Only two weapons can destroy the world and only two countries may choose to do so. Hypersonic missiles and laser weapons, China and the United States. The two world powers have been at each other’s necks for the longest and now, they may finally strike, as the US finally responds to China’s unending threats!
Defence Minister Richard Marles is poised to announce reductions to various programs in a move to allocate resources to essential sectors as part of a restructuring of the Australian armed forces. Today, in an address to the National Press Club in Canberra, Mr. Marles will unveil a fresh national defence strategy. Last April, the government issued a defence strategic review, revealing that the Australian Defence Force was no longer adequately equipped for its intended purposes.
The upcoming recalibration is expected to prioritise the development of new missiles and drones. Opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie emphasized that for Marles to demonstrate effective leadership, the new plans must transcend mere rhetoric and vague promises. He stressed the necessity for tangible financial investment, genuine commitment, and decisive leadership.
Hastie underscored the importance of Marles providing transparent insights into the nation’s security challenges. He insisted that this transparency must be complemented by a substantial increase in defence spending and a well-defined strategy. Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, advocated for the swift implementation of an integrated air and missile defense system to safeguard critical infrastructure in Australia’s northern regions.
Davis cited the recent barrage of over 300 weapons, missiles, and drones launched by Iran against Israel, noting that the majority were successfully intercepted. He cautioned that without such a defence system in place, the outcome could have been vastly different.
Following a recent summit alongside President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington, Marcos has provided insights into potential scenarios involving the US, a treaty ally of the Philippines, amid escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing over the South China Sea dispute.
The recent clash in March saw two Chinese coast guard ships unleash water cannons on a Philippine vessel, resulting in injuries to three Filipino navy personnel and significant damage to the boat. China asserts extensive territorial claims over the resource-rich South China Sea.
Biden’s recent reaffirmation of defence commitments to Asian allies reflects concerns regarding China’s increasingly assertive behaviours. Since assuming office in 2022, Marcos has actively defended the Philippines’ claims in the contested waters while strengthening security ties with the US and Japan.
Under the 2014 Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement, the US gained access to four additional Philippine sites last year, supplementing the initially designated five military bases. These new sites are strategically located near Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Marcos clarified on Monday that while the Philippines has no immediate plans to grant the US access to further bases, discussions are underway for a reciprocal access agreement with Japan, facilitating mutual military visits.
Moreover, Marcos aims to leverage the deepening defence relations with the US and its allies for broader economic advantages. One potential avenue being explored is oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, where US companies may be invited to participate.
Despite an agreement between the Philippines and China to resume joint exploration talks in January last year, differences persist regarding the governing laws for such projects. Marcos emphasized the importance of determining the applicable law, asserting that exploration within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone should be conducted by the Philippines. Meanwhile, exploration in non-conflict areas remains a possibility for the Philippines.
Russian forces are continuing to suffer losses in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, with 830 soldiers, 47 armoured combat vehicles, and 22 tanks lost over the past 24 hours alone.
Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook
Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 10 April 2024 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses – ed.]:
Almost all the ballistic missiles and drones Iran launched at Israel in an unprecedented attack late Saturday were intercepted and failed to meet their mark, according to Israeli and American officials, highlighting the formidable, and multi-layered missile defense deployed by the two allied partners.
Most of the more than 300 Iranian munitions, the majority of which are believed to have been launched from inside of Iran’s territory during a five-hour attack, were intercepted before they got to Israel, more than 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometers) from their launch points.
Israel’s military said Sunday that “99%” of projectiles fired by Iran were intercepted by Israel and its partners, with only “a small number” of ballistic missiles reaching Israel.
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How Israel and allied defenses intercepted more than 300 Iranian missiles and drones | CNN
We have received advice of the death on 8 April 2024 of Raymond Mitchell Watt. He was 78. Ray was a National Serviceman who served in Vietnam with 108th Field Battery of 4th Field Regiment from June 1967 until October 1967.
We have also been advised of the death on 11 April 2024 of Paul Vincent O’Hara. He was 78. Paul was a National Serviceman who served in Vietnam with 108th Field Battery of 4th Field Regiment from June 1967 until October 1967.
Both Ray and Paul were gun tractor drivers in 108th Field Battery and both arrived and departed Vietnam on the same date. They also shared a hoochie while in Vietnam.
RIP Raymond Mitchell Watt and Paul Vincent O’Hara
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
pjbruce8@bigpond.net.au
