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.

ED: Summary of an article posted on Army Recognition.com

The arrival of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN-783) at HMAS Stirling naval base in Western Australia on February 25, 2025, underscores escalating security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. The port call aligns with Australia’s ongoing defence collaboration under the AUKUS security pact, which aims to establish a sovereign nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarine capability.

The visit coincides with increased naval activity in the Tasman Sea, where a Chinese flotilla has been operating within Australia’s exclusive economic zone. The task force, consisting of a Jiangkai-class frigate, a Renhai-class cruiser, and a Fuchi-class replenishment vessel, recently conducted live-fire exercises, raising concerns among Australian defence officials. This maneuverer is seen as a strategic attempt to gauge regional military responses.

The USS Minnesota, a Virginia-class attack submarine, plays a key role in intelligence gathering, power projection, and undersea warfare. Built by Newport News Shipbuilding and commissioned in 2013, it features an advanced nuclear reactor allowing for prolonged operational range. Armed with Mk-48 torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles, the vessel enhances U.S. and allied capabilities in countering regional threats.

In late 2024, it became the first Virginia-class submarine permanently forward-deployed to Guam, reflecting an increased U.S. naval presence in the region.

Australian intelligence officials view the Chinese task force’s presence in southern waters as an effort to normalise military operations near Australia. There is speculation that a Chinese submarine may be accompanying the flotilla, though this remains unconfirmed. Additionally, commercial airline pilots have reported intercepted radio communications between Chinese vessels and New Zealand military aircraft.

The USS Minnesota’s deployment includes participation in the Submarine Command Course, providing an opportunity for U.S. and Australian naval personnel to enhance cooperation. Australian defence officials highlight these engagements as critical steps toward establishing the Submarine Rotational Force – West, which will integrate U.S. and U.K. nuclear-powered submarines into Australia’s defence posture by 2027.

With tensions rising, Australia and its AUKUS partners continue to strengthen defence capabilities to counter increasing Chinese naval activity in the Indo-Pacific.

Today, a Palestinian terrorist rammed his car into a crowd at a bus stop in northern Israel, injuring 13 people, including a teenage girl who is fighting for her life. The attack took place at Karkur Junction, outside Pardes Hanna.

The terrorist, 53-year-old Jamil Zayoud from the Jenin area of the West Bank, was in Israel illegally, living with his Arab Israeli wife. After crashing into the crowd, he attempted to stab police officers with a screwdriver before being shot and killed by security forces.

Emergency responders rushed the injured to Hillel Yaffe Hospital in Hadera:

• A 17-year-old girl remains in critical condition with severe head and limb injuries.
• A 60-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman are also in serious condition with head trauma.
• An 18-year-old woman sustained moderate injuries, while six others suffered light wounds.

This attack follows a recent wave of violence, including three bus explosions near Tel Aviv last week. While no casualties resulted from those blasts, Hamas openly praised both incidents and took responsibility for the bus bombings, further fuelling tensions in the region.

Israeli authorities continue to investigate and remain on high alert against further terrorist threats.

In the Mix of Counter-UAS Systems Under Development Today, Only One Technology, High-Power Microwave (HPM), is Specifically Designed to Take Out Swarms of Drones All at Once

Attacking drone swarms have become a common feature in modern warfare, posing significant challenges to traditional defensive systems. Most current counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solutions rely on kinetic interceptors, lasers, or jamming technology, all of which are limited to engaging one threat at a time. However, high-power microwave (HPM) technology is emerging as a critical solution capable of neutralising entire swarms simultaneously.

HPM represents a shift in defensive strategies, enabling a “one-to-many” approach to counter multiple airborne threats at once. The U.S. Department of Defence is actively experimenting with HPM to disable drone swarms and other electronic-reliant devices. Unlike kinetic or laser-based solutions, which require precise targeting of individual drones, HPM systems can create an area-wide electromagnetic disruption, effectively disabling multiple drones in a single engagement.

The U.S. Army has been at the forefront of developing HPM-based counter-swarm systems. Under the Integrated Fires Protection Capability High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) program, prototype systems have been deployed to evaluate their effectiveness in real-world scenarios. These systems generate a persistent field of electromagnetic energy, which disrupts drone electronics, causing malfunctions or complete system failures. The ability to generate an electromagnetic shield makes HPM particularly effective for defending high-value assets, including military bases, airfields, and critical infrastructure.

The operational concept of HPM involves positioning multiple units to create overlapping electromagnetic fields, forming a defensive perimeter. This ensures 360-degree protection against drone swarms and other electronic threats. Once deployed, HPM systems can function indefinitely at minimal operational cost, requiring only electrical power. This efficiency stands in stark contrast to kinetic interceptors, which are limited by ammunition supply and require continual resupply in extended engagements.

Beyond countering drone swarms, HPM technology has broader applications in electronic warfare. It can disrupt various electronic systems, including vehicle engines, communication networks, and surveillance equipment. This capability provides a significant advantage in asymmetric warfare scenarios, where adversaries often rely on commercially available electronics for operational effectiveness.

The future of HPM technology lies in its integration with existing defence infrastructure. As threats evolve, incorporating HPM into layered defence strategies will be essential for ensuring comprehensive protection against emerging drone and electronic warfare threats. The ability to neutralize entire swarms instantaneously offers a decisive advantage in modern combat, reinforcing HPM’s role as a critical component in next-generation air defence systems.

As global adversaries continue to develop autonomous and networked drone swarms, investing in scalable and efficient countermeasures like HPM becomes imperative. With its ability to provide a persistent, cost-effective, and highly adaptable defence solution, HPM is poised to redefine how high-value assets are protected in the modern battlefield.

eWise Blog

The debate over Australia’s energy future has reached a critical juncture, with the federal Coalition advocating for a nuclear-powered grid while Climate Change Authority (CCA) chair Matt Kean attempts to discredit this vision. However, Kean’s claims about emissions and delays are fundamentally flawed, and his opposition to nuclear power ignores the essential need for stable, high-capacity baseload power.

The Case for Nuclear Power

Australia is facing an energy crisis. Intermittent renewables like wind and solar have failed to provide consistent, reliable electricity, leading to increased dependence on backup coal and gas generation. Nuclear power presents a viable, long-term solution that offers stable, zero-emission energy capable of supporting industrial and residential needs without the volatility of renewables.

Contrary to Kean’s assertions, modern nuclear technology, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), is rapidly advancing worldwide. Countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are actively developing and deploying SMRs, recognizing their potential to provide reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective power. Australia must not fall behind.

The Necessity of Baseload Power

Renewable energy sources, while beneficial in reducing emissions, cannot provide the baseload power required to sustain a growing economy. Coal and gas-fired power stations have played a crucial role in maintaining grid stability, and they must continue to do so until nuclear infrastructure is firmly established. The notion that Australia can rely solely on wind and solar without nuclear or fossil fuel backup is a dangerous fantasy that risks blackouts and economic disruption.

The Coalition’s approach—ensuring the gradual transition to nuclear while maintaining existing coal and gas infrastructure—is the only pragmatic way forward. Phasing out fossil fuels prematurely, as Kean suggests, will only lead to higher energy costs, grid instability, and a loss of industry and jobs.

Disputing Kean’s Emissions Claims

Kean and the CCA claim that delaying coal closures and burning more gas will increase emissions by up to two billion tonnes. This argument is misleading because it ignores the long-term benefits of nuclear power. The transition to nuclear requires time for infrastructure development, and maintaining coal and gas in the interim is a necessary step to avoid energy shortages. Once nuclear power is operational, emissions will drastically decline, making it a net-positive solution for both the economy and the environment.

Furthermore, Kean’s fearmongering about the Coalition’s stance on renewables is unfounded. The reality is that renewables alone cannot support Australia’s energy demands without massive and costly grid upgrades, battery storage investments, and inefficient reliance on imports during energy shortages. A mix of nuclear, gas, and renewables ensures a balanced, affordable, and secure energy future.

The Cost of Delay and Misinformation

Kean’s alignment with Labor’s radical renewables agenda threatens Australia’s economic and energy security. By dismissing nuclear power, he is advocating for an energy model that has already led to skyrocketing electricity prices and declining grid reliability in nations that have overly relied on renewables.

The Coalition’s nuclear plan is not about ideology; it is about securing Australia’s future with a proven, scalable, and environmentally responsible energy solution. It is time to push back against the misinformation campaign led by Kean and the CCA and support the only viable path forward: a nuclear-powered Australia that ensures energy stability, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.

Leading logistics officials from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) have conducted a strategic tour of northern Australia to assess key bases and potential operating sites for enhanced logistical support and sustainment of forces.

Director General Logistics for RAAF, Air Commodore Sandy Turner, highlighted the critical importance of a resilient and networked logistics infrastructure across northern Australia to strengthen force projection and operational sustainment.

“From a logistics perspective, sustainment of northern Australia has traditionally relied on supply chains from the south, which presents significant challenges in terms of distance and responsiveness,” Air Commodore Turner said.

“As part of the National Defence Strategy, we are committed to deepening defence engagement. This requires enhanced sustainment and support mechanisms. The USAF, particularly Air Mobility Command and Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), will play a key role in sustaining their own forces and activities in the region.

“It is vital for Air Force to understand how we can integrate into these efforts, identify strategic logistics requirements, and address any capability gaps.”

PACAF Director of Logistics, Brigadier General Michael Zuhlsdorf, underscored the complexity of logistical planning in the region.

“Building a robust logistical network that facilitates the movement of critical resources such as parts, fuel, and munitions across northern Australia is essential to ensure both Australia and the United States can effectively respond to a range of contingencies,” Brigadier General Zuhlsdorf said.

He added that visiting potential operating sites was invaluable for future planning and collaboration.

USAF Air Mobility Command Director of Logistics, Brigadier General Anthony Babcock, reaffirmed the strong alliance between Australia and the United States.

“We greatly value our relationship with Australia. As Five Eyes partners, we share a commitment to upholding a rules-based international order,” Brigadier General Babcock said.

“This tour has reaffirmed our dedication to strengthening that partnership. Understanding how we can be better allies in supporting logistics and sustainment operations in Australia is a critical part of that commitment.”

During the week-long tour, officials visited key strategic sites, including the Cairns Wharf complex and Cairns Airport in Queensland, RAAF Base Darwin in the Northern Territory, and RAAF Bases Curtin and Learmonth in Western Australia.

This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance joint logistics capabilities, ensuring both nations remain prepared to support regional security and operational readiness.

China’s recent live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea mark the furthest south a Chinese naval group has ever ventured. While some initially saw the timing as an attempt to influence Australia’s strategic positioning ahead of the federal election, many analysts believe the visit of US Indo-Pacific Command chief, Admiral Samuel Paparo, to Sydney played a key role.

Paparo, responsible for US preparations against potential conflict with China, is frequently criticised by Beijing for his stance on the People’s Liberation Army’s activities in the South China Sea. Beijing has a pattern of staging military displays to coincide with high-profile US visits, asserting its reach into the South Pacific.

Legally, China’s manoeuvres stayed within international boundaries. The warships exited Australia’s exclusive economic zone before conducting live-fire exercises. However, the broader message is clear: Beijing is asserting its naval presence in these waters, testing US and allied reactions.

Rather than primarily influencing Australian politics, the exercises appear aimed at Washington. Nevertheless, they inevitably impact the Australia-China relationship. The Albanese government responded with measured diplomacy, requesting greater notice to prevent disruptions to commercial aviation and reaffirming Australia’s commitment to UNCLOS principles. There was no strong condemnation, reflecting a careful balancing act.

Questions remain about Beijing’s broader political intentions. Security agencies warn of potential foreign influence, cyber activities, and disinformation campaigns in support of Albanese’s government. Meanwhile, the Coalition has subtly recalibrated its China stance.

This shift reflects an effort to balance security concerns with diplomatic pragmatism. While both Dutton and Albanese prioritise Australia’s interests, they adopt different strategies—Dutton highlighting security, Albanese focusing on restoring diplomatic ties. Whether this strategic shift is a genuine policy evolution, or a political tactic remains uncertain.

A notable diplomatic signal is Wang Yi’s “empty list” of demands—a subtle indication of China’s current approach to Australia. As Beijing watches the federal election closely, it is likely betting on continued Labor leadership to ensure stability in its dealings with one of America’s key regional allies.

ED: This arrived in my inbox this morning … Thanks Bob Buick … it made me smile hope you do as well.