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The loss of the Tartus port represents a significant setback for Moscow’s strategic ambitions. The Russian Navy is likely to face reduced submarine operations in the Mediterranean Sea following the termination of its longstanding investment agreement with the company managing the Syrian port.

This facility, in operation since 1971, underwent extensive upgrades in recent years. In 2019, an agreement pledged $500 million for further development under a 49-year lease. However, the recent decision by Syria’s government has effectively ended Russia’s foothold in the region, leaving the navy to seek alternatives.

The withdrawal from Tartus is currently underway. Recent reports indicate that Russian vessels have been granted access to retrieve equipment, avoiding a complete blockade of evacuation efforts. While this allows for an orderly withdrawal, it marks a severe blow to Russian naval logistics.

Tartus had gained increased importance following the conflict in Ukraine, as it provided critical logistical and maintenance support for Russia’s Mediterranean fleet. With Turkey restricting access to the Black Sea through the Bosporus, the port’s strategic value was indispensable.

Without Tartus, the Russian Navy must either secure another base or scale back its Mediterranean presence. The port was uniquely capable of sustaining diesel-electric submarines, which require frequent refuelling and maintenance. These vessels, cheaper and quieter than nuclear-powered submarines, have formed a core component of Russia’s operations in the region.

Deploying nuclear-powered submarines is an alternative, but the Mediterranean’s limited entry points and heavy NATO presence make such a move highly risky. Furthermore, the logistical support needed for extended deployments would remain unresolved without a dedicated base.

Russia may consider Algeria as a potential host. The country has maintained strong ties with Moscow, reflected in ongoing military cooperation. However, balancing relationships with other North African nations could complicate negotiations.

Libya presents another possibility, but significant challenges exist. Any agreement would likely involve collaboration with a warlord who controls parts of the nation, which might provoke opposition from the UN-backed government. Moreover, the conditions of Libyan ports, weakened by years of conflict, are questionable. The ports’ capacity to handle Russian naval operations remains uncertain, and the political instability further deters long-term investment.

The loss of Tartus significantly diminishes Moscow’s ability to project power in the Mediterranean. Reduced submarine operations or reliance on ad hoc arrangements could undermine its naval presence in the region. As options narrow, Russia faces the prospect of recalibrating its strategic priorities, potentially signalling a shift in its regional influence.

The economy of Vietnam has been an absolute rocket ship over the past few years. By 2035, CNBC believes that globally they’ll have the most rapid rise in wealth. Long gone are the days of turmoil and war. In this episode, we’ll take a look at Vietnam’s fascinating economic rise.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s call for “One Flag, One Country” highlights a growing frustration among Australians who feel their nation’s unity is being undermined. Speaking on Friday, Mr. Dutton said Australians are tired of being told to feel ashamed of their history and identity.

Labor’s focus on division, categorising people, and emphasising past wrongs risks deepening rifts instead of fostering progress. Mr. Dutton’s message resonates with parents who want schools to prioritise education over ideology. “Parents have had enough… they want their children educated, not indoctrinated,” he stated.

This is not about erasing history but embracing it—acknowledging our challenges while celebrating our achievements. Australia is a land of shared values and diverse contributions. Unity and pride in our national identity should drive us forward, not divisive rhetoric or guilt about the past.

As a country, we must work together under one flag, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose for all Australians. Only through unity can we build a future worthy of pride. Mr. Dutton’s vision offers hope for a nation striving to reaffirm its identity and shared destiny.

Boeing B-52 static display with weapons, Barksdale AFB. Image: Creative Commons.

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, a symbol of endurance and adaptability in U.S. military aviation, is set to receive a revolutionary upgrade through the ambitious B-52J modernization program. At the heart of this transformation is the Rolls-Royce F130 engine, recently certified in December 2024 after two years of rigorous development—a major milestone for the program.

Despite delays, the B-52J’s upgrades promise to redefine the aircraft’s capabilities. A comprehensive overhaul will introduce advanced radars, digital avionics, modernised engine pylons, satellite-aided navigation, and robust communications systems. These enhancements ensure the B-52J remains a formidable long-range asset capable of delivering massive payloads, supporting future technologies like Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

The program’s setbacks haven’t diminished its advocates’ enthusiasm. They emphasise the bomber’s enduring role in U.S. air strategy, paralleling Russia’s continued use of its Tu-95 fleet. With plans to extend its service life into the 2050s, the B-52J is poised to complement cutting-edge platforms like the B-21 and F-15EX, ensuring versatile, multi-role capabilities.

The B-52’s storied legacy and adaptability highlight its value. As it evolves, the Stratofortress remains a testament to engineering ingenuity, proving its worth in an ever-changing strategic landscape.

WARNING – REPORTED AS A SCAM

ED: The other day I posted an article about a $4,100 dollar payment to carers – I have since been advised by a number of veterans, who attended Centrelink that they have no knowledge of this payment and that it may be a scam.

Below is the link to the message as I received it from https://www.msn.com I was of the opinion the opinion that MSN was a trusted source of information. I feel guilty that this story may have caused inconvenience to some members who like me believed the article.   

https://www.msn.com/en-au/money/government-support-and-welfare/4-100-one-time-centrelink-payment-offers-vital-support-for-australian-carers/ar-AA1xyzBj#:~:text=In%202025%2C%20the%20Australian%20government%20introduced%20a%20%244%2C100,individuals%20with%20disabilities%2C%20chronic%20illnesses%2C%20and%20age-related%20needs

The Australian Army’s Townsville-based units are gearing up for their most significant training year since World War II, with 2025 set to mark a historic milestone in military cooperation and modernisation. The year’s activities will feature an unprecedented level of international engagement, highlighted by Exercise Talisman Sabre, which will involve participation from more nations than ever before. This biennial exercise is a cornerstone of Australia’s defence strategy, fostering joint operational capability and interoperability between allied and partner nations. The increased scale of the exercise underscores Australia’s growing role in regional security and its commitment to working alongside global partners to address shared challenges.

In addition to the expanded multinational training efforts, the 3rd Brigade, headquartered in Townsville, will lead the charge in the modernisation of the Australian Army. The brigade is set to receive the first deliveries of cutting-edge equipment as part of the Defence Capability Program, signalling a new era of technological advancement and operational readiness. These upgrades, which include advanced armoured vehicles, weapons systems, and communication technologies, will significantly enhance the brigade’s combat effectiveness and ability to respond to diverse threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

The dual focus on international collaboration and capability development reflects Australia’s strategic priorities in a shifting geopolitical landscape. With its robust training agenda and investment in modernisation, the Townsville Army base is solidifying its position as a key hub for the Australian Defence Force and a critical partner in maintaining stability in the region.

Good morning, for info: Ray Payne – FRONTLINE

Today – Australia Day, the ABC On-line News includes an item on recovering Vietnam War dead titled: “South Vietnamese want to find and bury their war dead. Why is it so hard?” – see:

CLICK LINK

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-26/south-vietnamese-soldiers-long-to-bury-dead-soldiers/104828764  .

The article includes reference to the post-War efforts of Dr Bob Hall (8RAR 1969-70) – ie his “Wandering Souls” program, in finding grave sites in South Vietnam and returning artefacts to grieving families.

The on-line ABC item is also accompanied by a short video titled “Finding Shorty” that relates the recent assistance given to the 76-year-old Newcastle-based Vietnam veteran 2790576 Alwyn Melville Craig – Pte 6RAR Vietnam 8 May 1969 – 12 May 1970.

Best wishes,

Ernie Chamberlain

I just want to let you know that I won’t be posting to Frontline tomorrow as I have exciting Australia Day plans lined up that will keep me busy from early morning. The day kicks off at Coolangatta Beach, where I’ll soak in the festive atmosphere and enjoy the stunning views and surf. From there, we’ll head to our daughter’s home on the Tweed River, where we’ll continue the celebrations with a great gathering of family and friends.

Australia Day is a special occasion to come together, reflect, and celebrate all that makes our nation unique, and I hope you, too, have plans to mark the day in your own way. Whether you’re spending it with family, friends, or enjoying a BBQ some quiet beers, may it be a day filled with joy, pride, and appreciation for our incredible country.

Cheers

Ray & Julie

CO2 is a foundational nutrient necessary for all life on Earth. Scientific evidence supports that increasing atmospheric CO2 has significantly contributed to agricultural productivity, with global vegetation thriving from the near-polar regions to the equator. NASA has confirmed this greening of the Earth, attributing it largely to rising CO2 levels. At 420 parts per million (ppm), the current CO2 concentration remains historically low compared to the average of 2,600 ppm over geologic time. Plants require a minimum of 150 ppm to survive, making CO2 an indispensable component of the Earth’s ecosystem.

Critics argue that labelling CO2 as a pollutant contradicts scientific data and undermines its vital role in sustaining life. Today’s CO2 levels, although higher than pre-industrial times, are far below historical peaks. The evidence indicates that increased CO2 enhances plant growth and contributes to ecological health and agricultural yields. Far from being an “existential threat,” CO2 is crucial for life on Earth.

A growing resistance to the politicisation of climate science. The benefits of CO2 and challenge the economic and environmental impact of policies driven by climate alarmism. Good leadership underscores the need to abandon the notion of CO2 as a pollutant, recognising it instead as a critical nutrient.

Efforts to achieve net zero, driven by a misguided climate agenda, risk undermining economic stability and hindering genuine progress. The narrative surrounding climate change has been heavily influenced by financial interests tied to the renewable energy sector, leading to exaggerated claims about the impact of CO2 and natural temperature variations. Contrary to the prevailing rhetoric, there is no substantial evidence of an increase in extreme weather events. Furthermore, cold-related deaths significantly outnumber those caused by heat, emphasising the need for balanced and practical energy policies.

As nations like the United States and Canada reassess their climate strategies, it is crucial for governments to prioritise scientific accuracy and practical solutions over fear-driven agendas. The Albanese government’s commitment to net zero should be reevaluated to prevent economic damage and unnecessary restrictions on CO2, a gas essential for life and prosperity.

The modest, gradual warming of the Earth as it recovers from the Little Ice Age has been wrongly labelled a “crisis,” reflecting the greed-driven distortion of facts by those with vested interests in renewable energy.

China has reportedly unveiled a groundbreaking drone capable of seamlessly transitioning between underwater and aerial operations, marking a significant leap in military technology. These submarine-launched drones, designed with an innovative foldable wing mechanism, boast enhanced survivability in marine battlefields, according to Chinese claims.

The development comes as Beijing expresses concerns over the United States potentially deploying underwater drones near Chinese waters to execute swarm attacks on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) during a possible conflict over Taiwan. Chinese researchers assert that their drones surpass the capabilities of the Pentagon’s unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).

Named “Feiyi”, the drone was developed by teams from Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU) and the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre (CARDC). It features a unique design that enables it to traverse water and air multiple times within a single mission, making it the first of its kind. The foldable wing design allows the drone to minimise water resistance during underwater operations while retaining high manoeuvrability in the air.

Feiyi is equipped with tail-mounted propellers for propulsion and navigation underwater and four pairs of rotating, foldable blades for aerial flight. Its ability to transition seamlessly between mediums enhances its stealth and adaptability, enabling it to perform marine reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions. Reports suggest that its underwater navigation efficiency surpasses most existing cross-medium drones, thanks to the advanced wing-folding technology.

The drone can maintain stability even in rough waves and launch into the air with ease. When landing, it submerges within five seconds as its wings fold to reduce drag. Powered by artificial intelligence, Feiyi can autonomously execute missions with high precision, according to its developers.

In contrast, U.S. drones typically require deployment via torpedo tubes and lack underwater mobility, leaving them more vulnerable to detection and attack.

China’s advancements in cross-medium drones reflect its broader ambitions in military innovation, including hypersonic weapons and solid-fuel ramjet engines. With escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, reports by think tanks like the Centre for a New American Security (CNAS) predict that drones like Feiyi could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of warfare.