All News

We explore the impressive C-5 Galaxy, the largest and most powerful transport aircraft in the United States Air Force. Designed for strategic airlift missions, the C-5 boasts an immense cargo capacity, capable of transporting tanks, helicopters, and oversized military equipment across vast distances. With its distinctive nose and tail loading ramps, it allows for efficient loading and unloading, even in austere environments. First introduced in the late 1960s, the C-5 has undergone several upgrades to enhance its performance, reliability, and avionics. This engineering marvel continues to play a crucial role in global military and humanitarian operations.

Media Release

SMARTSHOOTER, a leader in fire control innovation, has introduced SMASH DOME, a lightweight, portable counter-UAS (C-UAS) solution for tactical area defence. Designed for both covert and overt operations, SMASH DOME integrates advanced detection, tracking, and kinetic interception to neutralise drone threats.

As drones become increasingly resilient to jamming, traditional C-UAS methods struggle to keep up. SMASH DOME counters this by combining active RF radar and passive optical sensors for continuous UAS detection, classification, and tracking at distances of up to 2 km.

At its core, SMASH DOME features SMASH Hopper, a lightweight, remote-controlled weapon station (LRCWS) armed with an assault rifle and a precision Fire Control System (FCS). This system ensures accurate kinetic engagement against rogue drones, regardless of their communication link or model. SMASH Hopper integrates seamlessly with Command-and-Control (C2) systems (e.g., ATAK), providing automatic target detection, tracking, and real-time ballistic solutions.

SMASH DOME is deployable on vehicles, borders, and strategic sites, offering flexible defence capabilities. Its person-in-the-loop design ensures precise targeting while minimising collateral damage—critical for urban and sensitive environments.

“Our world faces growing threats from rogue drones,” said Michal Mor, CEO of SMARTSHOOTER. “SMASH DOME provides a cost-effective, precise solution that integrates seamlessly with existing C2 systems, enhancing both standalone and layered defences.”

By optimising ammunition use and ensuring effective interception, SMASH DOME reinforces SMARTSHOOTER’s commitment to protecting forces and critical infrastructure from evolving aerial threats.

A message from the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum

The Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM) has unveiled the official program for the second annual Festival Of Veterans Arts (FOVA25).

Following a successful debut in 2024, FOVA will offer an even wider selection of veteran and public events under this year’s theme, “TOGETHER”, highlighting creativity as a unifying force for veterans, families, and the community.

FOVA will run from 21 to 30 March 2025, in Melbourne’s Southbank and Arts Precinct.

In 2024, FOVA’s inaugural year welcomed 600 attendees and featured 109 veteran artists and contributors across 25 events. FOVA25 builds on that foundation, offering a broader, more inclusive program with a focus on fostering connection and sharing veterans’ creative journeys with the public.

Key public events taking place include:

• FOVA Family Colour Parade – Instead of watching parades from the sidelines, the FOVA Family Colour Parade invites the community in full colour to be the parade led by a marching band.
• Art exhibitions – Including March to Art,Victoria Barracks art exhibition, Home Front and Veterans Public Arts Trail.
• Variety performance and live music – Showcasing the talent and creativity of veterans through their own captivating stage performances and live music.
• Live music & Last Post Service – Honouring those who served, with music and reflection.

As well as events only for the veteran community:

• Summit – Insightful panels and discussion on the arts and the veteran community.
• Creative workshops – Opportunities to engage in visual arts, music, writing, and more, led by veteran artists and open exclusively to current and ex-ADF veterans and families.
• Open house at Waller House – A private opportunity to explore the iconic home of Napier and Christian Waller, Victorian artists who created cultural landmarks across Melbourne.

ANVAM invites veterans, families and the public to connect with and celebrate the powerful stories of Veteran Artists.

For event registration and the full program, visit www.fova.org.au.

Image:

FOVA25 team and workshop leaders participating in a celebratory glass workshop at Glass Works.

SBS News Watch

The rejection of the Voice referendum in 2023 was a clear indication that the majority of Australians have had enough of being lectured and shamed over historical grievances. The attempt to entrench a race-based advisory body in the Constitution was overwhelmingly dismissed, showing that Australians prefer unity over division and merit over victimhood.

Most Australians support keeping Australia Day on January 26, recognising it as a celebration of the nation’s achievements rather than an occasion for self-flagellation. We acknowledge that history, like life, is complex, and while there have been injustices, our country has also provided countless opportunities and a high standard of living. Australians can lead fulfilling lives by making sound choices, avoiding destructive influences, and taking responsibility for their actions. Perpetual blame on “colonialism” fosters resentment and unhappiness rather than progress.

This is why professional grievance activists are losing credibility. Their constant negativity does nothing to improve lives; instead, they seek to spread discontent. It is regrettable that so many young Australians graduate from universities burdened with debt, only to be indoctrinated with the notion that their ancestors were bigots. Such teaching cultivates a perpetual victim mentality, weakening individuals and limiting their potential. However, there is hope—those who reject this divisive ideology can still enjoy the freedoms and opportunities this country provides.

The so-called “Invasion Day” rallies exemplify the toxicity of this mindset. The demonstrations were filled with angry rhetoric and hateful slogans such as “Watch Out Whites” and “Death to Australia.” Such sentiments do nothing to advance reconciliation or improve the lives of Indigenous Australians. Instead, they are the expressions of bitter individuals more interested in tearing down than in building a better future.

Unfortunately, the government has failed to address this type of racial hate speech. While stringent laws exist to punish inflammatory language from certain groups, radical demonstrators seem to enjoy a free pass. A fair and just society does not tolerate hate speech from any side. If Australians are to live together harmoniously, then the government must ensure that divisive and violent rhetoric is condemned and addressed regardless of its source.

Yet, there is a silver lining. This Australia Day, a shift in sentiment was noticeable—one of gratitude and resilience rather than shame. Many Australians are rejecting the constant guilt-tripping and choosing instead to celebrate their heritage with pride. Those who have sought to weaponise history for their own agendas have overplayed their hand, and a growing number of Australians are pushing back.

Perhaps, in the near future, we will no longer be forced to rehash this divisive debate each year. The tide is turning towards common sense, unity, and an appreciation for our shared national story.

The Krakow Post

President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to end the war in Ukraine swiftly, but the feasibility of such an outcome remains uncertain. Initially pledging to resolve the conflict within 24 hours, Trump and his advisers have since revised this timeline to a more measured three-to-six-month period. Key to his approach is an early meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, alongside ongoing U.S. diplomatic engagement with Kyiv.

For Putin, a direct dialogue with Washington serves his strategic interests, reinforcing Russia’s status as a global power. Given past encounters, such as the 2018 Helsinki summit, Putin may believe he can leverage negotiations in his favour. He also perceives himself as holding the upper hand in a war of attrition where Russian forces have made incremental but costly advances, while relentless missile strikes have damaged Ukraine’s infrastructure.

Western nations, meanwhile, face internal political and economic challenges. Putin calculates that growing divisions and uncertainty over Trump’s commitment to NATO will lead the West to ease its support for Kyiv, thus creating an opening for a favourable settlement. However, any negotiation on Putin’s terms would likely require Ukrainian capitulation, which is not in the West’s interests.

Putin’s primary goal remains unchanged: bringing Ukraine under Russian influence, securing control over annexed territories, and preventing Ukraine from aligning with Western institutions. A mere ceasefire will not satisfy him; he will demand recognition of Russia’s territorial claims and enforce Ukrainian neutrality. This aligns with his broader objective of reshaping Europe’s security architecture to Russia’s advantage, a goal evident in Moscow’s demands before its 2022 invasion.

If Trump prioritizes a quick deal, he may push Ukraine to accept a ceasefire along current battle lines, potentially at the cost of territorial concessions. However, without ironclad Western security guarantees, such an agreement would only provide Russia with an opportunity to regroup and resume hostilities once Western focus shifts elsewhere.

A more effective strategy would be to strengthen Ukraine’s position before any negotiations. This would involve increasing military and economic aid to Kyiv while intensifying sanctions on Moscow, thereby pressuring Russia’s already strained economy. Putin seeks relief from Western sanctions to reduce his dependence on China, but granting such concessions prematurely would undermine Western leverage.

Early indications from the Trump administration suggest a willingness to escalate pressure on Moscow should Putin refuse to negotiate. However, achieving a sustainable peace requires more than short-term agreements. It demands a clear recognition of Russia’s broader strategic ambitions and a firm commitment from the U.S. and its allies to counter them effectively. The ultimate challenge for the new administration will be whether it is prepared to confront these realities head-on.

– Converted to English

Former Australian Army Chief Peter Leahy says the ADF is “not able to recruit” enough people to meet the government’s targets. The Australian Defence Force continues to struggle to find new recruits despite government incentives. The ADF has failed to meet its recruitment targets since 2012, with a projected shortfall of 5,000 personnel by July.

The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for over three years, bringing widespread destruction, humanitarian crises, and economic instability that have reverberated across the globe. The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties, millions of displaced people, and severe disruptions to global food and energy markets, affecting nations far beyond Europe.

Since the beginning of the invasion, Australia has remained steadfast in its support for Ukraine, taking a strong stance against Russian aggression. The Australian government has imposed over 1,200 sanctions targeting Russian individuals, entities, and sectors critical to the Kremlin’s war effort, including financial institutions, defence industries, and energy exports.

In addition to economic measures, Australia has provided significant military aid, including armoured vehicles, ammunition, drones, and other essential equipment to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities. Humanitarian assistance has also been a key component of Australia’s response, with substantial funding allocated to support refugees, provide medical aid, and assist in rebuilding critical infrastructure.

Australia’s commitment to Ukraine reflects broader international efforts to uphold sovereignty, deter aggression, and maintain stability in the region. As the war continues, Australia remains a key ally, reinforcing diplomatic pressure, contributing to reconstruction efforts, and standing with the Ukrainian people in their fight for independence and security.

The attempted targeting of Sydney’s Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum has revealed a disturbing truth: Australia’s Jewish community has been under attack for months while the federal government failed to act. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent condemnation of antisemitic activity rings hollow after 15 months of inaction, during which violent incidents and hate-fuelled threats have escalated.

The discovery of explosives in a caravan in Dural on January 19, along with information regarding key Jewish sites in Sydney, underscores the severity of the threat. Police now believe this plot is linked to months of orchestrated antisemitic attacks, yet the government has only now found its voice. The Prime Minister’s vow to “hunt down and lock up” perpetrators is too little, too late. Where was this determination a year ago when Jewish schools, synagogues, and businesses first raised the alarm?

Despite growing evidence of coordination among extremist elements, authorities have been slow to respond. Several individuals on the periphery of the Dural caravan plot, including Scott Marshall and Tammie Farrugia, are in custody on unrelated charges, but the masterminds remain at large. Peter Wertheim of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry has warned that until the “puppet masters” are apprehended, the community remains at risk. Rabbi Benjamin Elton of the Great Synagogue has been advised to alter his daily route for safety—a sobering reality for Australian Jews in 2025.

While the government defends its handling of the crisis, the Jewish community and security experts tell a different story. Private security firms have seen a surge in demand for protection at Jewish institutions, filling the void left by an unresponsive government. Meanwhile, ASIO director general Mike Burgess has ruled out raising the terror threat level, despite clear evidence of organised and escalating antisemitic activity.

Even international figures are calling out the government’s failure. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has condemned the spread of antisemitism in Australia as “almost unchecked,” demanding stronger action. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has also criticised the government’s passive response, rightly pointing out that leadership means proactive prevention, not reactive platitudes.

Prime Minister Albanese had over a year to take meaningful action against the rise in antisemitism. Instead, he waited until a near-tragedy forced his hand. Condemnation after the fact does nothing to restore trust or provide security to a community under siege. The time for decisive leadership was 15 months ago—now, it may be too late.

ED: From my inbox – thanks Ralph

Official Newsletter of the Navy Victoria Network

CLICK LINK

BROADSIDE

SeaWatch Blog

Australia is undertaking a major modernisation of its six Collins-class diesel-electric submarines, extending their service life into the 2030s. This $4-$5 billion project aims to maintain a credible undersea deterrent while awaiting the arrival of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement. The upgrades will enhance Australia’s ability to patrol its vast maritime domain, secure vital trade routes, and counter China’s growing naval presence.

The Australian government is increasingly concerned about rising geopolitical tensions, particularly China’s assertive military expansion. In May 2023, a Chinese J-10 fighter jet fired flares at an Australian naval helicopter enforcing North Korea sanctions over the Yellow Sea. This provocation underscored the importance of a strong defence strategy. Submarines are a key element in this approach, providing a stealthy and effective means of deterrence.

The Collins-class submarines, widely regarded as among the best diesel-electric boats in the world, are undergoing a life-of-type extension (LOTE) at Osborne shipyard in South Australia. This upgrade is critical to ensuring Australia maintains an effective undersea capability until nuclear-powered vessels arrive under AUKUS. The investment highlights the government’s commitment to defence and securing maritime trade routes, which are essential for the nation’s resource-driven economy.

Originally designed in the 1980s to replace the aging Oberon-class, the Collins-class submarines were developed with long-range capabilities to suit Australia’s geographic isolation. First delivered between 1996 and 2003, they became the country’s first indigenously built submarines, drawing inspiration from Sweden’s Type 471 design. Their primary roles include attacking enemy ships, countering hostile submarines, and gathering intelligence.

Each Collins-class submarine measures 255 feet in length, displaces 3,000 tons, and operates with a quiet diesel-electric propulsion system. They require a crew of 42 and are armed with MK 48 heavyweight torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The six boats—HMAS Collins, Farncomb, Waller, Dechaineux, Sheean, and Rankin—form the backbone of Australia’s current submarine force.

As Australia navigates an increasingly volatile security environment, modernising the Collins-class fleet ensures continued operational capability. These submarines will serve as a critical stopgap until nuclear-powered vessels are commissioned. The government’s proactive approach reflects its awareness that regional tensions are escalating, making a strong naval force essential for national security and economic stability.

The Collins-class upgrades will also sustain Australia’s defence industry, preserving technical expertise and jobs. With the AUKUS agreement set to deliver nuclear-powered submarines in the coming years, maintaining a robust submarine force in the interim is vital. Australia’s maritime security strategy underscores the necessity of deterrence, ensuring the nation is prepared for future challenges in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region.