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DroneShield Release (PHOTO: DroneShield)

DroneShield, a global leader in counter-drone defence technology, has officially been registered with both the United States and Australian governments under AUKUS, enabling the export of most military and dual-use goods, technologies, and services to the United States and the United Kingdom without the need for an export license.

This development marks a significant milestone in enhancing defence trade and cooperation between AUKUS partners. By eliminating licensing requirements for qualifying products and technologies, the agreement streamlines trade, reduces administrative barriers, and accelerates the delivery of critical capabilities to allied defence forces.

The AUKUS trilateral export agreement, which took effect on September 1, 2024, represents a generational shift in defence industry collaboration. By creating a seamless trade environment between Australia, the US, and the UK, this initiative strengthens industrial partnerships, enhances interoperability, and supports the rapid deployment of cutting-edge defence technologies.

With registration now in place, DroneShield is positioned to leverage the full benefits of this agreement. The removal of export licensing requirements provides a competitive advantage by reducing lead times, simplifying regulatory processes, and expanding opportunities to engage with defence and security partners across the AUKUS nations. This streamlined approach allows for more efficient collaboration on joint projects, research initiatives, and advanced technological developments.

The Australian government has committed $28 million in the 2024-25 budget to support industry engagement and implementation of the new framework. This investment reflects the commitment of AUKUS nations to fostering deeper defence collaboration and ensuring that key capabilities are delivered swiftly and effectively.

Israel Weapon Industries – Release

IWI has introduced ARBEL, an advanced computerized small arms system designed to enhance precision and lethality in modern combat. Building on its 2024 predecessor, the latest version integrates precision-guided suppression fire for light machine guns and rifle-based counter-drone capabilities.

The ARBEL system improves operator accuracy, lethality, and survivability by up to three times, compensating for fatigue and stress. It is particularly effective against fleeting enemy targets, which typically appear for only a few seconds.

For the NEGEV Light Machine Gun, the ARBEL-NEGEV model features an Enhanced Trigger System, adding 900g via grip replacement. This preserves full-auto functionality while introducing an ARBEL-assisted burst mode, improving ammunition conservation during prolonged engagements.

The ARBEL-ARAD variant, achieved through a simple lower receiver replacement, enhances precision and increases hit probability. Maintaining standard weapon controls, it enables operators to engage aerial threats effectively with their standard rifle, requiring minimal additional training.

Supporting engagement distances of up to 450 meters, ARBEL does not require extra equipment for drone interception. Operators can stabilise their weapon using bipods or available support. Compatible with IWI ARAD and any AR-15 platform chambered in 5.56mm, the system maintains full firearm functionality even if the battery is depleted.

With up to 50 hours of continuous operation, ARBEL is optic-agnostic and supports various mission configurations. It meets rigorous military standards, including MIL-STD-810 for harsh environments, ensuring reliability in combat scenarios. Undergoing extensive field testing, ARBEL is proving its effectiveness across diverse operational conditions, reinforcing its role in next-generation infantry warfare.

After nearly six decades of service, the Australian Army is retiring its aging M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier and transitioning to the cutting-edge AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle under Project LAND 400 Phase 3. But what led to this decision, and what does the future hold for Australia’s armoured forces?

Australia’s future armoured forces are getting a major upgrade with the AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). Selected under the Land 400 Phase 3 program, the Redback will replace the aging M113AS4 APCs, bringing cutting-edge firepower, protection, and mobility to the Australian Army.

The Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Hobart has arrived at the Port of Benoa, Bali, to participate in two of Indonesia’s most significant maritime events of 2025: the International Fleet Review and Exercise Komodo 2025. These events highlight Indonesia’s growing prominence in regional maritime security and cooperation, bringing together naval forces from around the world.

The International Fleet Review will mark the 80th anniversary of the formation of the Indonesian Navy, a milestone that underscores the service’s evolution into one of the most professional and capable maritime forces in the Indo-Pacific. The event will showcase a diverse array of naval vessels, demonstrating the strength of Indonesia’s maritime partnerships and its commitment to regional stability.

Following the Fleet Review, HMAS Hobart will take part in Exercise Komodo 2025, a multilateral maritime training exercise scheduled to run from February 16 to 22. This year’s iteration will see the participation of naval assets from 15 nations, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing shared maritime security challenges.

Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, RAN, Chief of Navy, emphasized the significance of these engagements, noting that the widespread international participation reflects Indonesia’s growing influence in the maritime domain. He highlighted the enduring importance of Australian-Indonesian cooperation in strengthening mutual security interests and ensuring stability in the region.

Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC, RAN, Chief of Joint Operations, also underscored Australia’s longstanding support for Exercise Komodo, marking the fifth time the Australian Defence Force has participated. The exercise will feature various operational scenarios, including a coordinated maritime search and rescue operation designed to enhance interoperability and preparedness for regional contingencies.

The crew of HMAS Hobart is honoured to be part of these prestigious events, recognizing the opportunity to further deepen ties with regional partners and contribute to a shared vision of a secure and open Indo-Pacific. The ship’s participation is part of the Australian Defence Force’s first Regional Presence Deployment for 2025, which is set to conclude in late February.

Through its Indo-Pacific Regional Presence Deployments, Australia reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a near-continuous presence in the region, working alongside allies and partners to support regional security and stability. As HMAS Hobart sails into these landmark events, it carries with it a message of cooperation, resilience, and a shared dedication to a peaceful and secure maritime environment.

With the Population Aging and the Birthrate Declining, Immigration Is Not Just Beneficial, It’s Essential

But Why Is the Government Unable or Unwilling to Control It?

Australia is facing a demographic challenge: an aging population and a declining birthrate. Immigration is not just beneficial; it is essential to maintaining our workforce and economic stability. However, the current migration system is poorly designed, lacks strategic oversight, and exacerbates existing economic and social pressures.

Despite the clear need for a well-managed immigration program, the government appears either unable or unwilling to control it effectively. The influence of powerful business and higher education lobbies has led to an immigration system that prioritises profit over national interest. Yet, the fundamental rule of politics is self-preservation, and the cost-of-living crisis, particularly housing affordability, has become an existential problem for any government in power.

Lessons from abroad should not be ignored. The rise of far-right movements in Europe and the resurgence of Donald Trump in the United States highlight what happens when governments fail to take immigration concerns seriously. If Australia’s political leaders do not address these issues, public dissatisfaction will continue to grow, potentially leading to similar political shifts.

The first step toward a sustainable migration policy is setting a clear net migration target and assigning responsibility to a dedicated cabinet minister, as was standard practice for most of the post-World War II era. Immigration should not be treated as an afterthought within the broader Home Affairs portfolio.

One of the most pressing concerns is the impact of foreign students on the migration system. Currently, there are approximately one million foreign students and former students on temporary visas, with at least 100,000 seeking permanent residency. This backlog must be addressed to prevent further strain on infrastructure and public services.

The government’s attempt to cap foreign students last year failed due to bureaucratic inefficiencies. The proposed approach, setting individual targets for hundreds of tertiary institutions and renegotiating them annually, was impractical. However, a more streamlined and enforceable policy must be developed in collaboration with the crossbench.

Australia must shift its focus toward skilled migration, ensuring that new arrivals contribute meaningfully to the economy. The current system allows too many migrants to enter the country without the necessary qualifications, leading to declining productivity and economic stagnation.

One major issue is the recognition of foreign qualifications, particularly in construction and other skilled trades. Many migrants who possess valuable skills are unable to work in their trained professions due to restrictive policies. Meanwhile, unskilled workers continue to enter the country, often through pathways originally designed for education rather than employment.

The reality is that too many international students graduate from Australian universities and end up in unskilled jobs. This must change. The primary goal of the migration system should be to attract and retain high-quality professionals, not to serve as a loophole for low-wage labour.

Beyond student visas, family reunion policies must be reassessed. While reuniting families is a compassionate goal, it should not come at the cost of economic sustainability. The current system allows too many dependents to enter the country without clear pathways to employment.

Additionally, Australia must be more selective regarding immigration from regions where integration has been historically challenging. Cultural cohesion and social stability must be considered alongside economic factors. If other countries can implement stricter criteria for immigration, there is no reason Australia cannot do the same.

A well-structured immigration system is crucial to Australia’s long-term success. The current approach is unsustainable and risks further economic and social destabilisation. By prioritising skilled migration, limiting unskilled entries, reassessing family reunion policies, and streamlining student visa regulations, Australia can build a system that benefits the nation rather than burdening it.

The government must act now, before public frustration turns into political upheaval. The time for half-measures and bureaucratic inefficiency is over. Australia needs a migration policy that works—one that ensures economic growth, social stability, and national security for generations to come.

High-intensity multinational training concluded at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, where air forces from Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom engaged in joint exercises designed to test and enhance operational capabilities. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) deployed approximately 430 personnel and 18 aircraft to participate in Exercises Red Flag Nellis 25-1 and Bamboo Eagle 25-1.

These exercises featured complex warfighting scenarios conducted across extensive training ranges and airspace in the western United States. Designed to replicate the challenges of contemporary air operations, they required aviators from all three nations to integrate their aircraft and systems to conduct joint missions effectively.

Exercise Red Flag Nellis, an annual event led by the United States Air Force since 1975, included two weeks of both day- and night-time missions within the Nevada Test and Training Range. Meanwhile, Exercise Bamboo Eagle focused on executing long-range missions in the Indo-Pacific context, testing the integration of air and multi-domain capabilities. With participation from over a hundred aircraft and thousands of personnel, Bamboo Eagle presented a uniquely large-scale and complex training environment.

The RAAF contingent featured a diverse mix of cutting-edge aircraft, including F-35A Lightning IIs, F/A-18F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and an E-7A Wedgetail. Additionally, a No. 41 Wing Tactical Command and Control Team was deployed to enhance coordination and operational effectiveness.

Australia’s involvement in these exercises aligns with its National Defence Strategy, ensuring that the RAAF remains prepared to integrate seamlessly into coalition operations. The training provided valuable experience, reinforced proven tactics, and strengthened working relationships with key allies. The collaboration between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom in these high-intensity scenarios underscores a shared commitment to regional and global security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

The federal government’s controversial decision to strip commanding officers of their medals over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan has sparked fierce backlash, with at least one officer formally challenging the move. This latest challenge, now being processed within the Defence Department, has further delayed an already drawn-out process that has been met with widespread anger from veterans.

Defence Minister Richard Marles announced in September that a number of current and former officers would have their distinguished service medals revoked. However, he refused to disclose the exact number, stating only that it was fewer than ten. Now, with at least one officer contesting the decision, the process has been further prolonged by at least four months.

A spokesperson for Mr. Marles confirmed last week that the honour roll will only be updated once the appeal process is complete, stating:

“Certain honours and awards attract additional processes and procedural fairness arrangements that must be followed. Any decision to cancel an honour or award after that process concludes will be reflected on the honour roll.”

While not all affected commanders have publicly challenged the decision, veterans and former service members have overwhelmingly condemned the process, arguing that the Brereton Report does not reflect the realities of combat.

The inquiry, led by Major General Paul Brereton, claimed to have found “credible information” that war crimes were committed by Australian soldiers between 2005 and 2016. However, Brereton also acknowledged that there was no evidence that commanding officers or higher-ranking officials were aware of these alleged crimes. Despite this, his report recommended stripping medals from those in leadership positions, particularly within the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), for fostering what he termed a “warrior culture.”

Veterans argue that these findings unfairly punish officers who were not directly involved in any wrongdoing and that the recommendations fail to acknowledge the complexities of war. Many believe the report was politically motivated and out of touch with frontline realities.

General Angus Campbell, the Chief of the Defence Force, has been at the centre of the controversy, with veterans openly expressing their distrust in his leadership. During a recent parliamentary hearing, former soldiers labelled Campbell a “traitor” for what they see as his betrayal of Afghanistan veterans and accused him of allowing the Brereton Report to tarnish the reputations of those who served.

The hearing also revealed growing frustration within the veteran community over how military honours and awards are handled, with calls for a complete overhaul of the system.

Adding to the secrecy of the process, the government has indicated that the names of some officers who have had their decorations revoked may never be made public, as many were originally awarded under pseudonyms to protect their identities.

The decision to strip medals ultimately rests with Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who acts on the advice of the Defence Minister. However, her office has remained tight-lipped, refusing to comment until the process is finalised.

Veterans and their supporters remain deeply disillusioned with the handling of the Brereton Report’s fallout. They argue that the government’s actions have not only damaged morale but also smeared the legacy of those who served with distinction. For many, the stripping of medals is not a pursuit of justice, but an act of political scapegoating that fails to respect the sacrifices made by Australia’s frontline soldiers.

Image: Christopher Bellis (AWM BEL/69/0361/VN)

Luscombe Airfield was the primary runway servicing the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) base at Nui Dat, located in Phuoc Tuy Province, III Corps Tactical Zone (CTZ), during the Vietnam War. This strategically significant airstrip played a vital role in sustaining Australian military operations, enabling the rapid deployment of troops, equipment, and supplies.

In this image, taken in June 1969, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Caribou transport aircraft can be seen pivoting on the runway after landing. The Caribou, renowned for its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, was a workhorse for the RAAF, ensuring a steady flow of logistics and personnel to and from the war zone.

Luscombe Airfield was named in honor of Lieutenant Bryan Taylor Luscombe, the first Australian Army pilot killed in action during the Korean War. Its construction began shortly after the establishment of the 1ATF base in 1966, with Royal Australian Engineers and Army aviation personnel working under challenging conditions to carve the airstrip from the dense jungle.

The airfield was officially opened on 5 December 1966 in a modest ceremony. A small guard of honour, composed of engineers and Army aviators, stood flanked by light aircraft and earthmoving equipment. Brigadier Oliver David Jackson, the Commander of 1ATF, presided over the event, unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

Luscombe Airfield remained a crucial logistical hub for the duration of Australia’s involvement in Vietnam, facilitating resupply missions, medical evacuations, and troop movements until the withdrawal of 1ATF in 1971.

Captain John Methven’s experiences and dedication to advocating for Vietnam veterans and the recognition of their sacrifices are truly admirable. It is important to listen to veterans like him, who can provide valuable insights into the realities of conscription and the impact of war on individuals. The process of conscription during the Vietnam War, which involved drawing birth dates from a barrel, has been a subject of controversy. John Methven highlights the unfairness of this system and explains why it was flawed. His perspective sheds light on the challenges faced by those who were conscripted and the impact it had on their lives. Additionally, John recounts the stories of the first Australian national serviceman killed in Vietnam and the efforts made to recover the remains of six Australians who went missing in action. These stories highlight the dedication and comradeship that exists among soldiers, even after the war has ended. John’s commitment to supporting veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the impacts of Agent Orange is commendable. These are important issues that require attention and support, and his efforts in this regard contribute to the well-being of Vietnam veterans. Lastly, John’s role as the founder and curator of the National Vietnam Veterans Museum at Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia, showcases his dedication to preserving the history and experiences of Vietnam veterans. This museum provides a space for reflection and remembrance, ensuring that the sacrifices of those who served are acknowledged and remembered.