The first Block V Virginia-class submarine is expected to hit the waters no later than 2028. As tensions between Beijing and Washington continue to ramp up, the introduction of this super-sub variant will undoubtedly play a key role in the Navy’s strategic endeavours.
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Virginia-Class Block V: The Best Submarine Ever? | The National Interest
In this video we will look at what is inside the Vietcong Tunnels and how and why it played a big part in the fight of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops soldiers against the American soldiers.
The U-2540, a pioneering U-boat at the forefront of technological innovation, was launched into service on the 24th of February 1945. However, its operational life was abruptly cut short less than three months later on the 4th of May, when its own crew scuttled it. This decision was made as part of the broader strategy employed by the German forces during World War II to prevent the advanced submarine from falling into enemy hands.
In a remarkable turn of events, the U-2540 was not destined to remain submerged in the depths of the ocean. In 1957, twelve years after its intentional sinking, the submarine was raised from its watery grave and underwent extensive restoration. Emerging from the depths once more, the U-2540 was reintroduced into service on the 1st of September 1960, but this time under a different identity – the research submarine Wilhelm Bauer.
As Wilhelm Bauer, the submarine took on a new and crucial role in various civilian research projects. Serving as a testament to its adaptability and enduring engineering, the once-lethal war machine now contributed to scientific exploration and technological advancement. This unique chapter in the submarine’s history lasted for over two decades, until its decommissioning on the 15th of March 1982.
Recognizing the historical and technological significance of the U-2540, on the 24th of April 1984, the submarine found a new home at the Deutsches Schiffahrtsmuseum, where it was proudly displayed as the Technikmuseum Wilhelm Bauer. This final transition marked the culmination of its journey from a formidable wartime weapon to a symbol of innovation and resilience, preserving its legacy for future generations to explore and appreciate.
ONCE upon a time on a Canberra hill called Russell many, many ambitious staff officers beavered away in their monkish work cells achieving, who knows what?
Apart from the poignant cry from senior officers to their juniors, “Anyone got a fag?” another regular ritual played out.
Tea ladies like Gloria Sweets patrolled corridors behind wheeled trolleys with one erratic, squeaky wheel signalling delights to come.
“Cuppa tea and a biscuit dear?” she would ask each of her loyal clientele, unfazed by rank or role.
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The F-111, officially known as the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark, was a versatile and innovative American supersonic, medium-range interdictor, and tactical strike aircraft. Its introduction to Australia marked a significant milestone in the country’s military aviation history.
On December 4, 1973, F-111 A8-147 touched down at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley, ushering in a new era for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The F-111 represented a leap forward in technology, featuring variable-sweep wings and advanced avionics that allowed it to serve a variety of roles, including strategic bombing, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance.
Over the course of 37 years, F-111 A8-147 played a crucial role in the RAAF’s operational capabilities. It logged an impressive 7,503.1 flight hours, showcasing the aircraft’s durability and adaptability. The F-111 fleet in Australia was renowned for its ability to perform low-level flying and deliver precision strikes, making it a key asset for the ADF.
In 2013, exactly ten years ago, F-111 A8-147 took its final flight as it retired from active service. Rather than being consigned to obscurity, the aircraft found a new home at the Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum. This museum, located in New South Wales, Australia, serves as a repository of aviation history and a tribute to the men and women who have contributed to the country’s air force legacy.
The decision to preserve F-111 A8-147 at the Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum allows future generations to appreciate the technological advancements and operational significance of this iconic aircraft. It stands as a tangible reminder of Australia’s military aviation history and the role the F-111 played in shaping the nation’s defence capabilities. Visitors to the museum can explore the aircraft’s rich history, learn about its missions, and gain a deeper understanding of the contributions made by the F-111 and the personnel associated with it during its service with the RAAF.
Rolls-Royce has revealed plans for a miniature nuclear reactor designed for lunar outposts, showcasing a conceptual model at the UK Space Conference in Belfast. Intended to provide a reliable power source for future settlements on the Moon, particularly in perpetually shadowed regions like the southern pole, this Space Micro-Reactor addresses the challenges posed by the lack of sunlight.
NASA has identified these shadowed areas as potential locations for a lunar outpost due to the likelihood of substantial water deposits. The compact nuclear reactor, exhibited during the conference, is currently operational, with Rolls-Royce engineers actively researching methods to convert its nuclear fission reactor’s heat into usable energy.
This innovative technology offers a continuous power supply unaffected by lunar darkness, positioning it as a crucial element for sustaining human presence on the Moon. Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, lauded Rolls-Royce’s pioneering research, emphasizing its potential to establish a foundation for a permanent lunar settlement. Unlike solar panels, the mini reactor’s ability to generate a constant power source allows for strategic placement on the Moon’s polar surface.
Nuclear expert Dr Adi Paterson says the buildout of renewables “reduces the efficiency” of the grid and there is “no way” the grid proposed by Labor will work the way they say it will work.
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7 RAR sung by Gary Seton – YouTube
Five Thousand Miles by Gary Seton Music by Bobby Bare
As military operations intensify in the southern part of the region, there are reports suggesting that Israel is contemplating a strategy to incapacitate an extensive network of underground tunnels belonging to a terrorist group in Gaza. The plan involves flooding these tunnels with seawater, as revealed by two U.S. officials. Israel’s military, however, has chosen not to comment on this flooding tactic.
The underground tunnel system is a primary target for Israel, as it has been allegedly used by the Hamas terrorist group to hide hostages, weapons, and fighters, allowing them to move undetected across Gaza. The tunnels are reportedly extensive, spanning hundreds of miles and equipped with traps, also serving as hiding places for the group’s leaders.
Although Israel has not officially acknowledged the flooding plan, satellite imagery and IDF-released photos appear to depict the connection of pipes to the sea on Gaza’s beaches. Flooding the tunnels is technically feasible, given the soft sandstone composition of the area.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military’s efforts to encircle a specific location associated with the alleged mastermind behind a terrorist attack in Israel. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in eventually apprehending the individual, emphasizing the underground nature of the target.
Despite the potential effectiveness of the flooding tactic, there are concerns raised by residents and officials within Gaza. Leaflets distributed by the Israeli army, quoting a Quranic verse, have added to the anxiety among the population. Additionally, there are worries that the introduction of seawater could harm Gaza’s land, worsening an already critical humanitarian situation. The Palestinian Water Authority has warned of devastating effects on an underground aquifer, potentially making the region unviable. This raises concerns about the impact on the already limited food and water supply and the toll on the health of the population, with officials reporting thousands of casualties from weeks of Israeli attacks.
In the realm of modern U.S. presidents, Donald Trump stands as a polarizing figure, sparking either exuberant celebration or profound concern. His unexpected victory in 2016 marked a departure from the political norm, and he wasted no time establishing himself as the adversary of the mainstream media and traditional global alliances.
At the core of Trump’s appeal was his connection with the “forgotten Americans,” the working and middle class left behind by the forces of globalization. In his quest to “Make America Great Again,” he tapped into the sentiment that the post-Second World War order had failed these communities, promising a revival of Ronald Reagan’s era of economic prosperity.
Trump’s direct communication with the heartland of America, particularly in the Rust Belt and flyover states, resonated with those who felt overlooked. His commitment to end foreign wars and ensure that U.S. allies shared the burden garnered additional support from those tired of shouldering the costs in terms of “blood and treasure.”
The Trump administration’s transactional approach to foreign policy, coupled with the president’s bold and unapologetic style, raised concerns among the global policymaking establishment. Nations like Australia, traditionally reliant on U.S. strategic benevolence, faced the need to become self-sufficient.
Despite the initial shockwaves and apprehension following Trump’s first election, some positive aspects of his foreign policy. The administration provided weapons to Ukraine, brokered peace deals in the Middle East, and pushed European countries to increase defence spending.
The concern, revolves around the perception that a second Trump administration would be unbounded, marked by retribution, economic protectionism, and deals that are advantageous to the U.S.
A second Trump term could lead to shifts in U.S. commitments, such as potentially abandoning financial support in Europe and unsettling NATO. Others speculate on Trump’s unwavering support for Israel, possible deals with China’s president on Taiwan, and the broader tightening on global stability.
In the face of Trumps re-election, there’s a need to move beyond anguish and impose order on anxiety. The world has changed, and countries, particularly middle powers like Australia, must take more direct responsibility for their security and prosperity.
The reality is that the United States, in relative terms, is facing challenges and internal divisions. Whether under Trump or another leader, nations like Australia must adapt to a new global order, acknowledging the era of great power competition and multipolarity. Australia must prepare a transparent and collaborative approach between policymakers, elected officials, and the public to navigate this evolving landscape.
In essence, what is required is a nuanced understanding of Trump’s unconventional approach, acknowledging both positive and what we may see as negative outcomes. It encourages a pragmatic assessment of the changing global dynamics and emphasizes the need for countries to take charge of their destinies in an era of shifting power dynamics.