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The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum officially opened its doors to the public on Saturday, 6th September 2014, and has since become one of the most significant military heritage attractions in the country. Located in Cairns, Queensland, the museum is privately owned and proudly holds the title of being the largest museum of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

Dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of armoured warfare and artillery, the museum boasts an impressive and ever-growing collection of over 220 armoured vehicles and artillery pieces from around the world. Many of these rare and historically significant exhibits are unique to Australia, making the museum an essential destination for military enthusiasts, historians, and curious visitors alike.

The collection spans numerous eras and nations, featuring everything from World War I field guns to modern-day tanks and self-propelled guns. Visitors can explore examples of engineering and design from major military powers including Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, the former Soviet Union, and more.

The museum is committed to continual improvement and expansion. Our dedicated team is constantly seeking new and rare additions to enhance the diversity and depth of the collection, ensuring that each visit offers something new and enriching. Whether you’re a passionate historian or simply fascinated by military technology, the Australian Armour & Artillery Museum offers a powerful insight into the machines that have shaped the battlefield.

We welcome visitors from all walks of life and take pride in providing a memorable and educational experience that honours the legacy of armoured and artillery warfare throughout history.

In this video, the Spartan puts on a spectacular low-level airshow display, showcasing the agility and performance that make it a standout in tactical airlift operations. Purpose-built for rugged environments, the C-27J has earned its reputation as the RAAF’s ultimate “bush plane” capable of operating from short, unsealed runways across remote Australia and beyond.

Watch as this versatile aircraft demonstrates its dynamic capabilities in a live air display, highlighting its crucial role in military logistics, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions. With a high-wing design, exceptional short takeoff and landing performance, and a tough, no-nonsense build, the Spartan bridges the gap between large strategic airlifters and smaller utility aircraft delivering people and supplies where others simply can’t.

This video offers an up-close look at one of the most capable and reliable tactical transports in service today. Discover how the C-27J Spartan boosts Australia’s air mobility and why it’s an indispensable asset in the modern RAAF fleet.

Australia’s housing crisis continues to intensify under the pressure of high population growth, with immigration playing a central role. While the country has long benefitted from a vibrant, multicultural population, the pace of recent migration has outstripped the nation’s ability to provide adequate infrastructure, particularly in housing.

According to the 2021 census data, the vast majority of permanent migrants arriving since 2000 have settled in capital cities. More than two-thirds have chosen Sydney or Melbourne, placing unprecedented pressure on urban planning, housing development, and essential services. These figures exclude those on temporary visas, such as international students and working holiday-makers, whose presence further swells local populations.

The effect on housing is stark. Suburban growth corridors, particularly on the fringes of major cities, are struggling to keep up. Local councils have revised housing targets into the tens of thousands, yet still find themselves falling behind. Thousands of new homes are planned or under construction, but they are simply not being completed fast enough to match demand. Rapid urban growth also means roads, rail networks, and public transport systems are stretched beyond capacity.

Some suburbs are growing by more than 30 people per week. Birth rates in these areas are also high, leading to a youthful demographic that will need schools, medical centres, and public facilities, none of which can be developed overnight. New estates often have no bus connections, while train stations are overwhelmed, and roads are becoming increasingly congested.

This unrelenting population growth has made housing unaffordable for many Australians. Renters face skyrocketing costs, with vacancy rates at historic lows in most capital cities. First home buyers are being priced out of the market altogether. The government’s attempts to build more social and affordable housing are being dwarfed by the sheer scale of demand.

Migration is just one component of the housing challenge, but it is the one most within the control of policymakers in the short term. While long-term immigration brings economic and cultural benefits, the immediate needs of Australia’s citizens and permanent residents must take precedence. Without a temporary reduction in migration, the housing crisis will deepen, further disadvantaging low- and middle-income Australians.

Some political parties have proposed cuts to net migration numbers, arguing that this would ease pressure on housing and infrastructure. Others have suggested capping the intake of international students. While the long-term economic value of migrants and foreign students should not be dismissed, these measures may offer a necessary circuit breaker while housing and services catch up.

Australia is not turning its back on migration, it is asking for breathing space. A temporary slowdown, paired with a national housing strategy and stronger infrastructure investment, would help restore balance. Without such adjustments, the country risks social division, urban sprawl, and growing inequality.

To ensure a prosperous, cohesive, and sustainable future, Australia must align its population growth with its capacity to house and support its people. The time for decisive action is now.

Pearson Engineering has secured a contract with Hanwha Defence Australia to deliver 131 combat dozer blades for the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The blades will enhance battlefield mobility and engineering tasks, contributing to the Australian Army’s LAND 400 Phase 3 program.

Photo: A Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle equipped with Pearson Engineering’s combat dozer blade, designed to enhance obstacle-clearing and battlefield mobility capabilities under Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 3 program(Picture source: Pearson Engineering)

An LRASM is launched from an RAAF F/A-18F during the operational test in February. Photo: ADF.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has taken a major step forward in enhancing its maritime strike capabilities with the successful operational test of the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).

In late February, two RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets launched LRASMs over the Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of California, striking a barge loaded with containers that simulated a hostile ship. The test validated not only the missiles’ performance, but also the RAAF’s preparedness in weapons loading, mission planning, and coordination with supporting platforms.

Supporting the exercise were RAAF E-7A Wedgetail command and control aircraft, EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The successful test confirms the RAAF’s readiness to induct the LRASM into operational service and affirms previous US Navy testing from its own Super Hornets.

With an estimated range of over 400 kilometres, the stealthy LRASM provides a decisive stand-off capability. Powered by a small jet engine and guided by GPS, the missile follows a pre-planned flight path before switching to an autonomous terminal phase, using advanced sensors and an internal database to identify and engage hostile ships while avoiding friendly and civilian vessels.

Minister for Defence Richard Marles hailed the milestone, stating that advanced systems like LRASM will play a critical role in safeguarding Australia and its regional interests.

“These weapon systems equip our forces to better protect Australia’s maritime approaches and, when necessary, conduct operations in our region,” he said. “It will be seen across the Super Hornet, Poseidon and F-35 fleets. The successful firing of the LRASM wouldn’t have been possible without the participation of our allies and industry partners, like the United States and Lockheed Martin.”

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, emphasised that long-range strike capabilities such as LRASM are central to the Albanese Government’s defence priorities.

“The acquisition of LRASM is a significant step-up in long-range strike for our air force and underscores the Government’s commitment to equipping the ADF with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe,” Conroy said.

The recent LRASM trial was part of a broader RAAF deployment to the United States spanning December to February. This deployment included participation in advanced exercises such as Red Flag Nellis 25-1 and Bamboo Eagle 25-1 across Nevada and California. RAAF Growlers also conducted test flights in California with the cutting-edge AN/ALQ-249(v)1 Next Generation Jammer pod.

The LRASM is being procured under Project AIR 3023 Phase 1, which seeks to replace the ageing AGM-84 Harpoon missile with a more survivable and capable option for Australia’s Super Hornets, P-8A Poseidons and F-35A Lightning IIs. The programme will also see the introduction of the KONGSBERG Joint Strike Missile for the F-35A.

The RAAF is set to field all three variants of Lockheed Martin’s AGM-158 family: the AGM-158A JASSM, previously carried by the now-retired F/A-18A-B Classic Hornets; the AGM-158B JASSM-ER, selected for the Super Hornets; and now the AGM-158C LRASM, providing the ADF with a comprehensive, long-range strike solution tailored for modern maritime conflict.

The Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace

An upgraded Mirage 2000D RMV carrying a MICA IR air-to-air missile and a SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missile. ( credit: French Air and Space Force)

The Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (French Air and Space Force) has officially declared the Mirage 2000D RMV (Rénovation Mi-Vie – Mid-Life Upgrade) operational, signalling the near completion of a major modernisation programme. In a ceremony held on 9 April 2025 at Nancy-Ochey Air Base, home of the 3rd Fighter Wing, four upgraded aircraft showcased the full spectrum of their new capabilities in flight.

The RMV upgrade programme has taken nine years to evolve from concept to operational deployment. “From paper to aircraft, from idea to operational commitment,” said Major General Vincent Chusseau, Deputy Chief of Plans and Programmes. “Behind this success are the engineers, technicians, mechanics, and Airmen who made this transformation possible.”

By the end of 2025, 50 Mirage 2000D airframes will have undergone deep modernisation, extending their service life until 2035. After that, the aircraft will be replaced by the Rafale F5, partnered with an advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) derived from the nEUROn demonstrator.

Key Enhancements

The Mirage 2000D RMV now boasts a range of modern systems designed to increase lethality, survivability, and situational awareness. These include:

• CC422 30 mm Gun Pod: Mounted under the left engine intake, it equips the aircraft with close air support capability, replacing the Mirage 2000D’s previous reliance solely on precision munitions.
• MICA IR Missiles: These modern short-range infrared-guided missiles replace the outdated Magic II and are now standard across both Mirage and Rafale fleets.
• Enhanced Paveway II Bombs: The RMV can now deploy GBU-48 (1,000 lb) and GBU-50 (2,000 lb) munitions, in addition to the previously integrated GBU-49 (500 lb), offering flexible precision strike options.
• TALIOS Targeting Pod: Replacing several older systems, TALIOS improves target identification and engagement and brings the Mirage fleet in line with Rafale capability.
• ASTAC Electronic Warfare Suite: Offers tactical signal analysis for battlefield awareness and survivability.
• Modern Cockpit and Mission Computer: Upgrades include digital multi-function displays, a new mission computer running PANDA, LION, SINGE and LIANE software suites, and compatibility with advanced pilot gear such as the Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display (HMD).

Although the Scorpion HMD was not officially confirmed by the French Ministry of Armed Forces, sightings of pilots wearing the system during earlier trials suggest its inclusion is likely.

Weapons Demonstration

Imagery from the commissioning event and prior test flights in Djibouti revealed multiple combat configurations. One Mirage carried a SCALP-EG cruise missile and MICA IR on outer hardpoints, while another flew with a combination of GBU-48 and GBU-50 guided bombs, the TALIOS pod, and the new gun pod. These flexible loadouts reflect the RMV’s multirole capability across a variety of combat scenarios.

A Symbol of Adaptability

First introduced in the 1990s, the Mirage 2000D was specifically designed for day-and-night, all-weather ground attack missions, operating at high speeds and low altitudes. However, evolving threats and the increasing complexity of air combat and intelligence operations necessitated a comprehensive upgrade.

In its press release, the Air and Space Force called the Mirage 2000D a “symbol of precision and reliability,” and praised the RMV programme for preparing the aircraft for the challenges of modern warfare. “New optimised weapon systems, improved connectivity, and a modernised cockpit make this aircraft a platform resolutely geared toward a rapidly changing environment,” the service noted.

Looking Ahead

The upgrade initiative was launched in 2016 following a contract with Dassault Aviation, and was aligned with France’s 2014 Military Programming Law aimed at preserving combat effectiveness within budgetary constraints. Beyond hardware, a key component of the RMV success has been the close integration between frontline aircrews and software developers, particularly the ESIOC (Operational Information Systems and Cyberdefence Squadron) at Mont-de-Marsan.

According to the Ministry, onboard software is now continuously updated in a “short loop,” enabling tactical data sharing and responsiveness during missions. This digital architecture enhances real-time decision-making and forms the backbone of the RMV’s combat efficiency.

In summarising the programme’s achievement, Maj. Gen. Chusseau said, “This operational commissioning is the culmination of a collective effort… We salute the work of the industrial teams, engineers, and military personnel who made this modernisation possible.”

With the Mirage 2000D RMV now in active service, France has reinvigorated one of its most iconic combat aircraft for another decade of relevance on the battlefield.

Stepping onto the dusty, dimly lit streets of Baidoa, Somalia, at 3am was like entering another world for newly promoted Corporal Terry Conner. It was January 1993, and his section was spearheading the first patrol of Operation Solace, Australia’s response to a dire humanitarian crisis unfolding thousands of kilometres from home.

“Everything was different, the smells, the people,” Mr Conner recalled. “There were meat markets and stalls, but they didn’t have a great deal of stuff. It wasn’t until you went out into the villages that you really saw they were definitely suffering.”

Over the following 17 weeks, soldiers of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), would face scorching heat, sporadic gunfire from militia, and the daily toll of famine and civil war. Deployed under the US-led United Task Force, their mission was to stabilise the region, provide security for humanitarian aid, and restore some semblance of order in a country devastated by the collapse of the Somali Democratic Republic in 1991.

Rapid Deployment, Steep Learning Curve

For Corporal Conner and many others, the deployment came with little notice. He was in the field when he received the call to prepare for an overseas mission, destination unknown. Preparation was condensed into a whirlwind of briefings, equipment checks, and a final Christmas dinner with family before boarding HMAS Jervis Bay on Christmas Eve.

“I didn’t have an idea where Somalia was, and no idea what was occurring there at all,” he said.

During the 28-day sea transit, the infantrymen trained intensively and received daily briefings on the escalating situation they were heading into. By 17 January 1993, they were boots on the ground in Baidoa, then known as “the city of death”, the epicentre of the 1992 famine.

Despite having trained primarily in jungle warfare back home, the soldiers quickly adapted to the demands of urban and town patrolling. “Our training had been excellent,” Mr Conner said. “The fundamentals of soldiering and patrolling were still used, we just had to tweak it a bit.”

Relentless Patrols, Human Toll

The battalion established a punishing routine, three-hour patrols every three days, interspersed with brief rest periods often filled with planning and camp duties. Security operations included the confiscation of over 1000 weapons from Somali militia and the protection of food convoys and distribution points. With no reliable maps, soldiers painstakingly hand-drew operational diagrams to identify key landmarks and NGO facilities.

More than 1100 patrols were conducted during the deployment.

But it wasn’t just the danger of firefights that left a lasting impression, it was the desperation of the Somali people.

“We treated people at checkpoints who had been shot in the chest. Children who’d been wounded playing with explosives. There was one girl who had her hand blown off,” Mr Conner remembered sombrely.

Initially wary of the foreign troops, local Somalis gradually warmed to the Australians. Through countless acts of compassion and professionalism, trust was slowly built. Operation Solace is widely regarded as a success, with improved food security and the first steps towards rebuilding Baidoa.

Recognition and Reflection

Tragically, the deployment was not without loss. Lance-Corporal Shannon McAliney was killed by accidental fire while on patrol, a sombre reminder of the risks even in non-combat operations.

More than 900 Australian troops served in Operation Solace, including units from the 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Field Regiment, 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment and 103rd Signals Squadron. Their collective efforts were recently recognised when the 1RAR battalion group was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for “outstanding professionalism and exemplary conduct.”

The award was formally presented by Governor-General Sam Moyston during a commemorative parade at Lavarack Barracks on 7 April. In a moving gesture, veterans of the Somalia deployment were invited to present the citation to current serving members of 1RAR.

Lieutenant Colonel Benedict Farrell, Commanding Officer of 1RAR, reflected on the significance of the honour.

“This is of major significance to 1RAR,” he said. “We are the stewards of the battalion and we maintain the customs and traditions set by those before us. It’s not just about remembering their deployment, but also for a lot of the soldiers, their friends they’ve lost over the last 30 years.”

Honouring Individual Bravery

Among those recognised individually for their exceptional service during Operation Solace was Corporal Thomas Aitken, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM). His bravery under fire during a tense exchange with Somali militia, in which he protected both civilians and fellow soldiers, exemplified the highest standards of courage and composure. His citation noted his “extraordinary devotion to duty in circumstances of great peril.”

Corporal Aitken’s legacy serves as a reminder of the quiet heroism that defined Australia’s mission in Somalia, professional, compassionate, and determined.

A Career and Legacy

For Mr Conner, Somalia marked a turning point in a distinguished 28-year career, which later included deployments to Timor and Afghanistan. Yet, the memory of Operation Solace stands out.

“The entire group, not just us infantry boys, had to adapt and change a lot of the ways we were used to doing things,” he said. “But at the same time, we maintained the fundamentals of how we did our jobs. I think everyone’s quite proud of what we did and very grateful that there has been recognition.”

Three decades on, the memories of Baidoa remain etched in the minds of those who served, but so too does the pride in a mission that made a difference, in a place that needed it most.

UK Defence Release

A photo shared by the U.K. Ministry of Defense shows a “RapidDestroyer” Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) system.

Here’s one for all you weapons enthusiasts: the UK military has taken a significant step forward in its defence capabilities with the successful testing of a new high-tech weapon system—the RapidDestroyer. This radio-frequency directed energy weapon is specifically designed to counter the rising threat of drone swarms and was recently trialled during a major military exercise in Wales.

As witnessed in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, drones have emerged as a pivotal component of modern warfare. Their affordability, adaptability, and capacity to inflict damage far outweigh their size, making them a formidable tool on the battlefield. In light of this, the UK’s latest trial suggests that the RapidDestroyer could prove essential in safeguarding British airspace from such threats in future conflicts.

During the exercise—hailed as the UK’s largest counter-drone swarm trial to date—British soldiers were able to “track, target and defeat” over 100 drones. These successful interceptions took place at a specialised military testing range in Wales, marking a milestone in the UK’s efforts to address the growing menace posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The RapidDestroyer system, developed by a consortium led by Thales UK (the British division of the French defence giant), uses concentrated radio-frequency energy to disrupt the internal components of drones, rendering them inoperable. It currently boasts an effective range of approximately half a mile, and with each ‘shot’ costing just around $0.18, the system presents a highly economical solution compared to traditional missile-based defences.

This test is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to modernise its capabilities in response to rapidly evolving threats. From the financial year 2025–26 onwards, the MoD plans to dedicate at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget to innovative technologies like directed energy weapons. This investment underscores the UK’s commitment to staying ahead in a rapidly changing global security environment.

Looking forward, developers are working on extending the RapidDestroyer’s operational range and broadening its practical uses. Future enhancements may enable it to protect key locations such as military bases, airports, and critical infrastructure. The UK’s initiative mirrors similar efforts in countries like the United States, where microwave-based energy systems are also being trialled for drone defence.

In an era where the battlefield is becoming increasingly dominated by small, agile, and potentially autonomous machines, weapons like the RapidDestroyer represent a crucial line of defence. With continued development, it could well become a mainstay in the UK’s arsenal for years to come.

The Times

A United States airstrike on the Ras Isa oil port in Yemen has reportedly resulted in one of the highest single-day death tolls in a month-long campaign against Houthi-controlled sites. According to Houthi-run media, the strike killed 33 individuals and injured 80 others. The U.S. government has maintained that the operation was a targeted effort to disrupt the Houthi movement’s financial infrastructure, rather than an attack on civilians.

The Attack on Ras Isa

The Ras Isa oil port, under the control of Houthi forces, has long served as a crucial revenue source for the group, which has been involved in a protracted conflict in Yemen for over a decade. The U.S. military launched the recent strike as part of a broader campaign authorised by President Trump, which began on 15 March. The campaign’s objective has been twofold: to curb the Houthis’ capacity to fund their operations and to safeguard international shipping routes, particularly in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have seen increasing attacks on commercial vessels.

Casualty Figures and Conflicting Narratives

While the United States has yet to confirm the casualty figures, Houthi media outlets released detailed reports and graphic footage claiming that 33 people were killed and 80 wounded in the strike. If accurate, these numbers would represent one of the deadliest days since the start of the U.S. campaign. Independent verification of the toll remains difficult due to restricted access to the area and the ongoing conflict.

As is often the case in such military operations, particularly in regions with active propaganda efforts on both sides, the truth about who was killed can be contentious. Questions persist around how many of the casualties were civilians, how many were unintended victims of collateral damage, and how many were legitimate military targets.

U.S. Justification and Strategic Objectives

U.S. Central Command defended the airstrike, reiterating that the port was a financial hub used to sustain terrorist activity. In a public statement, the command emphasised that the operation was intended to disrupt funding sources, not to target the Yemeni people. “This strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen, who rightly want to throw off the yoke of Houthi subjugation and live peacefully,” the statement read.

This latest incident highlights a recurring dilemma in modern warfare: the challenge of distinguishing combatants from civilians in asymmetric conflicts. Much like the debates surrounding casualty figures in Gaza or other conflict zones, the question of civilian harm versus militant loss becomes a battleground of its own, with each side seeking to sway international opinion.

Looking Ahead

As the campaign continues, the humanitarian cost is likely to remain a point of contention. With both the Houthis and the U.S. sticking to their respective narratives, the international community faces increasing pressure to demand transparency, accountability, and a renewed push for diplomatic solutions. The events at Ras Isa may mark a turning point in public perception and could potentially prompt renewed efforts to end the ongoing violence in Yemen.

ED: This YouTube video came in my inbox – my comment is below.

Kerry Packer’s Political Philosophy

Kerry Packer, the ultimate Australian. He was an Australian who stood up, had a go, and succeeded! We need more Australians like him.

ED: I think we need stronger leaders like Kerry Packer guiding the industry here in Australia today. His no-nonsense approach, business acumen, and willingness to call out government overreach were qualities that are sorely lacking in many of our current industry figures. Having re-watched the memorable footage of Packer fronting a parliamentary committee, firmly and eloquently telling our Federal Government members exactly what he thought about proposed legislative changes he believed were unfair. It was a masterclass in speaking truth to power, something we could use a lot more of in today’s political and business landscape.