Defence News

The Royal Australian Air Force’s premier international engagement activity, Exercise Pitch Black 24, reached unprecedented heights as it involved approximately 4,400 personnel and 140 aircraft from 20 nations. This iteration marked the largest in the exercise’s 43-year history, with missions often featuring over 50 aircraft at a time, conducted in one of the world’s most extensive military training areas.

Air Commodore Pete Robinson, the Officer Commanding the Exercise, emphasized that the exercise met the training and engagement objectives of all participating nations, while also strengthening international relationships and friendships. “The feedback from all international partners and our own people alike was that Exercise Pitch Black 24 was a world-class air combat training activity,” AIRCDRE Robinson stated. “More than 1,700 missions were flown in the exercise across an area about the size of Great Britain. The value of this exercise comes in the experience we’ve built with international partners, and the friendships and relationships we’ve created with them on the ground and in the air.”

AIRCDRE Robinson also praised his staff for their exceptional handling of an emergency situation when an Italian Air Force pilot ejected from a Typhoon aircraft on 24 July. “We train for these scenarios as part of our safety planning, and I was pleased to see the calm, professional, and quick work by our teams to ensure this positive outcome – I couldn’t be happier with how they all performed.”

Exercise Pitch Black 24 featured first-time participation by aircraft and personnel from the Philippines, Spain, Italy, and Papua New Guinea, along with embedded personnel from Fiji and Brunei. Additionally, it included aircraft from France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with embedded personnel from Canada and New Zealand.

The exercise was primarily conducted from RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, and RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, showcasing a remarkable display of international cooperation and air combat prowess.

The federal government’s alcohol excise increase on August 5th has left Australians facing a $20 tax on a carton of full-strength beer, with even higher costs at the pub. This move has pushed Australia into having the third highest beer tax in the world, trailing only Norway and Finland.

Amid rising living costs, this tax hike is adding pressure on consumers and brewers alike, leading many smaller breweries to close down their operations or seek administration. One recent casualty is Billson’s in northeast Victoria, which has entered voluntary administration.

The closure of smaller breweries is not an isolated issue. Larger companies are also feeling the strain. Beverage giant Lion announced in June that it would transfer some production of its James Boag line from Tasmania to the mainland. Lion Australia’s managing director, James Brindley, attributed declining beer sales and production volumes to the relentless federal tax increases.

Many breweries are also grappling with deferred tax debt from the pandemic, compounded by the biannual increase in beer excise. Brewers Association chief executive John Preston voiced his concern, stating that the escalating tax hikes are harming beer drinkers, pubs, and clubs across Australia.

Over the past decade, China has increased its economic and political engagement in the Middle East, particularly since the Arab Spring and amid perceptions of U.S. withdrawal from the region. Initially, China balanced relationships with various sides while avoiding conflicts. However, with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched in 2013, China’s involvement has deepened, making it the region’s primary foreign investor since 2016.

China’s regional engagement now spans beyond energy to infrastructure, smart-city projects, innovation hubs, and 5G networks. Middle Eastern countries, disillusioned with U.S. policies, view China as a more reliable partner, appreciating its non-interference in political and human rights issues. This has made the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) relationship strategic.

Western perspectives have shifted, now viewing China as a significant challenger to U.S. interests. China’s trade with the GCC has surged, from $10 billion in 2000 to over $230 billion in 2021. China has also expanded ties with Israel, despite U.S. pressure limiting some interactions due to security concerns.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has further influenced China’s Middle East approach, leading to increased use of the yuan in Gulf transactions. China has also grown its presence in the region’s defence market, supplying equipment where the U.S. has imposed restrictions.

Diplomatically, China brokered a reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March 2023, highlighting its growing influence. Despite initially cautious responses to the Gaza conflict in 2023, China’s alignment with Arab interests has become clearer, positioning it against U.S. policies.

China’s efforts include facilitating Palestinian reconciliation talks and capitalizing on regional criticism of U.S. support for Israel. While China gains public support, its long-term impact remains uncertain, as U.S. military and political power continues to play a crucial role in the Middle East’s stability.

US Navy News

In a milestone for the AUKUS partnership, Royal Australian Navy (RAN) sailors have graduated from the U.S. Navy’s Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS). The graduates, who all distinguished themselves, include one sailor named Honor Graduate for achieving a perfect score.

Chief of the RAN, Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, praised the sailors’ dedication and acknowledged the U.S. Navy’s support in training Australian personnel for the future nuclear-powered submarine fleet. This training is crucial as Australia prepares to acquire Virginia-class submarines by 2030.

Australian sailors are also training with the UK Royal Navy, with the first officers graduating from the UK’s Nuclear Operators Course earlier this month. These efforts are consistent with Australia’s legal commitments, including non-proliferation.

Captain Matthew Fanning, Commanding Officer of the Naval Submarine School, highlighted the rigorous training the Australian sailors underwent. This graduation follows the April 2024 completion of the Submarine Officer Basic Course by the first RAN officers.

The success of these sailors, as noted by Warrant Officer of the RAN Andrew Bertoncin, underscores their skill and knowledge. Vice Adm. Jonathan Mead and Rear Adm. Lincoln Reifsteck emphasized the significance of this achievement for the AUKUS nations, enhancing interoperability and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

AUKUS aims to deliver a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability to the RAN by the early 2030s, strengthening security and industrial collaboration among Australia, the U.S., and the UK.

Get ready to witness Australia’s military prowess like never before as we delve into the heart of the AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle: the newly announced armoured innovation set to revamp the Australian Army! Join us as we explore the Redback’s deadly capabilities and its pivotal role in shaping the future of defence tactics. From its cutting-edge weaponry to advanced protective systems, discover how this formidable machine is poised to dominate the battlefield. Don’t miss out on this exclusive insider’s look into the Redback IFV phenomenon! Subscribe now for more thrilling updates on the latest in military technology!

Amidst Rising Tensions: The South China Sea Conflict.  The South China Sea is at the heart of modern geopolitical conflict, becoming a critical arena for global power struggles. With 40% of the world’s GDP and 20% of its population concentrated here, the stakes have never been higher. As China asserts its dominance in the region, the U.S. and its allies respond with strategic alliances. Is a new Cold War on the horizon Dive deep into this issue and explore the secret manoeuvres shaping the future. Key regional players like Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and Taiwan are preparing for potential conflict. From Japan’s defence policy changes to Taiwan’s survival strategies, discover how nations are responding to China’s aggressive moves. As alliances like the Quad emerge, the possibility of an “Asian NATO” looms large. How will these dynamics unfold?

The new Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, has given his first media interview since taking on the top job.

From my inbox

Former Chief of Army Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Peter Leahy and American Special Forces officer John Powers have issued a stark warning, declaring that Australia is at risk of becoming a “strategic liability” to the United States. They stress the urgent need for Australia to change course to secure its strategic position.

The past two years have seen significant developments in Australia’s defence and national security, marked by the release of the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, the 2024 National Defence Strategy, the Integrated Investment Program, and the Independent Analysis into the Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet. These documents outline a new vision for Australia’s defence capabilities.

Critics argue that despite these comprehensive reviews, Australia’s defence remains totally inadequate. The rapidly changing regional and global security landscape demands more than just strategic documents; it requires immediate and tangible improvements in military readiness and capability.

Australia’s “slowly, slowly” approach to defence reform not only leaves the nation vulnerable but also strains its critical security partnership with the United States. Leahy and Powers highlight this issue in their article “Defence flaws make Australia a ‘strategic liability'” in The Australian, questioning Australia’s preparedness for future conflicts and its ability to act independently.

Leahy and Powers pose critical questions for policymakers and the public: Are we ready for future battlefields? Will we be seen as a valuable partner or a strategic liability? Can Australia defend itself independently, or will it rely on US support? These questions underscore the urgent need for a national conversation about Australia’s defence strategy.

Despite Australia’s historic role in supporting the post-World War II order, there has been a worrying trend of complacency and inadequate response to emerging threats. Leahy and Powers argue that Australia’s current military capabilities are insufficient for immediate combat, presenting significant strategic risks.

The Albanese government’s strategic documents emphasize long-term goals and future capabilities, often at the expense of immediate readiness. This approach is problematic given the reduced “warning time” for potential conflicts. Testimonies from recent Defence estimates hearings reveal serious shortfalls in Australia’s military capabilities, including a lack of long-range fire systems, armoured vehicles, and sufficient live-fire training.

Leahy and Powers call for a dramatic shift in government and public attitudes towards defence. They stress the need for immediate improvements in the Australian Defence Force’s combat readiness to prevent becoming a strategic liability. This requires a whole-of-nation effort, engaging the public and industry in bolstering national defence.

Australia must balance its role as a strategic partner with its national interests and capacity as a regional power. Successive leaders have failed to adequately prepare for the current global challenges, but it is not too late to pivot and strengthen Australia’s defence posture. By embracing the realities of the world and committing to substantial defence reforms, Australia can secure its strategic future and maintain its critical alliances.

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