Australia’s acquisition of the UH-60M Black Hawk marks a major shift in the nation’s military aviation strategy. After years of operational challenges with the MRH-90 Taipan, the Australian Army is returning to a combat-proven, highly reliable platform. In this video, we take an in-depth look at the history, capabilities, and future of the UH-60M Black Hawk in Australia.

Kyiv Independent

While the Kremlin hails the upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia as a step towards peace, Kyiv insists any agreements made without its participation are invalid. Understandable. If I were in Zelenskyy’s shoes, whose fate is likely being decided by a foreign nation, I would also be angry.

Zelenskyy is adamant that Ukraine must be included in any negotiations regarding its future.

On Monday, the Ukrainian president emphasized that “Ukraine regards any negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine as ones that have no result, and we cannot recognize… any agreements about us without us.”

He criticized the US for excluding Ukraine and its European allies from preliminary talks.

The hastily arranged meetings between Trump and Putin’s officials have set off alarm bells in Kyiv.

The US and Russia are scheduled for talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz and special envoy Steve Witkoff, is set to meet the Russian delegation led by Sergei Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov.

The meeting was reportedly just postponed from Thursday to Friday.

The US aims to gauge Russia’s seriousness about ending the war, while Moscow frames the talks as a chance to end its diplomatic isolation.

European leaders believe this is giving Russia a platform, which they firmly oppose.

DroneShield Release (PHOTO: DroneShield)

DroneShield, a global leader in counter-drone defence technology, has officially been registered with both the United States and Australian governments under AUKUS, enabling the export of most military and dual-use goods, technologies, and services to the United States and the United Kingdom without the need for an export license.

This development marks a significant milestone in enhancing defence trade and cooperation between AUKUS partners. By eliminating licensing requirements for qualifying products and technologies, the agreement streamlines trade, reduces administrative barriers, and accelerates the delivery of critical capabilities to allied defence forces.

The AUKUS trilateral export agreement, which took effect on September 1, 2024, represents a generational shift in defence industry collaboration. By creating a seamless trade environment between Australia, the US, and the UK, this initiative strengthens industrial partnerships, enhances interoperability, and supports the rapid deployment of cutting-edge defence technologies.

With registration now in place, DroneShield is positioned to leverage the full benefits of this agreement. The removal of export licensing requirements provides a competitive advantage by reducing lead times, simplifying regulatory processes, and expanding opportunities to engage with defence and security partners across the AUKUS nations. This streamlined approach allows for more efficient collaboration on joint projects, research initiatives, and advanced technological developments.

The Australian government has committed $28 million in the 2024-25 budget to support industry engagement and implementation of the new framework. This investment reflects the commitment of AUKUS nations to fostering deeper defence collaboration and ensuring that key capabilities are delivered swiftly and effectively.

Israel Weapon Industries – Release

IWI has introduced ARBEL, an advanced computerized small arms system designed to enhance precision and lethality in modern combat. Building on its 2024 predecessor, the latest version integrates precision-guided suppression fire for light machine guns and rifle-based counter-drone capabilities.

The ARBEL system improves operator accuracy, lethality, and survivability by up to three times, compensating for fatigue and stress. It is particularly effective against fleeting enemy targets, which typically appear for only a few seconds.

For the NEGEV Light Machine Gun, the ARBEL-NEGEV model features an Enhanced Trigger System, adding 900g via grip replacement. This preserves full-auto functionality while introducing an ARBEL-assisted burst mode, improving ammunition conservation during prolonged engagements.

The ARBEL-ARAD variant, achieved through a simple lower receiver replacement, enhances precision and increases hit probability. Maintaining standard weapon controls, it enables operators to engage aerial threats effectively with their standard rifle, requiring minimal additional training.

Supporting engagement distances of up to 450 meters, ARBEL does not require extra equipment for drone interception. Operators can stabilise their weapon using bipods or available support. Compatible with IWI ARAD and any AR-15 platform chambered in 5.56mm, the system maintains full firearm functionality even if the battery is depleted.

With up to 50 hours of continuous operation, ARBEL is optic-agnostic and supports various mission configurations. It meets rigorous military standards, including MIL-STD-810 for harsh environments, ensuring reliability in combat scenarios. Undergoing extensive field testing, ARBEL is proving its effectiveness across diverse operational conditions, reinforcing its role in next-generation infantry warfare.

After nearly six decades of service, the Australian Army is retiring its aging M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier and transitioning to the cutting-edge AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle under Project LAND 400 Phase 3. But what led to this decision, and what does the future hold for Australia’s armoured forces?