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In the annals of aviation history, few projects have captured the imagination and intrigue of enthusiasts and military strategists alike as much as Lockheed Martin’s SR-72, the legendary hypersonic spy plane. Born from the vaunted Skunk Works division, renowned for pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology, the SR-72 was poised to redefine the limits of reconnaissance and strike capabilities.

The story of the SR-72 begins with the unveiling of its predecessor, the iconic SR-71 Blackbird, which soared into the skies during the Cold War era, setting records and gathering intelligence at speeds that seemed inconceivable at the time. Yet, as the world moved into the 21st century, the need for even more advanced and capable reconnaissance platforms became evident.

Enter the SR-72, a project shrouded in secrecy and speculation from its inception. Initial glimpses into its development were marked by sporadic bursts of media attention and tantalizing hints at its capabilities. However, the veil of secrecy surrounding the project was abruptly drawn tighter in March of 2018, leaving many to wonder about its fate.

Despite the sudden silence, whispers persisted within aerospace circles, suggesting that the SR-72 project was far from abandoned. Recent hints have reignited speculation, with suggestions that Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division may have already delivered an advanced iteration of the hypersonic spy plane to the United States Air Force.

The allure of the SR-72 lies not only in its blistering speed but also in its potential to revolutionize reconnaissance and strike missions. With the ability to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 6, it could evade enemy defences and swiftly gather critical intelligence, providing decision-makers with unparalleled situational awareness.

Moreover, the SR-72’s hypersonic capabilities could enable rapid response and precision strikes against high-value targets, further bolstering the military’s ability to project power across the globe.

Yet, for all its promise, the true extent of the SR-72’s capabilities remains shrouded in secrecy, leaving the public to piece together fragments of information and speculation. As rumours swirl and hints surface, one thing is certain: the legend of Lockheed Martin’s hypersonic spy plane endures, standing as a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the aerospace industry.

The final account of USA military equipment and cash left behind in Afghanistan per GAO Report

Thanks to the US Government Accountability Office, we now have a clear picture of just how much U.S. military equipment has fallen into the hands of the Taliban, with the bungled withdrawal from Afghanistan. Let’s have a look…

Aircraft: The Taliban now ranks #26 in the world in total military aircraft, thanks to us leaving behind

208 planes and helicopters:

110 helicopters

60 transport/cargo planes

20 light attack planes

18 intelligence/surveillance planes

Vehicles: You’ve probably seen the footage of the Taliban riding around in our Humvees.

We left a total of 75,898 vehicles:

42,604 tactical vehicles

22,174 Humvees

8,998 medium tactical vehicles

1,005 recovery vehicles

928 mine-resistant vehicles

189 armoured tanks

Weapons: Get ready for this…

599,690 of our weapons are now in the hands of the Taliban:

358,530 rifles

126,295 pistols

64,363 machine guns

25,327 grenade launchers

12,692 shotguns

9,877 RPGs

2,606 howitzers

And you can throw in a couple thousand night-vision goggles, surveillance drones, and communication devices on that list as well.

Price tag: In total, it adds up to nearly $84 billion dollars in tax-payer-funded U.S. military equipment.

Never prepared for such tragic news

NO one begins a day expecting not to be there at the end of it.

Life presents many hazards, most of which with care and attention can be managed though never eliminated.

There are some professions where risks are a normal challenge, the mining, aviation and maritime industries, community first responders and of course, the military.

Risk managers constantly reinforce the simple message, “there are no such things as accidents, there are unsafe acts and unsafe conditions or a combination of both”.

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Never prepared for such tragic news | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

While I was away, I have given a lot of thought about proposal by RSL Queensland to include the acknowledgment of country for Anzac Day ceremonies is not only misguided but also disrespectful to the solemnity and purpose of the occasion. Here’s why this proposal deserves strong criticism:

Anzac Day stands as a solemn national tribute, a sacred occasion to honour the valour and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women. Yet, RSL Queensland’s proposed alteration hijacks this solemnity, shamelessly exploiting it as a platform for political posturing. Such brazen politicization desecrates the memory of those who gave their lives for their country, reducing their noble sacrifice to a mere tool for ideological agendas.

The proposed acknowledgment veers dangerously away from the core ethos of Anzac Day, diluting the reverence owed to our fallen heroes. By prioritizing a vague, politically correct narrative over the solemn tribute to our servicemen and women, RSL Queensland betrays the very essence of this national commemoration. This erosion of tradition and sacrifice is a disgraceful affront to the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our nation.

The vehement backlash from veterans underscores the profound lack of consensus and consultation surrounding this ill-conceived proposal. Critical decisions regarding such sacred commemorations demand meticulous consultation with all stakeholders, particularly veterans and their families. RSL Queensland’s failure to heed this imperative demonstrates a callous disregard for the sentiments of those whose sacrifice Anzac Day exists to honour.

Anzac Day holds profound significance for veterans and their families, serving as a poignant testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering courage of those who served. Yet, RSL Queensland’s proposed revision threatens to betray this legacy, relegating the sacrifices of our servicemen and women to the periphery of the commemorative narrative. Such a betrayal of veterans’ legacy is utterly reprehensible and demands resolute opposition from all who hold dear the values of remembrance and respect.

RSL Queensland’s feeble attempts to justify this revision as an homage to Traditional Owners and Indigenous heritage ring hollow in the face of widespread condemnation. The purported desire for a more “veteran-centric” acknowledgment crumbles under scrutiny, revealing instead a thinly veiled attempt to appease political sensitivities at the expense of solemnity and tradition. Such disingenuous justifications only serve to deepen the outrage and underscore the profound betrayal of Anzac Day’s sacred legacy.

In summation, RSL Queensland’s proposal to include their acknowledgment of country for Anzac Day ceremonies is an egregious betrayal of our nation’s sacred duty to honour and remember the sacrifices of our servicemen and women. It represents a shameful capitulation to political expediency, a callous disregard for tradition and sacrifice, and a profound betrayal of the veterans whose memory Anzac Day exists to honour. This proposal must be unequivocally rejected, and the sanctity of Anzac Day vigorously defended against such crass attempts at politicization and revisionism.

Ray Payne OAM

2 April 2024

PLEASE be seated as we draw inspiration from Isiah 55, which says, “Come, all you who are thirsty but have no money, eat buy wine and milk without money and without cost”.

Now I have your undivided attention, let’s address the vexed issue of religious affairs in the ADF.

Genesis 1:27 offers guidance, “So God created man in his own image, male and female he created them”, and in Romans 2:11, “God shows no partiality”.

Except in the ADF there is one who sits not at the right hand of God, he thinks he IS God.

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Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

ED: Seeing that I’ll be away I’ll leave you with a laugh – See you all when I get back.

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Menopause Is Worse Than PMS – Jeff Allen – 1Funny.com

Creating a simpler, easier to use system for the veteran community. The Government is committed to ensuring that Defence personnel, veterans and their families are well looked after. Highlighted by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide in its Interim Report, and fully supported by the Government , we are simplifying and harmonising veterans’ legislation that governs compensation and rehabilitation, so veterans and their families can more easily get the support they are entitled to. We want your feedback on the draft Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024. Here you can review the proposed changes, understand what’s different and why, learn how changes may impact you, and of course, get involved and provide feedback. An information booklet is also available. Submissions can be provided until 28 April 2024. Visit dva.gov.au to find out more.

Go along with Scripps News for an inside look into the Ukrainian FPV (first person view) Kamikaze drone unit. As artillery shells and rockets run short, Ukraine’s military increasingly turns to FPV drones — marking a new leap in the evolution of Ukraine’s war with Russia. We spend a day in the life of Darwin, a 21-year-old ace FPV drone pilot with Ukraine’s “Achilles” battalion of the 92nd brigade. Darwin hunts targets including Russian tanks, armored personnel carriers and individual soldiers.” Our international correspondent, Jason Bellini, got rare access, over 20 hours, to Darwin and his team. An upcoming episode of Scripps News’ documentary series, “In Real Life,” will focus on the first-person experiences of Darwin, our “kamikaze kid.” This short video is a preview of what’s to come: an all-access view of how Darwin and his team manage to take out, in a single day, nearly a dozen Russian targets.

Oceania Precision, a leading Australian firearms innovator, is unveiling its latest breakthrough in firearm technology. The company’s new “Inclined Radial Locking” bolt system marks a significant step towards domestic defence production. Designed and manufactured in Tamworth, New South Wales, this innovative system reduces friction loading between bolt mating surfaces, particularly in AR/M4 firearms.

Scheduled for extensive testing on the M4 gas-operated rifle platform, commonly used by the US Army and Marine Corps, Oceania Precision’s enhanced bolt system promises enhanced performance and longevity. Already implemented in bolt action rifles, the company plans to offer a complete Australian-made barrel and bolt carrier group package for the US commercial and defence markets.

Jeffrey Bacon, Managing Director of Oceania Precision, expressed confidence in the system’s performance, citing reduced gas requirements and exceptional results, even when suppressed. He emphasized its resilience in adverse conditions, underscoring its role in strengthening Australia’s manufacturing capabilities.

The new system addresses shortcomings in traditional designs and aligns with the Australian government’s Defence Industry Development Strategy. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy recently launched this strategy, which includes increased funding and support for defence industry initiatives, signalling a commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the sector. Oceania Precision plans to market its platform later this year, leveraging Australia’s reputation for quality and precision in manufacturing.

Overall, Oceania Precision’s latest innovation represents a significant advancement in firearm technology, poised to enhance both domestic defence capabilities and Australia’s standing in the global arms market.