In 2003, the Australian Collins-class submarine HMAS Dechaineux nearly suffered a catastrophic loss when a seawater pipe burst while operating near its maximum depth off Western Australia.

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An Australian Collins-Class Submarine Almost Suffered a Catastrophic Loss | The National Interest

The New Voice of Ukraine – English

In the early hours of October 18, Ukraine’s Air Force faced an intense wave of Russian drone attacks, successfully downing 80 out of 135 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched against the country overnight. These attacks, a continuation of Russia’s ongoing offensive against Ukrainian infrastructure and cities, represent one of the largest air assaults in recent months.

As the attack unfolded, Romania’s Defence Ministry took decisive action after radar detected an unidentified aerial object approaching the country’s airspace. Jets were scrambled as the object, potentially part of the Russian assault, crossed into Romanian territory near the town of Amzacea, approximately 200 kilometres south of the Ukrainian border. Romanian forces lost radar contact with the object shortly after, heightening concerns about the proximity of the war to NATO borders.

This incident is not isolated. In recent months, Romania and neighbouring NATO member Bulgaria have had to scramble their fighter jets in response to similar threats, as Russian missiles and drones have increasingly encroached on their airspace during cross-border skirmishes. Debris from Russian weaponry has been found in NATO-member countries on multiple occasions, underscoring the risk of accidental escalation between Russia and NATO members.

Meanwhile, further to the north, Belarus scrambled its own fighter jets. The Belarusian monitoring group Hajun reported that two drones were spotted flying toward the Belarusian border, prompting the deployment of its air force. Tensions remain high in the region, with Belarus acting as a key Russian ally. This marks another chapter in the complicated relationship between the two neighbours, with Russia relying on Belarus for logistical and military support during its offensive against Ukraine.

While 80 drones were successfully shot down, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that another 44 were “lost.” Military officials believe these UAVs were downed using electronic warfare tactics, a method that disrupts and disables the drones’ guidance and communication systems. Ukraine has increasingly relied on electronic countermeasures to combat the surge in drone warfare, often forcing drones to crash without the use of missiles or anti-aircraft weaponry.

Despite the sheer volume of drones involved in the attack, Ukrainian authorities confirmed that no significant damage was reported, and there were no immediate casualties from falling debris. However, the strain on Ukraine’s air defence systems continues to grow as Russia intensifies its drone warfare campaign.

The recurring intrusions into the airspace of neighbouring NATO countries like Romania and Bulgaria serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed by the proximity of the war to NATO borders. With each drone or missile that strays from Ukrainian airspace, the potential for a NATO-Russia conflict increases. The quick reaction by NATO forces, as demonstrated by Romania’s response, underscores the seriousness with which these incidents are treated.

As Ukraine continues to defend against Russian air assaults, its NATO neighbours remain vigilant, monitoring for potential spillovers of the conflict. The ongoing drone warfare highlights the evolving nature of modern combat, where electronic warfare, UAVs, and swift air defence responses play a central role in defending national borders and ensuring regional security.

For now, Ukraine remains steadfast in repelling Russian aggression, while NATO members continue to assess and adjust their defence postures in light of the growing challenges posed by the war in Eastern Europe.

Ray Payne – Frontline

Australia’s immigration levels are running at an unsustainable pace, contributing directly to the housing shortage and skyrocketing rental costs. This is making it increasingly difficult for young Australians to buy homes, start families, and cope with the rising cost of living, which is spiralling out of control.

Over the first eight months of 2024, Australia recorded an unprecedented 358,964 net permanent and long-term arrivals. This figure is around 5,000 higher than last year’s record, and a staggering 115,500 more than the same period in 2019. The sheer volume of new arrivals is placing enormous strain on an already overstretched housing market, driving prices up and pushing rents to unaffordable levels.

The situation is exacerbated by a lack of new housing developments and limited supply of rental properties. Young Australians, who are already burdened with high costs of living, are being priced out of home ownership. Many are delaying or reconsidering starting families due to the financial uncertainty caused by high mortgage rates, rent increases, and inflation.

As immigration levels continue unchecked, the balance between housing demand and supply grows more uneven. The government’s lack of control over this issue is hurting future generations, making it almost impossible for many to achieve the Australian dream of owning a home.

If Labor does not take immediate action to manage immigration numbers, the situation will only worsen. Australia’s young people will continue to bear the brunt of the housing crisis, and the country’s economic and social fabric will be strained by this ongoing pressure.

“We’re heading to Evans Head in Northern NSW tomorrow for a couple of weeks of relaxation and day trips to spots like Yamba and other nearby towns. Over the course of our stay, seven fellow veterans and their wives will be joining us—representing 105 Field Battery, 35 Squadron RAAF, 6RAR, and 1RAR. There will be daily happy hours and plenty of tall stories. If you’re in the area, we’d love for you to join us!”

Cheers Ray & Julie

According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), as of October 18, around 12,000 North Korean troops have already been deployed to Ukraine. Yonhap, a prominent South Korean news agency, reported that the NIS has confirmed North Korea’s direct involvement in the conflict, with an estimated 1,500 soldiers being transported between October 8 and 13 in the first phase of deployment.

Approximately 18 North Korean soldiers have allegedly deserted their posts on the Russian frontline, prompting an ongoing search by Kremlin forces. The soldiers, deployed near the Russian regions of Kursk and Bryansk—roughly four miles from the Ukrainian border—reportedly abandoned their positions, according to Ukraine’s public broadcaster, Suspilne.

Citing intelligence sources, Suspilne revealed that Russian commanders are working to track down the missing troops while attempting to hide the desertion from higher authorities. This incident comes on the heels of reports suggesting that Russia is assembling a North Korean battalion, sent by Kim Jong Un, to bolster efforts to repel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region.

Ukrainian media outlet LIGA reported on October 16 that the North Korean troops were expected to engage in combat operations in Russia’s southwestern regions, where fighting with Ukrainian forces remains intense. The soldiers were reportedly slated to join a “special Buryat battalion,” named after the Buryat people, a Mongolic ethnic group native to Siberia, northern Mongolia, and China.

by Gordon Arthur, Melbourne

The heaviest piece of equipment showcased at Land Forces 2024 was the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tank, recently shipped from California to Australia. This freshly arrived tank, bearing the serial number ‘277002’, travelled from the port to the exhibition centre. It featured a Kongsberg CROWS-Low Profile weapon station, marking the first time Australian Abrams commanders could operate a machine gun from within the safety of the tank’s armoured protection. The initial delivery to Australia reportedly includes 27 of these tanks.

While the featured Abrams lacked the Trophy active protection system (APS), it is designed to accommodate future installations of Rafael’s system. Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart, Chief of the Army, confirmed this during a recent update. Notably, these tanks combine newly built turrets with refurbished hulls, a strategic decision by the Australian Army. Weighing in at 66 tonnes when fully loaded for combat, the M1A2 SEPv3 is around five tonnes heavier than the previously operated M1A1 AIM tanks, largely due to enhanced armour protection. In fact, the exhibition floor beneath the tank had to be specially reinforced to support its weight.

Australia is acquiring 75 M1A2 SEPv3 tanks through Project Land 907, a combined effort that integrates Phase 2 of Project Land 907 (Abrams tanks) and Phase 1 of Project Land 8160. The latter includes 29 M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles (ABV), 17 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges (JAB), and six additional M88A2 armoured recovery vehicles. These advanced armoured units will primarily serve the 2nd Cavalry Regiment of the 3rd Brigade, based in Townsville, following a recent army-wide restructure focusing heavy armour within this brigade, as outlined in last year’s Defence Strategic Review.

Later this year, the new Abrams tanks will be delivered to the School of Armour in Puckapunyal, with deployments to Townsville planned for 2025. The ABVs and JABs are scheduled to arrive at the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment starting around March 2025. Additionally, six more M88A2 HERCULES recovery vehicles from BAE Systems will join Australia’s fleet, bringing the total number of these support vehicles to 19.

Despite growing concerns about the relevance of main battle tanks in modern warfare, where antitank missiles and loitering munitions are becoming more common, the Australian Army maintains that the M1A2 SEPv3 remains a critical asset. The army describes the tank as “highly lethal, survivable, networked, and manoeuvrable,” with capabilities that no other platform can match in terms of firepower, protection, mobility, and situational awareness.

Picture by Gordon Arthur 

The Krakow Post

The recent assassination of Yahya Sinwar, a high-ranking Hamas leader, has intensified tensions in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. Sinwar, who played a significant role in obstructing cease-fire talks and hostage negotiations, was killed on Wednesday, a move confirmed by senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya. His death has raised questions about the fate of the hostages Hamas has taken, with many wondering if their release is imminent. However, Hamas has made it clear that the death of their leader will not soften their stance.

Despite Sinwar’s assassination, Hamas continues to refuse any release of the 101 remaining hostages unless their demands are met. These include a full cease-fire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from contested areas. While many had hoped that Sinwar’s death might lead to a breakthrough in negotiations, Hamas remains firm in its defiance, refusing to show any signs of compromise.

Hamas has been quick to condemn the assassination, vowing that Sinwar’s death will only strengthen their resolve. The organization claims that killing one of its top leaders will fuel their fight against Israel, not weaken it. Senior leaders of Hamas have reaffirmed their commitment to their goals and insist that the violence will continue.

In the aftermath of Sinwar’s death, Hamas and its supporters have rallied around his legacy. The group’s Western supporters have taken to social media platforms, portraying him as a martyr and war hero. This online idolization has further polarized global perspectives on the conflict, with many in the West praising Sinwar’s actions, while others condemn the glorification of violence and terrorism.

Sinwar’s death has undoubtedly escalated an already volatile situation, and with Hamas refusing to negotiate on the return of hostages, the road to peace seems more distant than ever. As tensions mount, the future of the conflict remains uncertain.

The Battle of Milne Bay (from August 25 through to September 7, 1942), was the defence of the eastern New Guinea by Australian and US forces against a Japanese invasion. It would become the first time that Japanese forces had been defeated on land, shattering the myth at the time of Japanese invincibility. The Royal Australian Air Force played a particularly important role in this battle, maintaining air superiority over the region and inflicting serious damage to invading forces.