From 19FortyFive.com: We live in an era where stealth technology dominates the conversation on modern and future airpower. America’s F-35, the F-22 Raptor, and the brand-new B-21 Raider bomber are all at the bleeding edge of stealth technology. China, too, is making inroads in the realm of stealth aircraft. How is it that Dassault’s Rafale remains a viable option for many countries worldwide? The Rafale’s continued longevity, even in a world where fighter design is moving toward incorporating low-observable aspects, is partly thanks to Dassault’s ability to source or manufacture components domestically, the jet’s relatively low operating costs, and filling a specific, non-stealthy market niche without the financial and logistical complications of steal aircraft programs. Not every air force needs stealth capability, and Dassault can deliver minimally stealthy but still capable jets very quickly, thanks in part to the success of its domestic defence industrial base.

The loss of the Tartus port represents a significant setback for Moscow’s strategic ambitions. The Russian Navy is likely to face reduced submarine operations in the Mediterranean Sea following the termination of its longstanding investment agreement with the company managing the Syrian port.

This facility, in operation since 1971, underwent extensive upgrades in recent years. In 2019, an agreement pledged $500 million for further development under a 49-year lease. However, the recent decision by Syria’s government has effectively ended Russia’s foothold in the region, leaving the navy to seek alternatives.

The withdrawal from Tartus is currently underway. Recent reports indicate that Russian vessels have been granted access to retrieve equipment, avoiding a complete blockade of evacuation efforts. While this allows for an orderly withdrawal, it marks a severe blow to Russian naval logistics.

Tartus had gained increased importance following the conflict in Ukraine, as it provided critical logistical and maintenance support for Russia’s Mediterranean fleet. With Turkey restricting access to the Black Sea through the Bosporus, the port’s strategic value was indispensable.

Without Tartus, the Russian Navy must either secure another base or scale back its Mediterranean presence. The port was uniquely capable of sustaining diesel-electric submarines, which require frequent refuelling and maintenance. These vessels, cheaper and quieter than nuclear-powered submarines, have formed a core component of Russia’s operations in the region.

Deploying nuclear-powered submarines is an alternative, but the Mediterranean’s limited entry points and heavy NATO presence make such a move highly risky. Furthermore, the logistical support needed for extended deployments would remain unresolved without a dedicated base.

Russia may consider Algeria as a potential host. The country has maintained strong ties with Moscow, reflected in ongoing military cooperation. However, balancing relationships with other North African nations could complicate negotiations.

Libya presents another possibility, but significant challenges exist. Any agreement would likely involve collaboration with a warlord who controls parts of the nation, which might provoke opposition from the UN-backed government. Moreover, the conditions of Libyan ports, weakened by years of conflict, are questionable. The ports’ capacity to handle Russian naval operations remains uncertain, and the political instability further deters long-term investment.

The loss of Tartus significantly diminishes Moscow’s ability to project power in the Mediterranean. Reduced submarine operations or reliance on ad hoc arrangements could undermine its naval presence in the region. As options narrow, Russia faces the prospect of recalibrating its strategic priorities, potentially signalling a shift in its regional influence.

The economy of Vietnam has been an absolute rocket ship over the past few years. By 2035, CNBC believes that globally they’ll have the most rapid rise in wealth. Long gone are the days of turmoil and war. In this episode, we’ll take a look at Vietnam’s fascinating economic rise.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s call for “One Flag, One Country” highlights a growing frustration among Australians who feel their nation’s unity is being undermined. Speaking on Friday, Mr. Dutton said Australians are tired of being told to feel ashamed of their history and identity.

Labor’s focus on division, categorising people, and emphasising past wrongs risks deepening rifts instead of fostering progress. Mr. Dutton’s message resonates with parents who want schools to prioritise education over ideology. “Parents have had enough… they want their children educated, not indoctrinated,” he stated.

This is not about erasing history but embracing it—acknowledging our challenges while celebrating our achievements. Australia is a land of shared values and diverse contributions. Unity and pride in our national identity should drive us forward, not divisive rhetoric or guilt about the past.

As a country, we must work together under one flag, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose for all Australians. Only through unity can we build a future worthy of pride. Mr. Dutton’s vision offers hope for a nation striving to reaffirm its identity and shared destiny.

Boeing B-52 static display with weapons, Barksdale AFB. Image: Creative Commons.

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, a symbol of endurance and adaptability in U.S. military aviation, is set to receive a revolutionary upgrade through the ambitious B-52J modernization program. At the heart of this transformation is the Rolls-Royce F130 engine, recently certified in December 2024 after two years of rigorous development—a major milestone for the program.

Despite delays, the B-52J’s upgrades promise to redefine the aircraft’s capabilities. A comprehensive overhaul will introduce advanced radars, digital avionics, modernised engine pylons, satellite-aided navigation, and robust communications systems. These enhancements ensure the B-52J remains a formidable long-range asset capable of delivering massive payloads, supporting future technologies like Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

The program’s setbacks haven’t diminished its advocates’ enthusiasm. They emphasise the bomber’s enduring role in U.S. air strategy, paralleling Russia’s continued use of its Tu-95 fleet. With plans to extend its service life into the 2050s, the B-52J is poised to complement cutting-edge platforms like the B-21 and F-15EX, ensuring versatile, multi-role capabilities.

The B-52’s storied legacy and adaptability highlight its value. As it evolves, the Stratofortress remains a testament to engineering ingenuity, proving its worth in an ever-changing strategic landscape.

WARNING – REPORTED AS A SCAM

ED: The other day I posted an article about a $4,100 dollar payment to carers – I have since been advised by a number of veterans, who attended Centrelink that they have no knowledge of this payment and that it may be a scam.

Below is the link to the message as I received it from https://www.msn.com I was of the opinion the opinion that MSN was a trusted source of information. I feel guilty that this story may have caused inconvenience to some members who like me believed the article.   

https://www.msn.com/en-au/money/government-support-and-welfare/4-100-one-time-centrelink-payment-offers-vital-support-for-australian-carers/ar-AA1xyzBj#:~:text=In%202025%2C%20the%20Australian%20government%20introduced%20a%20%244%2C100,individuals%20with%20disabilities%2C%20chronic%20illnesses%2C%20and%20age-related%20needs

The Australian Army’s Townsville-based units are gearing up for their most significant training year since World War II, with 2025 set to mark a historic milestone in military cooperation and modernisation. The year’s activities will feature an unprecedented level of international engagement, highlighted by Exercise Talisman Sabre, which will involve participation from more nations than ever before. This biennial exercise is a cornerstone of Australia’s defence strategy, fostering joint operational capability and interoperability between allied and partner nations. The increased scale of the exercise underscores Australia’s growing role in regional security and its commitment to working alongside global partners to address shared challenges.

In addition to the expanded multinational training efforts, the 3rd Brigade, headquartered in Townsville, will lead the charge in the modernisation of the Australian Army. The brigade is set to receive the first deliveries of cutting-edge equipment as part of the Defence Capability Program, signalling a new era of technological advancement and operational readiness. These upgrades, which include advanced armoured vehicles, weapons systems, and communication technologies, will significantly enhance the brigade’s combat effectiveness and ability to respond to diverse threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

The dual focus on international collaboration and capability development reflects Australia’s strategic priorities in a shifting geopolitical landscape. With its robust training agenda and investment in modernisation, the Townsville Army base is solidifying its position as a key hub for the Australian Defence Force and a critical partner in maintaining stability in the region.