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?

Australia’s future armoured forces are getting a major upgrade with the AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). Selected under the Land 400 Phase 3 program, the Redback will replace the aging M113AS4 APCs, bringing cutting-edge firepower, protection, and mobility to the Australian Army.

The Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Hobart has arrived at the Port of Benoa, Bali, to participate in two of Indonesia’s most significant maritime events of 2025: the International Fleet Review and Exercise Komodo 2025. These events highlight Indonesia’s growing prominence in regional maritime security and cooperation, bringing together naval forces from around the world.

The International Fleet Review will mark the 80th anniversary of the formation of the Indonesian Navy, a milestone that underscores the service’s evolution into one of the most professional and capable maritime forces in the Indo-Pacific. The event will showcase a diverse array of naval vessels, demonstrating the strength of Indonesia’s maritime partnerships and its commitment to regional stability.

Following the Fleet Review, HMAS Hobart will take part in Exercise Komodo 2025, a multilateral maritime training exercise scheduled to run from February 16 to 22. This year’s iteration will see the participation of naval assets from 15 nations, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing shared maritime security challenges.

Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, RAN, Chief of Navy, emphasized the significance of these engagements, noting that the widespread international participation reflects Indonesia’s growing influence in the maritime domain. He highlighted the enduring importance of Australian-Indonesian cooperation in strengthening mutual security interests and ensuring stability in the region.

Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC, RAN, Chief of Joint Operations, also underscored Australia’s longstanding support for Exercise Komodo, marking the fifth time the Australian Defence Force has participated. The exercise will feature various operational scenarios, including a coordinated maritime search and rescue operation designed to enhance interoperability and preparedness for regional contingencies.

The crew of HMAS Hobart is honoured to be part of these prestigious events, recognizing the opportunity to further deepen ties with regional partners and contribute to a shared vision of a secure and open Indo-Pacific. The ship’s participation is part of the Australian Defence Force’s first Regional Presence Deployment for 2025, which is set to conclude in late February.

Through its Indo-Pacific Regional Presence Deployments, Australia reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a near-continuous presence in the region, working alongside allies and partners to support regional security and stability. As HMAS Hobart sails into these landmark events, it carries with it a message of cooperation, resilience, and a shared dedication to a peaceful and secure maritime environment.

With the Population Aging and the Birthrate Declining, Immigration Is Not Just Beneficial, It’s Essential

But Why Is the Government Unable or Unwilling to Control It?

Australia is facing a demographic challenge: an aging population and a declining birthrate. Immigration is not just beneficial; it is essential to maintaining our workforce and economic stability. However, the current migration system is poorly designed, lacks strategic oversight, and exacerbates existing economic and social pressures.

Despite the clear need for a well-managed immigration program, the government appears either unable or unwilling to control it effectively. The influence of powerful business and higher education lobbies has led to an immigration system that prioritises profit over national interest. Yet, the fundamental rule of politics is self-preservation, and the cost-of-living crisis, particularly housing affordability, has become an existential problem for any government in power.

Lessons from abroad should not be ignored. The rise of far-right movements in Europe and the resurgence of Donald Trump in the United States highlight what happens when governments fail to take immigration concerns seriously. If Australia’s political leaders do not address these issues, public dissatisfaction will continue to grow, potentially leading to similar political shifts.

The first step toward a sustainable migration policy is setting a clear net migration target and assigning responsibility to a dedicated cabinet minister, as was standard practice for most of the post-World War II era. Immigration should not be treated as an afterthought within the broader Home Affairs portfolio.

One of the most pressing concerns is the impact of foreign students on the migration system. Currently, there are approximately one million foreign students and former students on temporary visas, with at least 100,000 seeking permanent residency. This backlog must be addressed to prevent further strain on infrastructure and public services.

The government’s attempt to cap foreign students last year failed due to bureaucratic inefficiencies. The proposed approach, setting individual targets for hundreds of tertiary institutions and renegotiating them annually, was impractical. However, a more streamlined and enforceable policy must be developed in collaboration with the crossbench.

Australia must shift its focus toward skilled migration, ensuring that new arrivals contribute meaningfully to the economy. The current system allows too many migrants to enter the country without the necessary qualifications, leading to declining productivity and economic stagnation.

One major issue is the recognition of foreign qualifications, particularly in construction and other skilled trades. Many migrants who possess valuable skills are unable to work in their trained professions due to restrictive policies. Meanwhile, unskilled workers continue to enter the country, often through pathways originally designed for education rather than employment.

The reality is that too many international students graduate from Australian universities and end up in unskilled jobs. This must change. The primary goal of the migration system should be to attract and retain high-quality professionals, not to serve as a loophole for low-wage labour.

Beyond student visas, family reunion policies must be reassessed. While reuniting families is a compassionate goal, it should not come at the cost of economic sustainability. The current system allows too many dependents to enter the country without clear pathways to employment.

Additionally, Australia must be more selective regarding immigration from regions where integration has been historically challenging. Cultural cohesion and social stability must be considered alongside economic factors. If other countries can implement stricter criteria for immigration, there is no reason Australia cannot do the same.

A well-structured immigration system is crucial to Australia’s long-term success. The current approach is unsustainable and risks further economic and social destabilisation. By prioritising skilled migration, limiting unskilled entries, reassessing family reunion policies, and streamlining student visa regulations, Australia can build a system that benefits the nation rather than burdening it.

The government must act now, before public frustration turns into political upheaval. The time for half-measures and bureaucratic inefficiency is over. Australia needs a migration policy that works—one that ensures economic growth, social stability, and national security for generations to come.

High-intensity multinational training concluded at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, where air forces from Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom engaged in joint exercises designed to test and enhance operational capabilities. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) deployed approximately 430 personnel and 18 aircraft to participate in Exercises Red Flag Nellis 25-1 and Bamboo Eagle 25-1.

These exercises featured complex warfighting scenarios conducted across extensive training ranges and airspace in the western United States. Designed to replicate the challenges of contemporary air operations, they required aviators from all three nations to integrate their aircraft and systems to conduct joint missions effectively.

Exercise Red Flag Nellis, an annual event led by the United States Air Force since 1975, included two weeks of both day- and night-time missions within the Nevada Test and Training Range. Meanwhile, Exercise Bamboo Eagle focused on executing long-range missions in the Indo-Pacific context, testing the integration of air and multi-domain capabilities. With participation from over a hundred aircraft and thousands of personnel, Bamboo Eagle presented a uniquely large-scale and complex training environment.

The RAAF contingent featured a diverse mix of cutting-edge aircraft, including F-35A Lightning IIs, F/A-18F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and an E-7A Wedgetail. Additionally, a No. 41 Wing Tactical Command and Control Team was deployed to enhance coordination and operational effectiveness.

Australia’s involvement in these exercises aligns with its National Defence Strategy, ensuring that the RAAF remains prepared to integrate seamlessly into coalition operations. The training provided valuable experience, reinforced proven tactics, and strengthened working relationships with key allies. The collaboration between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom in these high-intensity scenarios underscores a shared commitment to regional and global security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.