The Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace

An upgraded Mirage 2000D RMV carrying a MICA IR air-to-air missile and a SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missile. ( credit: French Air and Space Force)

The Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (French Air and Space Force) has officially declared the Mirage 2000D RMV (Rénovation Mi-Vie – Mid-Life Upgrade) operational, signalling the near completion of a major modernisation programme. In a ceremony held on 9 April 2025 at Nancy-Ochey Air Base, home of the 3rd Fighter Wing, four upgraded aircraft showcased the full spectrum of their new capabilities in flight.

The RMV upgrade programme has taken nine years to evolve from concept to operational deployment. “From paper to aircraft, from idea to operational commitment,” said Major General Vincent Chusseau, Deputy Chief of Plans and Programmes. “Behind this success are the engineers, technicians, mechanics, and Airmen who made this transformation possible.”

By the end of 2025, 50 Mirage 2000D airframes will have undergone deep modernisation, extending their service life until 2035. After that, the aircraft will be replaced by the Rafale F5, partnered with an advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) derived from the nEUROn demonstrator.

Key Enhancements

The Mirage 2000D RMV now boasts a range of modern systems designed to increase lethality, survivability, and situational awareness. These include:

• CC422 30 mm Gun Pod: Mounted under the left engine intake, it equips the aircraft with close air support capability, replacing the Mirage 2000D’s previous reliance solely on precision munitions.
• MICA IR Missiles: These modern short-range infrared-guided missiles replace the outdated Magic II and are now standard across both Mirage and Rafale fleets.
• Enhanced Paveway II Bombs: The RMV can now deploy GBU-48 (1,000 lb) and GBU-50 (2,000 lb) munitions, in addition to the previously integrated GBU-49 (500 lb), offering flexible precision strike options.
• TALIOS Targeting Pod: Replacing several older systems, TALIOS improves target identification and engagement and brings the Mirage fleet in line with Rafale capability.
• ASTAC Electronic Warfare Suite: Offers tactical signal analysis for battlefield awareness and survivability.
• Modern Cockpit and Mission Computer: Upgrades include digital multi-function displays, a new mission computer running PANDA, LION, SINGE and LIANE software suites, and compatibility with advanced pilot gear such as the Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display (HMD).

Although the Scorpion HMD was not officially confirmed by the French Ministry of Armed Forces, sightings of pilots wearing the system during earlier trials suggest its inclusion is likely.

Weapons Demonstration

Imagery from the commissioning event and prior test flights in Djibouti revealed multiple combat configurations. One Mirage carried a SCALP-EG cruise missile and MICA IR on outer hardpoints, while another flew with a combination of GBU-48 and GBU-50 guided bombs, the TALIOS pod, and the new gun pod. These flexible loadouts reflect the RMV’s multirole capability across a variety of combat scenarios.

A Symbol of Adaptability

First introduced in the 1990s, the Mirage 2000D was specifically designed for day-and-night, all-weather ground attack missions, operating at high speeds and low altitudes. However, evolving threats and the increasing complexity of air combat and intelligence operations necessitated a comprehensive upgrade.

In its press release, the Air and Space Force called the Mirage 2000D a “symbol of precision and reliability,” and praised the RMV programme for preparing the aircraft for the challenges of modern warfare. “New optimised weapon systems, improved connectivity, and a modernised cockpit make this aircraft a platform resolutely geared toward a rapidly changing environment,” the service noted.

Looking Ahead

The upgrade initiative was launched in 2016 following a contract with Dassault Aviation, and was aligned with France’s 2014 Military Programming Law aimed at preserving combat effectiveness within budgetary constraints. Beyond hardware, a key component of the RMV success has been the close integration between frontline aircrews and software developers, particularly the ESIOC (Operational Information Systems and Cyberdefence Squadron) at Mont-de-Marsan.

According to the Ministry, onboard software is now continuously updated in a “short loop,” enabling tactical data sharing and responsiveness during missions. This digital architecture enhances real-time decision-making and forms the backbone of the RMV’s combat efficiency.

In summarising the programme’s achievement, Maj. Gen. Chusseau said, “This operational commissioning is the culmination of a collective effort… We salute the work of the industrial teams, engineers, and military personnel who made this modernisation possible.”

With the Mirage 2000D RMV now in active service, France has reinvigorated one of its most iconic combat aircraft for another decade of relevance on the battlefield.

Stepping onto the dusty, dimly lit streets of Baidoa, Somalia, at 3am was like entering another world for newly promoted Corporal Terry Conner. It was January 1993, and his section was spearheading the first patrol of Operation Solace, Australia’s response to a dire humanitarian crisis unfolding thousands of kilometres from home.

“Everything was different, the smells, the people,” Mr Conner recalled. “There were meat markets and stalls, but they didn’t have a great deal of stuff. It wasn’t until you went out into the villages that you really saw they were definitely suffering.”

Over the following 17 weeks, soldiers of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), would face scorching heat, sporadic gunfire from militia, and the daily toll of famine and civil war. Deployed under the US-led United Task Force, their mission was to stabilise the region, provide security for humanitarian aid, and restore some semblance of order in a country devastated by the collapse of the Somali Democratic Republic in 1991.

Rapid Deployment, Steep Learning Curve

For Corporal Conner and many others, the deployment came with little notice. He was in the field when he received the call to prepare for an overseas mission, destination unknown. Preparation was condensed into a whirlwind of briefings, equipment checks, and a final Christmas dinner with family before boarding HMAS Jervis Bay on Christmas Eve.

“I didn’t have an idea where Somalia was, and no idea what was occurring there at all,” he said.

During the 28-day sea transit, the infantrymen trained intensively and received daily briefings on the escalating situation they were heading into. By 17 January 1993, they were boots on the ground in Baidoa, then known as “the city of death”, the epicentre of the 1992 famine.

Despite having trained primarily in jungle warfare back home, the soldiers quickly adapted to the demands of urban and town patrolling. “Our training had been excellent,” Mr Conner said. “The fundamentals of soldiering and patrolling were still used, we just had to tweak it a bit.”

Relentless Patrols, Human Toll

The battalion established a punishing routine, three-hour patrols every three days, interspersed with brief rest periods often filled with planning and camp duties. Security operations included the confiscation of over 1000 weapons from Somali militia and the protection of food convoys and distribution points. With no reliable maps, soldiers painstakingly hand-drew operational diagrams to identify key landmarks and NGO facilities.

More than 1100 patrols were conducted during the deployment.

But it wasn’t just the danger of firefights that left a lasting impression, it was the desperation of the Somali people.

“We treated people at checkpoints who had been shot in the chest. Children who’d been wounded playing with explosives. There was one girl who had her hand blown off,” Mr Conner remembered sombrely.

Initially wary of the foreign troops, local Somalis gradually warmed to the Australians. Through countless acts of compassion and professionalism, trust was slowly built. Operation Solace is widely regarded as a success, with improved food security and the first steps towards rebuilding Baidoa.

Recognition and Reflection

Tragically, the deployment was not without loss. Lance-Corporal Shannon McAliney was killed by accidental fire while on patrol, a sombre reminder of the risks even in non-combat operations.

More than 900 Australian troops served in Operation Solace, including units from the 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Field Regiment, 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment and 103rd Signals Squadron. Their collective efforts were recently recognised when the 1RAR battalion group was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for “outstanding professionalism and exemplary conduct.”

The award was formally presented by Governor-General Sam Moyston during a commemorative parade at Lavarack Barracks on 7 April. In a moving gesture, veterans of the Somalia deployment were invited to present the citation to current serving members of 1RAR.

Lieutenant Colonel Benedict Farrell, Commanding Officer of 1RAR, reflected on the significance of the honour.

“This is of major significance to 1RAR,” he said. “We are the stewards of the battalion and we maintain the customs and traditions set by those before us. It’s not just about remembering their deployment, but also for a lot of the soldiers, their friends they’ve lost over the last 30 years.”

Honouring Individual Bravery

Among those recognised individually for their exceptional service during Operation Solace was Corporal Thomas Aitken, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM). His bravery under fire during a tense exchange with Somali militia, in which he protected both civilians and fellow soldiers, exemplified the highest standards of courage and composure. His citation noted his “extraordinary devotion to duty in circumstances of great peril.”

Corporal Aitken’s legacy serves as a reminder of the quiet heroism that defined Australia’s mission in Somalia, professional, compassionate, and determined.

A Career and Legacy

For Mr Conner, Somalia marked a turning point in a distinguished 28-year career, which later included deployments to Timor and Afghanistan. Yet, the memory of Operation Solace stands out.

“The entire group, not just us infantry boys, had to adapt and change a lot of the ways we were used to doing things,” he said. “But at the same time, we maintained the fundamentals of how we did our jobs. I think everyone’s quite proud of what we did and very grateful that there has been recognition.”

Three decades on, the memories of Baidoa remain etched in the minds of those who served, but so too does the pride in a mission that made a difference, in a place that needed it most.

UK Defence Release

A photo shared by the U.K. Ministry of Defense shows a “RapidDestroyer” Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) system.

Here’s one for all you weapons enthusiasts: the UK military has taken a significant step forward in its defence capabilities with the successful testing of a new high-tech weapon system—the RapidDestroyer. This radio-frequency directed energy weapon is specifically designed to counter the rising threat of drone swarms and was recently trialled during a major military exercise in Wales.

As witnessed in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, drones have emerged as a pivotal component of modern warfare. Their affordability, adaptability, and capacity to inflict damage far outweigh their size, making them a formidable tool on the battlefield. In light of this, the UK’s latest trial suggests that the RapidDestroyer could prove essential in safeguarding British airspace from such threats in future conflicts.

During the exercise—hailed as the UK’s largest counter-drone swarm trial to date—British soldiers were able to “track, target and defeat” over 100 drones. These successful interceptions took place at a specialised military testing range in Wales, marking a milestone in the UK’s efforts to address the growing menace posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The RapidDestroyer system, developed by a consortium led by Thales UK (the British division of the French defence giant), uses concentrated radio-frequency energy to disrupt the internal components of drones, rendering them inoperable. It currently boasts an effective range of approximately half a mile, and with each ‘shot’ costing just around $0.18, the system presents a highly economical solution compared to traditional missile-based defences.

This test is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to modernise its capabilities in response to rapidly evolving threats. From the financial year 2025–26 onwards, the MoD plans to dedicate at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget to innovative technologies like directed energy weapons. This investment underscores the UK’s commitment to staying ahead in a rapidly changing global security environment.

Looking forward, developers are working on extending the RapidDestroyer’s operational range and broadening its practical uses. Future enhancements may enable it to protect key locations such as military bases, airports, and critical infrastructure. The UK’s initiative mirrors similar efforts in countries like the United States, where microwave-based energy systems are also being trialled for drone defence.

In an era where the battlefield is becoming increasingly dominated by small, agile, and potentially autonomous machines, weapons like the RapidDestroyer represent a crucial line of defence. With continued development, it could well become a mainstay in the UK’s arsenal for years to come.

The Times

A United States airstrike on the Ras Isa oil port in Yemen has reportedly resulted in one of the highest single-day death tolls in a month-long campaign against Houthi-controlled sites. According to Houthi-run media, the strike killed 33 individuals and injured 80 others. The U.S. government has maintained that the operation was a targeted effort to disrupt the Houthi movement’s financial infrastructure, rather than an attack on civilians.

The Attack on Ras Isa

The Ras Isa oil port, under the control of Houthi forces, has long served as a crucial revenue source for the group, which has been involved in a protracted conflict in Yemen for over a decade. The U.S. military launched the recent strike as part of a broader campaign authorised by President Trump, which began on 15 March. The campaign’s objective has been twofold: to curb the Houthis’ capacity to fund their operations and to safeguard international shipping routes, particularly in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have seen increasing attacks on commercial vessels.

Casualty Figures and Conflicting Narratives

While the United States has yet to confirm the casualty figures, Houthi media outlets released detailed reports and graphic footage claiming that 33 people were killed and 80 wounded in the strike. If accurate, these numbers would represent one of the deadliest days since the start of the U.S. campaign. Independent verification of the toll remains difficult due to restricted access to the area and the ongoing conflict.

As is often the case in such military operations, particularly in regions with active propaganda efforts on both sides, the truth about who was killed can be contentious. Questions persist around how many of the casualties were civilians, how many were unintended victims of collateral damage, and how many were legitimate military targets.

U.S. Justification and Strategic Objectives

U.S. Central Command defended the airstrike, reiterating that the port was a financial hub used to sustain terrorist activity. In a public statement, the command emphasised that the operation was intended to disrupt funding sources, not to target the Yemeni people. “This strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen, who rightly want to throw off the yoke of Houthi subjugation and live peacefully,” the statement read.

This latest incident highlights a recurring dilemma in modern warfare: the challenge of distinguishing combatants from civilians in asymmetric conflicts. Much like the debates surrounding casualty figures in Gaza or other conflict zones, the question of civilian harm versus militant loss becomes a battleground of its own, with each side seeking to sway international opinion.

Looking Ahead

As the campaign continues, the humanitarian cost is likely to remain a point of contention. With both the Houthis and the U.S. sticking to their respective narratives, the international community faces increasing pressure to demand transparency, accountability, and a renewed push for diplomatic solutions. The events at Ras Isa may mark a turning point in public perception and could potentially prompt renewed efforts to end the ongoing violence in Yemen.

ED: This YouTube video came in my inbox – my comment is below.

Kerry Packer’s Political Philosophy

Kerry Packer, the ultimate Australian. He was an Australian who stood up, had a go, and succeeded! We need more Australians like him.

ED: I think we need stronger leaders like Kerry Packer guiding the industry here in Australia today. His no-nonsense approach, business acumen, and willingness to call out government overreach were qualities that are sorely lacking in many of our current industry figures. Having re-watched the memorable footage of Packer fronting a parliamentary committee, firmly and eloquently telling our Federal Government members exactly what he thought about proposed legislative changes he believed were unfair. It was a masterclass in speaking truth to power, something we could use a lot more of in today’s political and business landscape.

With Anzac Day fast approaching, members of Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) are preparing to take part in one of the most significant and solemn occasions in the Australian commemorative calendar.

This year, the AFG will play a central ceremonial role at the Anzac Day dawn service at the Australian National Memorial near Villers-Bretonneux in northern France – a sacred site that stands as a powerful symbol of the Australian sacrifice during the First World War.

For many members of the contingent, this will be their first time supporting Anzac Day commemorations on foreign soil, adding a deeply personal and emotional dimension to their service. They will stand where thousands of Australians once fought and fell more than a century ago, and where the echoes of their bravery still resound through the gently rolling fields of the Somme.

Private Daniel Barlow, who is experiencing his first Anzac Day in France, described the experience as both humbling and profound – made all the more meaningful by his own family’s wartime history.

“My great-great-uncle, Private John William Barlow, fought and died at the Battle of the Somme on July 1st, 1916,” Private Barlow said.
“He was just 25 years old when he was sent over. He’s buried at Blighty Valley Cemetery, near Authuille Wood.
“To be selected to represent our armed forces overseas, paying tribute to the fallen who fought and died here – and to possibly visit my family member’s grave – it’s incredibly special.”

Able Seaman Joshua Bishenden, another first-time participant in the Villers-Bretonneux service, also shares a strong personal connection to the region and its wartime legacy. His great-grandfather served on the Western Front and was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in operations south of the Somme.

“Service runs deep in my family,” he said.
“My father served in the Army for 25 years, I’m now serving, and my great-grandfather also served.
“It’s an incredible honour to wear the uniform and represent the military overseas. To be chosen for such a solemn and wholesome duty – it’s surreal, and something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

In preparation for the ceremony, members of the AFG have undergone months of intense drill training to ensure every movement – every salute, every step – is carried out with precision and reverence. Their role is not only ceremonial but symbolic, standing as representatives of all Australians in remembering the sacrifices of the past.

The Anzac Day dawn service at Villers-Bretonneux is expected to draw hundreds of Australians, as well as local residents who have long held a deep respect for Australia’s role in their liberation.

The town was famously freed by Australian troops on 25 April 1918 – exactly three years after the Gallipoli landings – a date now etched into both nations’ histories. To this day, the legacy of that liberation is visible throughout the area. School buildings and street signs still bear the words “N’oublions jamais l’Australie” – “Never forget Australia.”

Australian Ambassador to France, H.E. Gillian Bird, will lead the official proceedings, paying tribute to the enduring friendship between the two nations and the sacrifice that forged it.

As the sun rises over the misty fields of northern France, the silence will be broken only by the haunting notes of the bugle and the rustle of flags in the breeze – a timeless tribute to courage, sacrifice, and mateship.

For Private Barlow, Able Seaman Bishenden, and the rest of the Federation Guard, Anzac Day 2025 will not only be a moment of duty – it will be a moment of deep connection to the past, and a promise to never forget.

The Battle of Coral–Balmoral was one of the most intense and prolonged engagements fought by Australian forces during the Vietnam War. Taking place between May and June 1968, it involved troops from the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) defending a series of Fire Support Bases against repeated and determined assaults by well-equipped North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) forces. Occurring in the aftermath of the Tet Offensive, the battle unfolded approximately 40 kilometres north of Saigon and spanned nearly a month. While it remains overshadowed in the public consciousness by the earlier Battle of Long Tan, Coral–Balmoral was, in fact, the largest and most costly battle fought by Australian troops in the Vietnam War.

The Australians faced nightly mortar attacks, ground assaults, and close-quarters combat, yet held their ground with extraordinary resilience. Their actions demonstrated exceptional bravery, tactical skill, and determination under fire. In recognition of their service, the units involved received a Unit Citation for Gallantry, and individual acts of valour were honoured with various medals, including a posthumous Victoria Cross awarded to Richard Norden. Sources consulted include the Australian Online War Memorial, ArtilleryHistory.org, the Army Museum of Western Australia, and the Australian Military History Podcast.

On November 1, 1970, soldiers from Charlie Company, the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), stepped foot in Malaysia to support the inaugural rotation of Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB).

On February 21 this year, soldiers from Charlie Company, 1RAR, deployed to Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base Butterworth, continuing the legacy of the rifleman who preceded them.

Rotations were first established to provide security for the Butterworth Air Base, a vital installation for the Royal Australian Air Force and other friendly forces.

Over the years, the three-month rotation has evolved to highlight infantry foundational skills and foster international collaboration.

Officer Commanding Charlie Company Major Lindsay Pritchard said the rotation was important exposure for his soldiers.

“The initial deployment of Charlie Company 55 years ago was in the operational environment, and since then we’ve transitioned to a training and partner engagement-focused activity,” Major Pritchard said.

“We build the team from the bottom up; individual soldier skills, up to company level operations. Incorporating everything from small arms, rifles and machine guns up to high-explosive anti-tank weapons.”

The company spent more than two weeks at PULADA Combat Training Centre, progressing from section to platoon live-fire activities in dense vegetation, developing into combat team exercises, integrating with high explosives.

RCB 147 was a new experience for Lance Corporal James Windsor, Section Commander of 9 Platoon, who said PULADA was a tough challenge, but a highlight for many.

“Compared to Townsville, the jungle in Malaysia is unforgiving, from insects to torrential rainfall,” Lance Corporal Windsor said.

“The section attacks can be chaotic, trying to keep the section in line and all situated while everyone’s blood is pumping and hearts are racing; it requires a lot of awareness on the ground to get the job done.

“A lot of these boys are very new to the battalion, so it has been a highlight for their career so far, a great experience to get away from home and operate in a new environment.”

For the remainder of the rotation, training will transition to the urban environment, including engagement with military partners from the Malaysian Armed Forces.

“It’s a privilege to carry the torch for Charlie Company and continue the commitment that the Australian Army has established here in Malaysia,” Major Pritchard said.

ED: Stay Loose fellow lepers

274 Stafford Rd, Stafford Queensland 4053 – (07) 3130 8800

From today, veterans and their families will benefit from greater access to healthcare with the launch of the Total Veteran Healthcare Outpost at RSL Queensland’s Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre in Stafford, Brisbane.

Total Veteran Healthcare is a national network of veteran-centric primary, allied and specialist care providers, offering tailored medical support through collaboration with leading clinicians and facilities. The new Outpost serves as a dedicated point of contact for veterans seeking health education, continuity of care, and support throughout their medical journey.

RSL Queensland Deputy CEO – Veteran Services, Troy Watson, said the partnership reflects RSL Queensland’s commitment to expanding services for veterans. “Since the Centre’s opening in late 2023, we’ve grown our support network significantly. This Outpost strengthens our ability to offer holistic, timely care under one roof,” Mr Watson said.

He highlighted the Centre’s evolving role in supporting veterans at all life stages, whether adjusting to civilian life, dealing with injury, or relocating with family.

Open Monday to Friday, the Outpost features a nurse-led medical team and service-aware GP, providing health assessments, specialist referrals, and support for DVA claims and Coordinated Veteran Care plans.

Total Veteran Healthcare CEO, Josh Hall, welcomed the collaboration. “This partnership brings care to veterans, not the other way around. We’re proud to work alongside RSL Queensland, removing barriers to access and delivering the high-quality, veteran-focused care that’s so badly needed,” Mr Hall said.

The Stafford-based Centre also provides services across physical rehab, mental health, employment, advocacy, and social connection—further enhancing support for Australia’s veteran community.

Australian Army soldiers have begun transitioning to a next-generation sidearm, marking a significant advancement under the LAND 300 Lethality System Program. The Brisbane-based 7th Brigade is the first operational unit to be issued the new Sidearm Weapon System (SWS), following a successful testing and evaluation program.

The new system features the Sig Sauer P320 pistol, enhanced with a Romeo 2 red dot sight, integrated white light torch, holster, and a retractable lanyard. It replaces the long-serving Browning Mk3 pistol, with the new firearm now designated as the F9 pistol within Army service.

Complementing the F9 is a suite of training and simulation tools, including a simulation pistol compatible with the Weapon Training Simulation System (WTSS), a paint marking round conversion kit, and a red-coloured weighted replica for use in the Army Combative Program.

The components of the new sidearm system are sourced from a range of Australian suppliers, with the prime contractor successfully integrating and delivering the capability as a fully certified mission system ahead of schedule. The initial rollout to the Army School of Infantry in late 2024 enabled the broader distribution to operational units beginning in early 2025.

Conversion training is now under way, involving a combination of classroom instruction, dry drills, simulation-based training, and live-fire exercises. Specialist support personnel were embedded during the initial fielding to deliver armourer familiarisation and ensure training outcomes aligned with previously established requirements.

The distribution process has been coordinated between Defence and industry partners, with equipment delivered directly to units in the field. The rollout is being hailed as a major success, with planning already in motion to equip units across the country. The majority of Army units are expected to receive the new F9 pistols by the end of the year.