Australia Shocks China by Revealing New Secret Weapon

In a world where threats lurk beneath the vast depths of the Pacific, where unseen dangers could shift the balance of power, naval supremacy becomes the ultimate silent force. One nation, Australia, rises to the challenge! 🇦🇺 Introducing Ghost Shark—Australia’s cutting-edge Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV), engineered to safeguard the nation’s underwater domain and protect critical maritime interests.

Ghost Shark is a stealthy, highly maneuverable UUV, capable of executing autonomous operations in the most hostile environments. From deep-sea surveillance to anti-submarine warfare, this technological marvel redefines maritime defense. Equipped with advanced sonar systems, powerful AI-driven navigation, and real-time data transmission, it can identify, track, and neutralize threats lurking in the vast underwater expanse, all while remaining undetected.

Ghost Shark represents Australia’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of naval innovation, a game-changer that ensures Australia’s maritime supremacy in an era where the next conflict may be fought beneath the waves.

A Russian Military Commander Has Publicly Criticized Vladimir Putin

In a bold and surprising move, Georgy Zakrevsky, founder of the private military company (PMC) Paladin, has openly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, holding him responsible for the nation’s military failures in Ukraine and the economic turmoil plaguing the country. This public condemnation, delivered in a social media video in August, marks one of the most significant outbursts against Putin by a member of Russia’s military elite in recent years.

Zakrevsky’s attack on the Russian president came as a shock to many, given the tightly controlled political landscape of Russia. In his video, the Paladin PMC leader lambasted Putin for the ongoing setbacks in the war in Ukraine, where Russia has faced fierce resistance from Ukrainian forces despite its military superiority. According to Zakrevsky, these failures are not simply battlefield miscalculations but are deeply rooted in Putin’s broader governance style.

He went further, blaming Putin for Russia’s wider economic and social challenges. Sanctions imposed by Western countries, coupled with internal economic mismanagement, have placed significant pressure on the Russian economy, leading to inflation, shortages, and a decline in living standards for many Russians. Zakrevsky’s sharp critique touched on these issues, claiming that Putin’s leadership had become a liability for the country and that a drastic change was needed—going as far as calling for Putin’s overthrow.

Experts suggest that Zakrevsky’s outburst signals a growing fracture within Russia’s once-unified security apparatus. The country’s military, intelligence, and security agencies, often referred to as the “siloviki,” have historically been Putin’s most loyal supporters. However, there are increasing signs of dissatisfaction among these elites, especially as Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine drags on with no clear victory in sight.

The lack of immediate action against Zakrevsky following his comments is particularly telling. In a state where dissent is swiftly and harshly punished, Zakrevsky’s continued freedom hints at the Kremlin’s hesitation. This may reflect a broader concern about how to handle discontent within Russia’s military and security circles without triggering wider unrest. Some experts believe the Kremlin fears that any overt move against Zakrevsky could provoke a backlash, potentially inflaming tensions within its security apparatus.

While the idea of a coup in Russia seems far-fetched, analysts have pointed to certain conditions under which such an event might become plausible. One significant trigger could be Putin’s health. Persistent rumours about his well-being, particularly after a series of public appearances in which he seemed frail, have fuelled speculation that a serious illness could create a power vacuum.

An economic crisis is another potential spark. Should the Russian economy continue to deteriorate, particularly under the strain of prolonged military engagement and Western sanctions, the pressure on Putin could intensify, possibly leading to a more organized attempt to unseat him.

If a coup were to occur, it would likely involve multiple state agencies working in concert, including elements from the military, intelligence services, and internal security forces. Such a move would require careful coordination, as Russia’s political system is deeply entrenched, with Putin holding significant influence over both formal and informal power structures.

Georgy Zakrevsky’s bold call for the overthrow of Vladimir Putin represents an unprecedented moment in modern Russian politics. While the immediate threat of a coup remains unlikely, the public nature of Zakrevsky’s criticism highlights the growing dissatisfaction among Russia’s military and security elites. As Putin navigates these turbulent waters, both on the battlefield and at home, the coming months may prove critical in determining whether his iron grip on power can withstand the mounting pressures within his own ranks.

 

Australian Army and US Marines to Test Experimental Island-Hopping Vessel

The Stern Landing Vessel, a modified oil-rig industry off-shore support vessel, prepares to drop its ramp onto the beach in order to load cargo as part of Project Convergence Capstone Four, Feb. 22, 2024 at the Del Mar Boat Basin, Camp Pendleton, CA. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Kevin Ray J. Salvador)

The US Marine Corps is set to collaborate with the Australian Army to test an experimental ship, the Stern Landing Vessel (SLV), designed to shape future island-hopping operations. The SLV is being developed as part of the Marines’ Medium Landing Ship (LSM) program, a key element in their Force Design strategy aimed at enhancing mobility for Marine Littoral Regiments in regions like the Indo-Pacific.
The SLV features four stabilizing “feet” for shallow-water landings and a 150-foot ramp for quick vehicle deployment. While testing in Australia, the Marines will refine the design to address challenges such as environmental impact and beach conditions.

Additionally, the Marines are trailing the Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel (ALPV), a 55-foot autonomous ship designed for covert resupply missions. Both vessels are crucial for enabling future operations in contested environments.

The tests will help the Marines better understand their requirements for future amphibious capabilities.

An Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel stands by at the Del Mar Boat Basin as part of Project Convergence Capstone Four, Feb. 23, 2024 at Camp Pendleton, CA. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Kevin Ray J. Salvador)

Death Notice and Memorial Gathering for Gavin Costello – RAA

We have received advice of the death on 13 August 2024, after a chronic illness, of Gavin (Big Gav) Costello. He was 55. Gavin served with 13th Field Battery and 5th/11th Field Regiment over the years, reaching the rank of Bombardier.

Memorial Gathering to celebrate the life of Gavin COSTELLO (Big Gav).

Gav’s wishes were that he did not want a formal service, that he would rather know that his family and friends had come together to think of him and see him off in his favourite style, a backyard get together. As Gav wanted, the family would like to invite his friends to the family home at Kallangur this weekend for a get together for Gav. Please come over any time from11am this Saturday 7th September 2024 and wear your finest loud Hawaiian shirts, Gav’s favourite attire. Please send a text and the family will reply with the address. 0424 873 024 or 0415 904 828.

RIP Gavin Costello

Peter Bruce, OAM

Obituary Resource Officer

RAAHC

[email protected]

 

The US Accuses Russia of Using State-Run Media to Meddle in 2024 Presidential Election

In a bold move, the US government has accused Russia of employing state-run media to interfere in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The accusations centre around Russia’s use of propaganda, disinformation, and influence campaigns, with a specific focus on RT (formerly Russia Today), a Kremlin-backed news network.

The US Treasury Department has swiftly responded to these allegations by announcing sanctions on 10 individuals and two entities directly linked to these efforts. Among those sanctioned are Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT, and her deputy, Elizaveta Brodskaia. They are being held responsible for orchestrating a campaign to manipulate public opinion in the US by recruiting social media influencers to spread false information. This tactic is not new but has proven highly effective in shaping public discourse.

The sanctions aim to freeze assets, restrict travel, and hamper the financial operations of the individuals and organizations involved. This is a clear signal that the US government is treating this interference seriously, as it views any foreign meddling in its electoral processes as a severe violation of its sovereignty.

The White House has been vocal in its response to these accusations, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin was likely aware of the interference efforts. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby remarked, “We believe Mr. Putin feels they prefer Kamala Harris over Trump,” underscoring the belief that Russia is once again attempting to influence the outcome of a US presidential election.

This is not the first time Moscow has been accused of meddling in US elections. In 2016, similar allegations led to investigations and sanctions, sparking ongoing tensions between the two countries.

Australia’s First Arafura-class OPV Starts Sea Trials

Australia’s First Arafura-class OPV Starts Sea Trials

The first Australian Arafura-class OPV, NUSHIP Arafura, has commenced builder trials at builder Osborne in South Australia. The sea trials follow two year delay in commissioning the first of class OPV in a program Australia reduced from twelve to six hulls earlier this year.

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Australia First Arafura-class OPV Starts Sea Trials (navalnews.com)

Ukraine Downs Unseen Russian Jet-Powered Drone

The Krakow Post

Ukrainian forces have recently shot down a previously unseen Russian drone, sparking questions about the new tactics and technology being deployed by Moscow. This drone is particularly noteworthy due to its jet engine—a feature not commonly found in older Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This marks the first time this specific model has been observed on the battlefield.

Ukrainian soldiers were taken aback by the drone’s advanced design. Unlike the propeller-driven Shahed-136, which Russia frequently employs, this new model is powered by a jet engine, indicating it was designed for high-speed operations. Its aerodynamic “flying wing” design suggests possible stealth capabilities, potentially making it more challenging to detect with radar.

Curiously, the drone lacked reconnaissance equipment, such as cameras, and carried no weapons, suggesting it was not intended for conventional reconnaissance or attack missions. Experts speculate that the drone might be an experimental model used by Russia to test Ukraine’s air defence systems. By deploying an unarmed, high-speed drone, Russia could be assessing how easily their new designs can be detected and neutralized.

The drone appeared to be a primitive, experimental model rather than a finished product from a sophisticated manufacturing process, reinforcing the theory that Russia is experimenting with new UAV designs. These prototypes might be used as decoys to evaluate their durability and effectiveness under real combat conditions.

While the exact specifications and capabilities of this mysterious drone remain unknown, its appearance suggests that Russia is actively developing and testing new unmanned technology.