers broad capability that can be installed on a variety of aircraft and is upgradeable to address future threats.”

The DBD integrates BAE Systems’ custom integrated circuits, enhancing performance while reducing size, weight, and power requirements. This system is a crucial component of BAE Systems’ Intrepid Shield™ strategy, which aims to create a protective sphere around platforms in highly contested battlespaces by using the full electromagnetic spectrum to detect, exploit, and counter advanced threats.

The Dual Band Decoy will initially be deployed on the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, with development taking place at BAE Systems’ advanced facilities in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Video created by Elijah (Age 11) and Gabriel (Age 8) Leigh. Brothers and children to singer songwriter Rae Leigh. This song is dedicated to their Papa and Rae Leighs father (the boys grandfather) Robert Hewett who served as a Tunnel Rat in the Vietnam War. This video was made during an excursion to Canungra where the war memorial for Vietnam Veterans is in the same location where Mr. Robert Hewett was trained for jungle warfare before being shipped off to war.

Song written by Rae Leigh and Allan Caswell Released by Rae Leigh Music www.rae-leigh.com

This week, we turn our focus to Colonel Alexander Hugh “Sandy” MacGregor, MC, RFD, a figure whose life story embodies bravery, resilience, and an enduring commitment to the well-being of others. Born on 16 March 1940, MacGregor’s distinguished military career and his transformative post-military work have left an indelible mark on both military history and personal development spheres.

The Vietnam War:

Sandy MacGregor’s military journey began with his commission as a captain in the Australian Army, where he quickly established himself as a leader of extraordinary courage and skill. His most renowned contribution came during the Vietnam War, a conflict that tested the mettle of soldiers in ways previously unimaginable. In this arena, MacGregor led the 3 Field Troop engineers on one of the most dangerous missions of the war—exploring the Củ Chi tunnels.

These tunnels were a labyrinth of underground passageways used by the Viet Cong for hiding, communication, and launching surprise attacks. They were heavily booby-trapped and nearly impossible to navigate without succumbing to the dangers within. Yet, MacGregor and his men, known as “tunnel rats,” took on the daunting task of mapping these tunnels. Their work not only revealed the extensive nature of the Viet Cong’s underground operations but also uncovered vital resources that would aid Allied forces in turning the tide of the war.

MacGregor’s leadership during these missions was nothing short of heroic. He led from the front, demonstrating a calm under pressure that inspired his men to follow him into the depths of these deadly tunnels. The risks were immense, but MacGregor’s unflinching courage earned him the Military Cross, a recognition reserved for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy. The United States, too, acknowledged his valour with the Bronze Star Medal, underscoring the international significance of his contributions.

Post-Military Life: A Journey of Healing and Empowerment

After the war, MacGregor faced the challenge that many veterans encounter—transitioning from a life defined by combat to one of peace. However, instead of letting the war define him, MacGregor chose a path of healing and empowerment, not just for himself but for others as well.

He channelled his experiences and the lessons learned on the battlefield into a new mission: helping people harness the power of their subconscious minds. Through seminars and motivational speaking, MacGregor taught individuals how to overcome their own fears, doubts, and limitations. His approach was unique in that it drew directly from his military experience, where mental toughness and resilience were as crucial as physical strength.

MacGregor’s teachings resonated deeply with audiences, many of whom faced their own battles, whether personal, professional, or psychological. He emphasized the importance of inner strength, a quality he had relied on during his time in the tunnels of Vietnam and later in his life as he dealt with personal tragedies.

Personal Tragedy and the Power of Forgiveness

Beyond his military and professional accomplishments, MacGregor’s life was also marked by profound personal tragedy. In a heartbreaking event that would test the limits of anyone’s resilience, MacGregor’s three daughters were tragically murdered in 1987. The devastating loss was a turning point in his life, forcing him to confront unimaginable pain.

Remarkably, MacGregor emerged from this tragedy not with bitterness, but with a commitment to forgiveness and healing. He publicly forgave the man responsible for his daughters’ deaths, a decision that was both deeply personal and universally inspiring. This act of forgiveness became a cornerstone of his teachings, demonstrating the incredible power of the human spirit to transcend even the most profound grief.

A Lasting Legacy

Today, Colonel Sandy MacGregor’s legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered as a war hero whose actions saved lives and changed the course of history. But he is also celebrated as a mentor and guide, someone who used his experiences to help others find strength and peace within themselves. His seminars have left a lasting impact on those who have attended, teaching them that the greatest battles are often fought within the mind.

MacGregor’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, not just in the face of external adversities like war, but also in overcoming the internal challenges of grief, fear, and loss. His story is one of courage, not only in combat but in the ongoing journey of personal growth and forgiveness. As we reflect on his contributions, both on the battlefield and beyond, we are reminded that true heroism lies in the ability to rise above adversity and inspire others to do the same.

Colonel Alexander Hugh “Sandy” MacGregor’s story continues to inspire new generations, reminding us all that no matter the challenges we face, we have the power within us to overcome and thrive.

Photo credit: ADF via Twitter

The partnership between Britain and Australia is significantly enhancing the combat capabilities of both nations. The Royal Navy recently led an advanced mine warfare course, underscoring this collaboration. The Australian Department of Defence shared that Australian Navy minesweepers received hands-on training in planning and eliminating sea mines, a critical step in advancing mine warfare tactics.

This specialized course, known as the Royal Navy’s Advanced Course in Sea Mine Planning and Neutralization, equips naval officers and personnel with strategic and tactical knowledge of sea mine deployment, detection, and neutralization. Training covers both theoretical and practical skills, including ‘E-mining,’ which involves using advanced sensors, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and electronic systems to enhance mine detection and neutralization.

The course also emphasizes strategic planning and decision-making, ensuring participants can integrate mine warfare operations into broader naval strategies while minimizing risks to friendly forces.

The Royal Australian Navy’s Huon-class minehunters, specifically designed for mine hunting with advanced sonar and mine disposal systems, benefit from this training. These vessels are crucial for maintaining secure sea lanes and supporting amphibious operations by clearing mines from critical areas.

With apologies for the late notice, we have been advised of the death on 12 August 2024 of Phillip Montague Perrin.

Phillip died in Perth following a lengthy illness.

He served in Vietnam as the Officer in Charge of the Detachment, 131st Divisional Locating Battery, from January 1968 until January 1969. He later retired from the Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

A funeral for Phillip was held at Purslowe on Monday 19 August 2024. He is survived by his wife Sylvia, Son Adam and Daughter Melinda and their families.

RIP Phillip Montague Perrin.

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
pjbruce8@bigpond.net.au