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.

The U.S. Air Force has deployed its B-2 Spirit bombers to strike Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen, marking the aircraft’s first combat operation since 2017. This is not just any ordinary military mission; it sends a clear and powerful message to Iran and its proxies in the region.

The B-2 bombers were tasked with targeting hidden underground weapons facilities used by Houthi forces in Yemen. These strikes were launched in response to a series of attacks by the Houthis on civilian and military vessels in the region. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighted the precision and strength of U.S. military capabilities, noting that the U.S. can strike deeply buried targets with formidable force. This operation underscores America’s resolve to protect its interests in the region and prevent further Houthi aggression.

This deployment of B-2 bombers sends a significant signal to Iran and its allied forces. Retired Air Force Col. Mark Gunzinger emphasized that while the Houthis were the direct target, the underlying message is for Tehran. The U.S. demonstrated not only its ability but also its willingness to utilize high-end military assets when necessary. The presence of B-2s, which are rarely deployed in combat, elevates the gravity of the situation and reflects the strategic importance of the mission.

The last time B-2 bombers were used in combat was in 2017 when they conducted a 33-hour mission to Libya, targeting and eliminating approximately 100 Islamic State militants. Since the B-2 Spirit became operational in the mid-1990s, it has been one of the most advanced and lethal aircraft in the U.S. Air Force’s arsenal. With a payload of 40,000 pounds, the stealth bomber can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, making it a critical asset in high-stakes missions like this one.

As the B-2 continues to serve its vital role in U.S. defence strategy, the Air Force is already looking toward the future. The new B-21 Raider bomber, currently in-flight testing, is expected to replace the B-2 and other older bombers. The Department of Defence has plans to acquire around 100 B-21 bombers, each priced at approximately $700 million. These next-generation aircraft will further enhance the U.S.’s ability to conduct long-range, precision-strike operations.

This latest deployment of the B-2 Spirit demonstrates that the U.S. is not backing down in its efforts to curb Iran’s influence in the region, signalling that American military power remains a potent force on the world stage.

CNN Report

Israeli forces have achieved a major victory by eliminating Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader responsible for the brutal October 7, 2023, attack. While this marks a significant milestone in Israel’s ongoing struggle, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautioned that the conflict is far from over, with the pressing issue of hostages still unresolved.

Quick Summary of the Operation

Over the past few weeks, the 162nd Division and Gaza Division of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched operations based on intelligence regarding the whereabouts of senior Hamas officials. The mission unfolded rapidly on Wednesday.

The Attack:

• After three terrorists were spotted, two entered one building, while Sinwar entered another. At the time, the IDF was unaware that Sinwar was among them.
• IDF tanks opened fire on both buildings.
• Sinwar attempted to move to the second floor. A tank shell hit the building again, prompting an infantry search.
• Sinwar retaliated with two grenades, one of which exploded, causing IDF forces to temporarily withdraw.
• A drone scanned the area and found Sinwar injured, throwing a wooden stick at it.
• A final tank shell was fired, killing him.

The Extraction:

Sinwar’s body was extracted and brought to Israel on Thursday, where DNA and other tests confirmed his identity. Due to the danger of the booby-trapped location, a portion of his finger was removed for quick testing.

Reactions

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has confirmed Sinwar’s death, emphasizing that while this is a significant achievement, the broader conflict, especially the freeing of hostages, continues.

Photo: Cpl Michael Currie

The Puckapunyal military area in Victoria became a hub of innovation as representatives from the defence industry, engineers, and Australian Defence Force personnel, including members of the 1st Armoured Regiment, gathered for the Land Autonomous Systems and Teaming Demonstration (LAST-D).

This event featured a range of advanced technologies, including the M113 optionally crewed combat vehicles, remotely operated platforms, and a remotely controlled mini-gun. These systems are part of the Australian Army’s drive to integrate robotics and autonomous technologies into their operations.

“LAST-D is Army’s capstone emerging technology event for 2024,” according to Defence. “It showcased a broad spectrum of technology under development within Defence and the broader defence industry.”

The demonstration is a key milestone in the Army’s ongoing commitment to its 2022 Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Strategy. This strategy aims to explore new ways to integrate human operators with intelligent machines through three core themes: intelligent machines, machine-to-machine teaming, and human-to-machine teaming.

Key benefits expected from RAS technology include:

• Maximising soldier performance
• Enhancing decision-making capabilities
• Generating scalable effects and mass
• Strengthening force protection
• Improving operational efficiency

The event also highlighted various innovative systems, such as:

• The Australian Army’s Hawkei vehicle, fitted with a 30mm remote weapon station
• An optionally crewed combat vehicle, equipped with a remotely controlled mini-gun
• OWL-B loitering munitions
• Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

These cutting-edge platforms aim to reduce human exposure to danger, improve battlefield performance, and enhance overall mission success. With the ongoing development and testing of these technologies, the Australian Defence Force is positioning itself as a leader in the use of autonomous systems on the battlefield.

This demonstration reflects the growing collaboration between Defence and the defence industry, working together to develop solutions that will shape the future of military operations in Australia.