Photo by Royal Australian Navy

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has successfully completed the first Regional Presence Deployment (RPD) for 2025, reaffirming the Australian government’s commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific. This deployment showcased the professionalism, dedication, and extensive training of Royal Australian Navy personnel as they conducted critical maritime operations across the region.

Departing Australia on 17 January, the Guided Missile Destroyer HMAS Hobart undertook an intensive six-week deployment, engaging in a series of multinational maritime activities. The ship and its highly skilled crew participated in major exercises, including the Indonesian-led Exercise Komodo 25, the French-led Exercise La Perouse 25, and a Maritime Cooperative Activity with Japan, the Philippines, and the United States.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO, CSC RAN, commended the Navy personnel for their efforts and highlighted the significance of these deployments. “Regional Presence Deployments strengthen Australia’s commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific,” Vice Admiral Jones said. “These operations not only enhance Defence’s ability to integrate seamlessly with regional partners but also underscore the critical role of maritime collaboration in ensuring regional stability.”

Commanding Officer of HMAS Hobart, Commander Alisha Withers, praised her crew for their dedication and operational readiness throughout the deployment. “Sailing more than 8,000 nautical miles, our participation in multinational naval exercises has been invaluable in refining our skills and preparedness for complex military environments,” Commander Withers said. “The professionalism and resilience of our personnel have ensured that HMAS Hobart remains ready to address future regional challenges alongside our partners and allies.”

The success of this deployment highlights the ongoing commitment and rigorous training of Royal Australian Navy personnel, who play a crucial role in maintaining security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Looking ahead, HMAS Sydney will lead the second Regional Presence Deployment for 2025, participating in Exercise Bersama Shield alongside our Five Power Defence Arrangements partners—Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

Through these deployments, the Australian Defence Force continues to enhance its regional partnerships and demonstrate the capabilities and professionalism of its Navy personnel on the international stage.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence, and federal government member for Corio, The Hon. Richard Marles MP, recently visited the Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence to acknowledge the arrival of the first LAND 8116 vehicles in Auscam markings. These vehicles represent a significant milestone in enhancing the Australian Army’s artillery and logistics capabilities.

Batch 1 of the program vehicles, comprising two AS9 self-propelled howitzers and one AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (AARV), arrived in Australia in December 2024 from the Republic of Korea. The remaining vehicles in the program will be produced at the new facility within the Avalon Airport Precinct, contributing to the growth of domestic defence manufacturing.

“We are excited to have the first vehicles here in Australia as we prepare to deliver this capability to the Australian Army,” said the Acting Managing Director of the facility. “Production of hulls and turrets has already commenced in northern Tasmania, while our production line at Avalon is now operational.”

The AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer builds upon extensive global experience from a fleet of over 2,400 similar systems in service worldwide. It features a battle-proven 52-caliber 155mm gun system used by multiple nations, including those within NATO. Designed for mobility and survivability, the AS9 enhances the Army’s firepower with advanced targeting and fire-control systems.

The AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (AARV) is a vital support asset designed to accompany the AS9 in combat operations. It is built for high mobility and protection, ensuring ammunition resupply is carried out efficiently in high-threat environments. The vehicle features an automated loading system that minimizes exposure to enemy fire, reducing operational risk for soldiers.

Manufacturing involves collaboration with Australian industry partners alongside international suppliers, fostering local expertise and supply chain development. The program represents a significant investment in domestic defence capability, supporting job creation and technology transfer between South Korea and Australia.

“The technology transfer on this program is an important part of strengthening ties between our two nations,” the Acting Managing Director explained. “Celebrating this milestone with our government, Defence representatives, and industry partners in our new facility is a great honour.”

As production ramps up at the Avalon site, these advanced armoured vehicles will play a critical role in modernizing the Australian Army’s artillery and logistics capabilities, ensuring enhanced operational readiness for future missions.

Motoring News

A major update to Australian Design Rules (ADR) has come into effect from March 1, requiring nearly all new vehicles sold in Australia to be equipped with autonomous emergency braking (AEB). This technology automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent, reducing impact severity or preventing crashes altogether.

The ADR body regulates vehicle safety, emissions, and performance standards for passenger cars, motorcycles, and trucks. The latest change aims to address the persistently high road toll by improving crash protection, braking systems, lighting, and fuel efficiency. Safety experts believe this mandate will significantly reduce fatalities and serious injuries nationwide.

The rule aligns Australian regulations with the United Nations Regulation 152, already enforced in Europe. The long lead time provided to manufacturers allowed most to comply, with many brands incorporating AEB as a standard feature. However, some models without AEB will no longer be available for sale in Australia.

Vehicles Affected by the New AEB Mandate

Several mainstream and luxury models will be discontinued due to non-compliance with the AEB requirement. According to the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA), the following vehicles are among those no longer available:

• Mainstream Vehicles:
  • Mitsubishi ASX, Eclipse Cross, Pajero Sport
  • Suzuki Baleno, Ignis, S-Cross
  • Mazda 6 (production ended)
  • Renault Kangoo and Trafic (older models)
  • LDV G10, V80
  • Mahindra Pik-Up (certain variants)
• Luxury and Performance Vehicles:
  • Fiat 500 (petrol-powered) and Abarth models
  • Aston Martin DB11, DBS
  • Lamborghini Aventador, Huracan
  • Porsche 718 (some versions)

Despite the removal of these models, Australian consumers will benefit from enhanced safety features across the automotive market. Most manufacturers have adapted by updating their fleets with AEB-equipped vehicles, ensuring a higher safety standard moving forward. Suzuki, for example, is replacing its Ignis model with the new AEB-compliant Suzuki Fronx.

The automotive industry has supported this transition for years. The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has advocated for voluntary AEB adoption since 2012 and incorporated it into safety testing criteria in 2015. Volvo pioneered AEB in 2008, setting a benchmark that other manufacturers have since followed.

With the new mandate in place, Australian roads are expected to become safer as vehicle technology continues to evolve.

Chinese buyers raid Australian property

The majority of Australians support a ban on non-citizens purchasing housing stock, arguing that it drives up prices and limits availability for locals. In response to these concerns, the federal government has announced that, from 1 April 2025, temporary residents will be prohibited from purchasing established dwellings for two years.

Previously, temporary residents could apply for approval to buy an existing home to live in during their stay or redevelop an established home to increase housing stock. Under the new regulations, only Australian citizens and permanent residents will be permitted to purchase existing homes, while non-residents will be limited to buying newly built properties or off-the-plan developments.

Real estate industry professionals predict a surge in applications to the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) in the lead-up to the ban. Fiona Yang from Plus Agency noted that many Chinese buyers see this as their last opportunity to enter the market. “Many agents are using the ban as a selling point, urging buyers to move quickly,” she said.

Belle Property director Robert Ding and OH Property Group’s Henny Stier also anticipate a short-term spike in foreign investment before the restrictions take effect. However, Sydney real estate agent Jason Roach argues that the ban will have minimal impact, as most of his foreign clients already hold permanent residency. “I couldn’t tell you the last time I sold an existing home to a buyer needing FIRB approval,” he stated.

While temporary residents are not the primary driver of rising house prices, their participation in the market adds demand pressure. Restricting them to purchasing new properties could boost housing supply and stimulate development. However, critics argue that a two-year ban is insufficient and should be made permanent.
Recent polling from Resolve Political Monitoring found that 67% of Australians support a permanent ban on foreign ownership of established housing. Many believe non-permanent residents should rent rather than compete with locals for housing.

Ultimately, the best solution to Australia’s housing crisis is to reduce immigration and focus on attracting high-quality, skilled migrants. With the Centre for Population projecting a 4.1 million increase in Australia’s population over the next decade, housing demand will continue to outstrip supply, exacerbating affordability issues unless decisive action is taken.

They sent us here for punishment two hundred years ago,

They didn’t have a clue just what a nation we would grow,

This great Southland for punishment? they should have used their head.

And left the crims in England and come here themselves instead.

For it’s a ripper of a country, a beauty bottler through and through,

Filled with people just like you and me, fair dinkum and true blue.

And it’s just the code we carry deep inside that sets us all apart,

It’s not what we’ve got in our pocket, it’s what we’ve got in our heart.

It doesn’t matter if you’re convict stock or aborigine,

If you’re seventh generation or a recent refugee.

We welcome those who want a home, who’ve really done it hard.

But leave your wars and ethnic hatreds in your own backyard.

For we have a set of standards that I think you all should know,

The good old Aussie standards of “Fair Dinkum” and “Fair go”

And “Watch out for your mate” and “Lend a hand to those in need”

And “Let your word be good enough” and “Give a hungry bloke a feed”

The riches of this country might be held by just a few,

But the real value can be found in people just like you,

Not afraid to roll your sleeves up and get in and do your share,

And help your mate when he’s in trouble just because you care.

If you’re black or white or brindle, mate, we couldn’t give a stuff,

Just do your bit and be fair dinkum, that’ll be enough.

It’s worth your effort and your heart and all that you can give

To be part of Australia, the world’s best place to live,

By Gary Fogarty,

Bush Poet.

Australia’s naval capabilities are under increasing scrutiny as the government faces pressure to expedite its decision on a new fleet of warships. The looming presence of a Chinese flotilla off the coast has heightened concerns about the navy’s readiness and the urgency of modernising its surface fleet.

Military analysts have emphasised the need for a swift resolution on whether a German or Japanese firm will secure the $10 billion contract to construct 11 frigates, replacing the ageing Anzac-class vessels. The decision was initially expected this year, but indications from defence officials suggest it may be pushed to early next year, citing the complexity of procurement processes that traditionally take several years.

Currently, Australia’s fleet of surface combatants is set to shrink to nine vessels next year, a decline from 11 the previous year. Maintenance and upgrades further limit operational availability. Given the increasing activity of foreign naval forces in the region, delays in fleet renewal could impact national security and maritime surveillance capabilities.

Government representatives have reiterated their commitment to expediting the process, underscoring the strategic necessity of deploying new warships as soon as possible. The aim is to ensure the Royal Australian Navy is adequately equipped to respond to emerging threats and operational demands in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

The sighting of a foreign task group conducting live-fire exercises last week has reinforced the importance of bolstering maritime defence. The exercises disrupted commercial aviation routes and prompted diplomatic protests over inadequate notification. Defence analysts argue that Australia’s existing surface fleet is among the oldest and smallest in its history, necessitating urgent action to enhance naval capabilities.

Industry experts have urged policymakers to adhere to the initial timeline, stressing that any further delays could hinder shipbuilding progress and impact defence readiness. The withdrawal of older frigates further exacerbates fleet constraints, with additional decommissioning expected in the near future. Compounding these challenges, both of the navy’s oil tankers have been non-operational since last year due to mechanical defects, limiting the fleet’s refuelling capacity.

Strategists highlight the rapid expansion of foreign naval forces in the Indo-Pacific, with adversaries adding the equivalent of Australia’s entire fleet every few years. The need for increased surveillance, monitoring, and maritime response capabilities has never been more pressing. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Australia can meet these challenges with the necessary speed and decisiveness.

Ray Payne – My view

I understand why President Zelenskyy was emotionally charged during this exchange. If my country were fighting for survival every day, I’d be impatient too. But optics matter, especially when dealing with allies whose support is crucial. In the past, Zelenskyy has faced criticism for appearing “ungrateful” whether fair or not, perception shapes reality. Crossing his arms in the Oval Office and seeming to lecture the Vice President in front of the press wasn’t the best move. Even if he believes the U.S. leadership doesn’t fully grasp Putin’s malevolence, diplomacy often requires swallowing frustration for the greater good.

A more strategic approach would have been to voice any disagreements privately, behind closed doors, rather than publicly challenging the VP. Even so, emotions can override tactics, especially in moments of desperation. And let’s be honest, few can truly relate to the pressure he faces.

At the same time, Zelenskyy might not fully grasp the frustration many American taxpayers feel. Since 2022, inflation has eaten away at their savings, and continued aid to Ukraine, while justifiable on strategic grounds, adds to domestic anxieties. These struggles aren’t equivalent, but pain is personal. For someone drowning in financial stress, their own hardship can feel just as overwhelming as war does to those experiencing it firsthand.

Ultimately, Putin’s actions must be condemned, and Ukraine deserves support. But this isn’t a simple case of good versus evil. It’s not a team sport where picking a side means vilifying the other. Everyone involved has flaws, and no one can fully comprehend another’s suffering. Treating the situation as if only one side has the moral high ground risks deepening divisions, both internationally and within nations already struggling with their own crises.

The Australian Army was established on 1 March 1901 following the federation of Australia. This year marks 124 years of service, reflecting a proud history of evolution, resilience, and commitment to the nation.

Early Years and World Wars

Upon its formation, the Army integrated the separate colonial military forces into a unified entity. In its early years, it was primarily a part-time militia force, relying on horse-mounted cavalry and basic infantry weapons. The Army’s first major test came during World War I, where it played a pivotal role in the Gallipoli campaign in 1915. The Australian Imperial Force (AIF) was then heavily engaged on the Western Front, earning a formidable reputation for courage and endurance in battles such as Pozières, Passchendaele, and Villers-Bretonneux.

During World War II, the Army defended Australia and its interests in the Pacific and European theatres. The Kokoda Track campaign in 1942 was a defining moment, as Australian troops halted the Japanese advance in Papua New Guinea. The Army also contributed to Allied victories in North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Post-War Operations and Modernisation

Following World War II, the Army was involved in peacekeeping and combat operations worldwide. It served in the Korean War (1950-1953), fighting alongside United Nations forces, and later in the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960) and the Indonesian Confrontation (1963-1966). The Vietnam War (1962-1973) saw Australian troops engaged in counterinsurgency warfare, with notable battles such as Long Tan in 1966 and Coral-Balmoral in 1968.

The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw further transformation, with a focus on peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. The Army played crucial roles in East Timor (1999-2000), the Solomon Islands, and Afghanistan (2001-2021). In domestic operations, it has provided disaster relief, assisted in border protection, and supported emergency responses to bushfires and floods.

Technological Advancements and Modern Force Structure

Over the decades, the Army has transitioned from a conventional force to a technologically advanced and highly mobile organisation. From relying on mounted cavalry and bolt-action rifles in its early years, today’s Army is equipped with state-of-the-art armoured vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, cyber warfare capabilities, and long-range precision strike assets. Modernisation efforts have enhanced its ability to conduct joint and interagency operations in an increasingly complex security environment.

The Army’s structure has also evolved. In its early years, units operated independently with limited coordination. Today, the Army is an integrated, networked force optimised for littoral manoeuvre, ensuring operational effectiveness across land and maritime domains.

Training, Values, and Recognition

The approach to training has transformed significantly. Early training focused on basic infantry drills, while today’s programs emphasise agility, leadership, and collaboration with allied forces. The Army values diversity and inclusion, strengthening partnerships, and fostering innovation in leadership development.

Despite these changes, the Army remains steadfast in its core values: service, courage, respect, integrity, and excellence. Each year, its birthday celebrations highlight the contributions of its people. The Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Awards, presented annually on the Army’s birthday, honour junior leaders who exemplify these values through leadership, ethical conduct, and compassion. This year’s recipients will be recognised at a special ceremony at Army’s Russell Offices in Canberra.

Legacy and Future

The Australian Army’s 124-year journey reflects a legacy of dedication and evolution. From its early militia roots to a modern, high-tech force, it continues to adapt to emerging security challenges while upholding the traditions and values that define its service to Australia. Looking ahead, the Army remains committed to innovation, readiness, and the defence of the nation in an ever-changing global landscape.

In 2025, several advanced tanks and military vehicles are set to enter service, showcasing cutting-edge technology, firepower, and protection. These next-generation platforms are designed to dominate modern battlefields with enhanced mobility, survivability, and lethality. Here are the 10 deadliest tanks and military vehicles expected to join armed forces this year.