Picture Caption: RAAF P-8A Poseidon showcases two Harpoon anti-ship missiles and sea mines visible in its weapons bay. Image Credit: ADF.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has announced plans to upgrade its 14 Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to align with the latest US Navy standards.

Scheduled under the initiative “project AIR 7000 Phase 2C” in 2026, this enhancement aims to update the aircraft to the latest Increment 3 Block 2 configuration. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy emphasized the significance of these upgrades, stating they would “strengthen our capacity to safeguard Australia’s maritime domains.”

Having partnered with the US Navy in 2012 for the P-8A’s developmental program, the RAAF has contributed notably to the aircraft’s evolution. Notably, an Australian contribution includes a Search and Rescue kit – a life raft with essential supplies that can be dropped from the aircraft’s weapons bay to aid distressed vessels.

Since 2016, the P-8A Poseidon succeeded the iconic Lockheed AP-3C Orion, which had diligently served the maritime patrol and anti-submarine duties since the 1980s. Though two AP-3Cs still remain active, they’re undergoing modifications for specialized electronic intelligence missions. By 2024, four Gulfstream/L3Harris MC-55A Peregrines are expected to replace them.

Currently, RAAF’s P-8As operate from RAAF Edinburgh near Adelaide and are managed by the No 11 (operational) Squadron and No 292 (training) Squadron.

Born from the commercial Boeing 737 airliner, the P-8A fuses the 737-800’s body with the 737-900ER’s wings. This hybrid features a weapons bay, multiple weapon mounting points, mid-air refueling capabilities, and advanced sensor and communication apparatus. Besides its primary anti-submarine mission, the P-8A is versatile, capable of anti-ship operations, search and rescue, and expansive maritime and terrestrial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles.

Through their developmental partnership, the RAAF ensures that their P-8As remain consistent with US Navy configurations. This harmony enables seamless operations when both forces collaborate and streamlines spare part procurement and maintenance.

The upcoming Increment 3 upgrade introduces the Lockheed Martin AGM-158C long-range anti-ship missile (LRASM), secured under Project AIR 3023 Phase 1. This enhancement will further improve the aircraft’s anti-submarine prowess, acoustic sensors, and data communication systems.

Though the US Navy began integrating the LRASM with the P-8A in 2020, it remains unclear if test flights or weapon launches have been conducted.

Finally, the RAAF is set to harness all three AGM-158 missile variants. The AGM-158A JASSM with a 400km range was previously equipped on the retired F/A-18A-B classic Hornet jets. The 800km-range AGM-158B JASSM-ER is chosen for the F/A-18F Super Hornets, while the LRASM, boasting over 900km range, will be outfitted on Super Hornets, the F-35A, and now, the P-8A Poseidon.

Nearly 20 years before the first US combat troops stepped foot in Southeast Asia, another war in Vietnam began as communist forces rose on the streets of Hanoi to start an all out struggle against French rule. It was a struggle that would last for seven years and be every bit as brutal as the American war to come.

I’ve added some comments this morning to the item by Ross Eastgate yesterday – in which I referred to the remarkable service of Captain Ivan Cahill with the US Marines including in the Khe Sanh area.

Also, Some brief comments of possible interest on Hue, Khe Sanh, and Hamburger Hill.

Regarding “Australian involvement” in the Battle of Hue and the Khe Sanh battles, apparently some supporting 2 Sqn (RAAF) missions were flown and some RAN off-shore gunfire may have been involved – but I don’t have that detail readily to hand.

Regarding “Hamburger Hill” (Hill 937) – 13-20 May 1969 (Operation Apache Snow), located about two kilometres from the Viet-Lao border, I don’t believe that any Australian ground forces/advisors were involved or associated with Operation Apache Snow – but I could be wrong.

Regarding AATTV personnel at the Battle of Hue in February 1968, the Australian Army Journal (No. 237, February 1967, p.4) cites: “At the time, eleven AATTV members were stationed in the Hue area, or were to become involved in the battle.”

No doubt, some AATTV personnel may have visited the Khe Sanh area during the War. More specifically, Captain Ivan Cahill’s remarkable time as a staff officer/company (+) commander with the US Marines in Military Region I is related in an article at: https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/rslnewsletters/pdf/2014/2014-06.pdf – that includes:

“Thus, during his last week with the battalion, Cahill commanded a force consisting of two rifle companies (one from his own battalion and one “on loan” from the 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment), as well as the direct support artillery battery, a platoon each of tanks, 81 mm mortars, 4.2-inch mortars, 106mm recoilless rifles and various other attachments; well over 500 Marines in all. During that period, he was responsible for a four-mile stretch of Route 9 near Khe Sanh and an area of operations encompassing some 40 square miles north and south of the highway. While Captain Cahill’s time with the Marines eventually came to an end in May 1968, today he still speaks with great pride of what he terms “the great honour of having led Marines.” “
PS. Ivan Cahill introduced Australian slouch-hats to his company – see the photograph.

photo – Ivan Cahill  (centre) even had some of his troops in slouch hats !

And – separately, in early September 1968, HQ AATTV directed “approval for Australian advisors to accompany their ARVN units into the DMZ, providing that they do not cross the border” – ie into the North.
Regards, Ernie

DESPITE some perceptions, there were significant battles other than Long Tan involving Australian combat forces during this country’s decade long Vietnam military commitment.

Additionally, Australians were involved is such iconic US battles as Hue, simultaneously at Khe Sanh and later Hamburger Hill.

Australia’s Vietnam involvement began in July 1962 when 30 “military advisors” were sent to train and advise the Vietnamese Army.

It ended in June 1973 when the 27-strong Australian Embassy Guard Saigon was withdrawn.

Over 60,000 Australians from all three services served in Vietnam; 523 died as a result of the war and almost 2,400 were wounded.

CLICK LINK to continue reading.

Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

Murray Brewster of CBC News has reported that the Canadian Army is contemplating the retirement of numerous M113 Tracked Light Armoured Vehicles (TLAVs) this year. This move comes despite a refurbishment proposal presented by the Ontario-based private firm, Armatec Survivability, suggesting these carriers be repurposed for Ukraine.

From the total 140 M113 TLAVs in the army’s possession, 67 are currently set aside either for demilitarization or as spare parts due to their deteriorating state. The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) aims to phase these out in favour of the newer Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs) in the coming years. While Armatec Survivability has put forth a plan to rejuvenate the redundant armoured vehicles, a definitive decision remains pending.

In the backdrop of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Canada has already made contributions to Ukraine in the form of tanks, ACSVs, and armoured vehicles, totalling an impressive $1.8 billion. According to Ty Curran, the DND’s deputy director general of international security, the proposal from Armatec is merely one among several they have received post the invasion.

As the DND details, aside from the 67 vehicles set for disposal, 30 of the remaining 73 operational TLAVs are retained in military storage. When deciding on equipment donations to Ukraine, Canada ensures that the hardware aligns with Ukrainian requirements and is sustainable for long-term use.

Ukraine’s armed forces are no strangers to the M113, having previously incorporated over 560 such vehicles from various nations. Moreover, countries like the United States and Australia are expressing interest in joining hands with Canada on the Armatec initiative to supply excess vehicles to Ukraine.

Currently, the Canadian government has earmarked up to $500 million specifically for military equipment donations to Ukraine this budget year, which may very well cover the costs of the proposed Armatec project.

Ukranian Forces have been praising this vehicle for months. It’s saved the lives of countless UAF soldiers and inflicted heavy casualties on the invading Russians. The Bushmaster, an Australian vehicle, has an interesting development beginning all the way back in 1994. Designed specifically to save the lives of it’s occupants, it’s a hugely impressive piece of kit. But how does it work? And why is it in Ukraine?