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The Boeing F-15A Eagle, first flown in July 1972, was a premier air superiority fighter, unmatched by the Soviet Union. Over time, it evolved into the F-15E Strike Eagle, a multirole fighter that remains in U.S. Air Force service. However, the most advanced version of this jet, the F-15SA, has been ordered by Saudi Arabia, raising questions about its competitiveness against the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

In 2011, Saudi Arabia signed a $29.5 billion contract for 84 new F-15SAs and 70 upgrade kits, marking the largest foreign military sale in U.S. history. The F-15SA includes significant upgrades, such as a fly-by-wire flight control system and advanced APG-63 v.3 AESA radar. The aircraft is also equipped with BAE’s Digital Electronic Warfare System (DEWS), similar in capability to systems in the F-22 and F-35.

The F-15SA’s enhanced systems, including infrared search and track and large-format colour displays, make it a highly capable fighter. However, with the F-35’s stealth capabilities and strong U.S. government backing, it may dominate the fighter market in the long term. While the F-15SA is formidable, its success may be limited to specific regions like the Middle East or Asia, where the F-35 may not be available in the near term. Ultimately, fighter purchases are influenced more by geopolitics than by performance alone.

Australia’s Defence Minister, Richard Marles, faces the challenge of developing a large dry dock and other maintenance facilities to support an expanding naval fleet, including Virginia-class and SSN AUKUS submarines. The project, potentially spanning a decade, raises significant uncertainties regarding its start date, location, and cost.

While HMAS Stirling near Perth currently hosts conventional Collins-class submarines, the plan is to eventually handle new SSNs at Henderson, where new frigates and amphibious landing craft are being built. The need for facilities capable of servicing nuclear-powered subs, which require more security than conventional vessels, adds complexity.

Marles emphasized the importance of assessing Henderson’s requirements, a process complicated by the need for both commercial and physical consolidation. A source indicated that Australia might need two dry docks for nuclear maintenance and a floating dry dock for lower-level work. The broader issue includes accommodating the surface fleet at Henderson.

Marcus Hellyer, an acquisition expert, highlighted the unprecedented complexity of coordinating decisions across various fleets and maintenance types. Australia has committed significant funds to support submarine construction and maintenance, but challenges remain in building dry docks, housing, and secure facilities to protect nuclear secrets.

Despite positive government rhetoric, Hellyer stresses the seriousness of these challenges, citing competition for limited resources and industrial capacity as significant obstacles.

Ukrainian army brigades invaded onto Russian soil into Kursk Oblast for the first time in history. They quickly started fighting in 11 separate villages in an incursion. Stryker Armored vehicles were deployed. Early reports indicate this was a force of at least 1,000 soldiers; more than 11 main battle tanks and 20 armored combat vehicles. We will also examine the offensive campaign into the Donbas region. The electrical power attacks. The mobilization and conscription as well. They pushed up the R200 highway connecting Ukraine to Kursk Oblast in Russia. They’ve advanced at least 10km although unconfirmed reports claim as far as 30km as of Thursday August 8th.

ED: From my inbox by MAJ Dennis Fox (Rtd) and Frontline members.

The effective projection of air power in maritime approaches requires a blend of robust defence and integrated multi-domain offensive strategies. This approach, in conjunction with allies, forms the core of a strategy designed to ensure security in key maritime areas.

Contemporary defence thinking emphasizes that modern strategies cannot focus solely on long-term military investments. The evolving global landscape, characterized by multipolarity and diminishing American influence, demands immediate and comprehensive action. This includes not just traditional military measures but also engaging society and leveraging all aspects of national power.

One perspective highlights the importance of understanding grey zone conflicts and their connection to information warfare. Current global conflicts, such as those in Taiwan and Ukraine, are seen as precursors to broader competition in this new era. These conflicts underscore the need for adaptable strategies that address both conventional and unconventional threats.

The strategic alliance AUKUS is viewed not as an end but as a means to address specific challenges. However, there are concerns about resource allocation within the defence sector, particularly in the context of current and near-term readiness.

The rapid development of autonomous systems, although promising, also presents challenges. Integrating new technologies into existing military structures requires overcoming cultural and organizational inertia. The arrival of advanced systems, such as remotely piloted aircraft, offers significant opportunities for enhancing capabilities, particularly in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

A comprehensive national defence strategy must involve broader societal engagement. It is not just about the military but about integrating the entire society and economy into the national defence effort. Addressing critical vulnerabilities in areas like cyber and space is essential to safeguarding maritime interests and ensuring long-term security.

Finally, the focus on regional security and the re-orientation of defence forces towards likely conflict scenarios is crucial. This strategic shift aims to create a secure environment around Australia, deeply integrated with allied power projection, to manage major power competition effectively in the Indo-Pacific.

In summary, the future of national defence lies in a multi-faceted approach that blends military capability with societal involvement, technological innovation, and a clear strategic focus on regional security.

This is a summary of an interview with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles following his visit to Washington for the 34th Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN). The key topics discussed include:

1. Virginia-Class Submarines: Marles acknowledges challenges in the production rate of these submarines, crucial for both US and Australian needs. Australia is contributing to the US defence industrial base to address these challenges, aiming to avoid a capability gap by securing submarines in the early 2030s.
2. AUKUS Pillar II: This focuses on advanced technology collaboration among Australia, the UK, and the US. Marles emphasizes the need to establish a solid framework among the three nations before expanding cooperation to other countries like Japan, Canada, and South Korea.
3. US Export Controls: Marles expresses confidence that Australia will meet US standards to ease export controls, despite some delays.
4. Australian Defence Industry Concerns: Marles reassures that AUKUS will create significant opportunities for local defence firms, despite initial concerns about job losses.
5. China Relations: Marles discusses incidents with China, stressing Australia’s commitment to maintaining a rules-based order in the region and the importance of defence dialogue with China to avoid miscalculations.

Overall, Marles conveys confidence in Australia’s defence strategy and cooperation with the US, while acknowledging challenges that need to be addressed.

Things got out of control! Largest US navy finally arrived zero-point! Israel on red alert!

Krakow Post

In a bold escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s military launched a significant cross-border incursion deep into Russian territory, targeting a military airfield. This unprecedented strike took place at the Lipetsk airfield, located over 350 kilometres from Ukraine’s border, and has resulted in widespread damage and the evacuation of nearby residents.

The Ukrainian military reported a successful strike on the Lipetsk airfield, a major blow to Russia’s military infrastructure. The attack caused a massive blaze and multiple detonations, leading to the destruction of warehouses containing guided bombs. The impact of the strike was so severe that a state of emergency was declared in the region as authorities scrambled to contain the situation.

As a precautionary measure, regional authorities in Lipetsk ordered the evacuation of residents from four nearby villages. The explosions, which were initially described by local officials as occurring at an “energy infrastructure facility,” prompted swift action to ensure the safety of the local population. The scale of the evacuation underscores the seriousness of the incident, and the potential risks posed by further military engagements in the area.

This airfield strike is part of a broader offensive by Ukraine in Russia’s western Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops are now operating approximately 10 kilometres inside Russian territory. This marks the deepest cross-border advance by Kyiv since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The incursion into Kursk signifies a strategic shift by Ukraine, as its forces push further into Russian territory, challenging Moscow’s control in its western regions.

The Russian military has reported significant casualties among the Ukrainian forces involved in the incursion. According to Russian sources, up to 1,000 Ukrainian troops, supported by tanks and armoured vehicles, entered the Kursk region. Russia claims that more than 300 Ukrainian troops have been killed or wounded during the operation, although these figures have not been independently verified. The heavy losses reported by Russia highlight the intensity of the fighting as Ukraine presses its offensive.

In a late-night address on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to the nation without directly referencing the cross-border incursion. However, he made it clear that Ukraine is determined to make Russia “feel” the consequences of its invasion. “Ukrainians know how to achieve their goals,” Zelensky stated, underscoring the resolve of the Ukrainian people in the face of continued Russian aggression.

The strike on Lipetsk and the ongoing offensive in the Kursk region represent a significant escalation in the conflict, with Ukraine demonstrating its capability to strike deep into Russian territory. As both sides brace for further developments, the situation remains tense, with the potential for further military engagements and the risk of broader regional instability.

The Australian Army is undertaking its most significant armoured vehicle modernization in decades, replacing its aging fleet of M1A1 tanks, ASLAV wheeled fighting vehicles, and M113 armoured personnel carriers. These vehicles will soon be retired, possibly finding their way to Returned Services League clubs or kept in storage for potential reactivation during emergencies. The new arsenal will include the M1A2 SEPv3 tanks, Redback infantry fighting vehicles, Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles, and the soon-to-arrive K9 self-propelled howitzers.

The Australian government has confirmed the suppliers and assembly locations for these new vehicles: Hanwha’s Redbacks and K9s will be assembled in Geelong, Rheinmetall’s Boxers in Ipswich, and General Dynamics’ M1A2s will be directly imported from the United States. Despite their southern origins, these vehicles will be primarily deployed in the north, specifically with the 3rd Brigade based in Townsville, making it the most formidable fighting force in the region.

However, maintaining nearly 300 heavy armoured vehicles presents significant logistical challenges. These vehicles require substantial fuel, ammunition, spare parts, and regular maintenance to remain operational. While returning them to their assembly sites for deep maintenance might seem cost-effective, the long distances involved—up to 3,200 kilometres—would be logistically complex and inefficient. Transporting these massive vehicles across the continent would also result in increased fuel consumption, higher emissions, and extended downtime during overhauls, thus reducing fleet availability and training opportunities.

A more practical solution is to establish maintenance facilities closer to where these vehicles are stationed. Northern Queensland, particularly in cities like Mackay, Townsville, and Cairns, already supports heavy vehicle maintenance for the resources industry and has the necessary infrastructure and expertise. Expanding these capabilities to include military vehicles would not only be cost-effective but would also enhance regional economic investment.

There is already precedent for such an approach: Boeing Defence Australia maintains the Army’s Chinook and Apache helicopters in Townsville, ensuring that deeper maintenance occurs where the aircraft are operated. Establishing similar facilities for armoured vehicles in Northern Queensland would ensure timely, cost-effective, and efficient maintenance, enhancing operational readiness.

Additionally, a regional maintenance hub could attract international business. Just as Australian subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin and Boeing maintain aircraft for other countries, a northern maintenance hub could service foreign armoured vehicles, strengthening Australia’s position as a reliable strategic partner in the region.

Given these advantages, it is clear that Australia’s new armoured vehicles should not only be operated in the north but also maintained there. This approach aligns with national strategy, supports local logistics, and solidifies Australia’s role as a key regional player.

1400Hrs – August 8, 2024

Things got out of control! Largest US navy finally arrived zero-point! Israel on red alert!

109th Anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine at Gallipoli

This week marks the 109th anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine, one of the most intense engagements fought by Australians during the First World War. This battle, which took place at Gallipoli in Türkiye, stands as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the Anzacs.

The Strategic Assault

The assault at Lone Pine was originally intended as a diversionary tactic to keep Turkish reserves away from the main Allied attack to the north. The primary objective was to break out of the main Anzac perimeter and capture the strategic heights of Chunuk Bair and Hill 971. The intensity of this battle was encapsulated by Australian official war correspondent Charles Bean, who was on Gallipoli. He vividly described the moments before the assault, where excited Diggers ‘chaffed each other dryly’ like spectators at a football match:

“Some belated messenger hurried along the trench to find his platoon, and, in passing, recognised a friend. ‘Au revoir, Bill’, he nodded, ‘meet you over there’. ‘So long, Tom’, was the answer; ‘see you again in half an hour’.”

The Battle Unfolds

At 17:30 on 6 August 1915, the whistles blew, and the Anzacs went over the top towards the Turkish trenches, just a few dozen meters away. From that night and over the next several days, fierce fighting took place across a complex maze of trenches, many of which were roofed over with heavy logs. The Australians had to break through these fortifications to engage the defenders directly.

The Aftermath

When the battle finally concluded, more than 2,000 Anzacs had been killed or wounded, and almost 7,000 Turks had suffered the same fate. The Lone Pine battlefield, now the site of the largest Australian memorial at Gallipoli, is named for the solitary pine tree that stood near the Turkish trenches. While the original tree did not survive the assault, seeds from one of its pinecones were sent back to Australia and used to grow the Lone Pine within the grounds of the Australian War Memorial.

This anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Battle of Lone Pine and the enduring legacy of those who fought at Gallipoli.