The Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II was designed specifically for close-air support and has proven to be one of the most effective anti-tank aircraft ever created thanks to its distinctive GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm gun. The United States Air Force proved earlier this year how the aircraft, known among its pilots as the “Warthog,” is capable of taking out contemporary tanks with upgraded armor.
The “Aboriginal Industry” has become a domain populated by ill-informed urban myth-makers and charlatans, promoting an exaggerated and sometimes fabricated version of Aboriginal culture. This includes claims about indigenous knowledge spanning agriculture, water management, fire practices, art, fashion, astronomy, and ceremonial rituals like the “Welcome to Country.” This misrepresentation seeks to convince contemporary Australians of a romanticized view of the past, one that does not align with historical reality.
Moreover, authentic accounts of early Aboriginal life and culture have been sidelined, replaced by narratives focused on “invasion, colonization, and inter-generational trauma.” It is increasingly rare to find history books about Aborigines in educational institutions that are more than fifteen years old, leading to a concerning trend of cultural censorship and erasure.
The recent emphasis on the so-called “frontier wars” perpetuates this distortion of history, serving as a convenient replacement narrative intended to elevate the status of Aboriginal people while vilifying settlers. This revisionist approach seeks to depict Australia’s history as inherently genocidal and racist, a notion that is both misleading and divisive.
The concept of “self-determination” for many who identify as Aboriginal often translates to a disregard for societal norms, such as keeping children in school and abstaining from clan and domestic violence. This is especially noticeable on the turbulent streets of Alice Springs, where “self-determination” is sometimes interpreted as “we’ll do as we please, and you’ll bear the cost.”
In this context, “self-determination” has become a tool for colonizing and taking control, often without reciprocal contributions to white institutions, judiciaries, organizations, and bureaucracies. Some individuals, with minimal indigenous heritage, now exclusively identify as Aboriginal, leveraging this identity for economic and social advantages. This is driven by a select group of activists whose ultimate goal is to establish a hierarchy where one race enjoys a preeminent position over all others.
The proliferation of bans on activities like climbing Uluru, Mt. Warning, Mt. Gillen, and many Grampians climbs, purportedly due to “cultural” reasons, has led to accusations of rent-seeking. Even in the case of Mt. Warning, reopening the climb is being considered, but only for those willing to pay a fee and be escorted by indigenous guides, further fuelling these allegations.
Australian place names are also undergoing rapid changes, with Aboriginal names replacing existing ones, often with uncertain authenticity. These alterations, presented as claims to ownership and sovereignty, are not genuine expressions of respect for Aboriginal culture but rather subtle attempts at cultural takeover.
The push for an Aboriginal “Voice” is not about “closing the gap” or giving Aborigines a say; it can be achieved without altering the Constitution. Rather, it represents a broader drive toward Aboriginal sovereignty, necessitating a change to the nation’s foundational document. This move, if successful, threatens to divide Australia along racial lines.
What remains hidden in plain sight is the government’s intention to fund and promote the “Yes” campaign while stifling dissent from the “No” side by labelling it as “misinformation.” This tactic has already been witnessed in attacks on individuals like Jacinta Price. Additionally, the taxpayer-funded ABC and SBS contribute to a daily barrage of pro-“Yes” propaganda.
In conclusion, remote Aboriginal Australians find themselves unwitting pawns in a power struggle within the white majority. The “Voice” initiative is just the latest effort by the left-bureaucratic class to exert more control and further their agendas, potentially at the expense of broader societal harmony.
Photo: A US Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft is deployed to Lask Air Base in Poland. Photo: US Air Force/52nd Fighter wing.
By Robert Dougherty – Defence Connect
A formation of US Air Force F-16 fighter jets has arrived in Romania to enhance NATO air policing over the Black Sea.
Four US Air Force F-16 fighter jets arrived at Romanian Air Force 86th Air Base “Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță” near the town of Fetesti in Romania on 22 September.
Romania has previously signed a letter of intent with the Netherlands and Lockheed Martin for a European F-16 Training Centre in the country. The facility would allow training of pilots and maintainers.
Earlier this year, Romania also announced intentions to acquire 32 F-16 Fighting Falcon Mid-Life Update Block 10/15 fighter aircraft via a third-party transfer from Norway in a possible US$105 million foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
Acting NATO Spokesperson Dylan White said NATO has reinforced its presence in the eastern part of the alliance including with new multinational battlegroups, more air and maritime presence, and regular surveillance flights, since Russia’s full-fledged invasion of Ukraine.
“I welcome the United States’ deployment of additional F-16 fighter jets to NATO’s air policing mission in Romania,” he said.
“This sends a clear message that we will protect every ally.
“As Russia continues its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, we have seen a number of strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure very close to NATO territory.
“We remain vigilant and in close contact with allies in the region.”
Ukraine has also announced intentions to acquire the aircraft, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meeting with Dutch and Danish leadership to negotiate for the donation of a possible 61 F-16 fighter jets in August this year.
More than 3,100 F-16s are in operation internationally across 25 countries and have flown an estimated 19.5 million flight hours and taken part in at least 13 million sorties.
Lockheed Martin officially unveiled the first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft destined for Europe at its facility in South Carolina earlier this year.
LAND 400 Phase 3 represents a monumental step forward for the modernization of infantry combat. With an estimated budget of $18-21 billion, the project aspires to procure and support nearly 450 cutting-edge infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), signifying a transformative moment for the armed forces.
Replacing Legacy Systems
These state-of-the-art IFVs will serve as successors to the Army’s M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers, a mainstay since the 1960s. These carriers have weathered the test of time but are becoming increasingly mismatched for the rapidly evolving theatre of warfare. As a result, there’s a pressing need for vehicles that can better counter contemporary and foreseeable threats.
Project Goals and Requirements
The main objective of these IFVs is to bolster the Army’s capability in mounted close combat operations, especially in tandem with other elements of the joint force. The Defence Department’s tender, which was made public on 24 August 2018 and concluded by 1 March 2019, outlined a range of stipulations for the vehicles.
These requirements encompass:
Additionally, the Defence Department expressed its inclination towards a tracked vehicle configuration coupled with a manned turret, as opposed to wheeled designs or unmanned turret systems.
The Finalists: RDA vs. HDA
The rigorous selection process has now narrowed down the competition to two formidable contenders: Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA) and Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA).
RDA has pledged to anchor its manufacturing operations in Queensland and is vying for the contract with its advanced ‘Lynx’ IFV. This vehicle boasts a balance of protection, firepower, and mobility, consistent with the project’s ambitious vision.
On the other hand, HDA, with its collaborative endeavours spanning Victoria and Tasmania, is in the fray with the ‘Redback’ IFV. This vehicle, too, aligns closely with the defined parameters and brings its unique strengths to the table.
Both contenders have undertaken a rigorous two-year Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA), meticulously ironing out potential challenges and optimizing their offerings. With both vehicles having successfully completed this phase, a decisive verdict from the Commonwealth government is eagerly awaited.
Conclusion
LAND 400 Phase 3 is not just about replacing an old fleet; it’s about reimagining the future of infantry combat. As the final decision looms, all eyes will be on which vehicle will shape the next chapter of Australia’s defence capabilities.
A message from Mates4Mates
Mates4Mates is one of Australia’s leading veteran charities, actively changing lives for current and ex-serving ADF members, and their families, who are impacted by service.
Almost 10,000 veterans and family members have directly benefited from Mates4Mates services since it was first established by RSL Queensland in 2013.
At Mates4Mates, we know support looks different for everyone, which is why we are committed to providing many pathways to recovery for those impacted by service. This includes mental health and physical rehabilitation services, skills and wellbeing programs, and social connection activities.
In 2023, the Mates4Mates Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre was opened in Stuart Park, Northern Territory with the help of a $5 million grant from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs as part of the expansion of their Veterans’ and Families Hubs.
This centre in the Northern Territory joins other Mates4Mates centres located in North Queensland, South East Queensland and Tasmania.
Mates4Mates also provides services in outreach locations around Australia, and online, to support veterans and family members who are unable to attend face-to-face services as a result of distance, illness or injury.
Knowing the power of mateship and camaraderie, Mates4Mates holds regular social connection activities in each of our locations and online, helping to provide a safe space for veterans and family members.
These activities, like all Mates4Mates services, are free and include weekly BBQs, coffee catch ups, hikes and walks, creative art workshops, and unique experiences, all dedicated to supporting veterans, partners and families who may be feeling socially disconnected.
Recently, our Tasmanian ‘Mates’ went on the ride of a lifetime with an adventurous day of dog sledding at Lonnavale. For the attending veterans and family members, this experience provided a great opportunity to get outside, broaden social circles, and try something new – and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Social connection activities like this one help to build a supportive community for Defence personnel and their families. The community of Mates across Australia and online encourage one another to get involved, offer peer-support and develop a sense of camaraderie that many are searching for.
If you’re a veteran or family member and want to find out more about how Mates4Mates can support your mental, physical or social health, reach out to us on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat or visit our website: mates4mates.org.
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ED: Please share with your Navy mates.
Forward Air Controllers (FACs) were integral to America’s war effort in Vietnam, using various aircraft. One such aircraft—the Cessna O-2—was a modified civilian 337 Skymaster and flew a wide range of missions during the war. Then-Lt. Mike Jackson’s memoir Naked in Da Nang noted: “FACs…plodded along at ridiculously low levels to direct airstrikes, observe troop movements, gather intelligence, and/or choreograph search-and-rescue missions…we were the traffic cops of Southeast Asia, telling everyone where to go, when to go, how to get there, and what to do once they were there.”
The HMAS Hobart, fondly referred to as ‘the green ghost’, has been given an extensive renovation both internally and externally. This update marks a historic moment, making the ship the first of its kind – a Hobart-class guided missile destroyer – to undergo a docking selected restricted availability (DSRA) as a component of its routine maintenance and use cycle.
This rigorous maintenance phase took 20 weeks of consistent work, accounting for approximately 180,000 work hours. The process involved 3,800 isolations, opening 76 tanks, and issuing over 1,300 hot work permits.
On September 25, the Commanding Officer of the Hobart, Commander Tina Brown, addressed the ship’s personnel and representatives of the destroyer enterprise. She expressed gratitude and acknowledged the immense planning, coordination, and execution efforts that went into the DSRA.
Commander Brown highlighted the intricate understanding of the system, resource allocation, and problem-solving capabilities required for a successful docking. “The remarkable results showcased the unmatched professionalism and expertise of both our technical sailors and our industry collaborators,” she remarked. She further added that the robust collaboration amongst enterprise partners truly embodied the “One Defence” principles.
Going forward, HMAS Hobart will shift its focus to meet force generation objectives, using the Sea Release Assurance Framework as a guide. The ship’s seaworthiness and combat readiness will be closely evaluated, ensuring it is primed for assignments in 2024.
Amidst the dense tropical backdrop of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, the Exercise Elang Ausindo was launched on September 18, marking a collaboration between the 75 Squadron and the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU).
This joint air combat initiative united six Australian RAAF F-35A Lightning II with an equal number of TNI-AU F-16 Fighting Falcons. Their collective aim? To hone and improve tactics related to air operations.
Remarkably, this marks the inaugural instance of RAAF F-35As participating in an exercise on Indonesian soil. The Air Attaché to Indonesia, Group Captain Kenneth Bowes, emphasized that this exercise marked three decades of joint military practices between Australian and Indonesian air forces, now recognized as the biennial Elang Ausindo series.
“There’s a rich tapestry of differences and similarities between our nations. Our shared objectives in regional security, given our proximity and camaraderie, are undeniable. Hence, it’s crucial for us to fly, train, and synergize in unison,” stated Group Captain Bowes.
The 75 Squadron F-35As undertook a journey through Japan, departing from RAAF Base Tindal, and were accompanied by approximately 150 skilled aviators to support the exercise.
Air Commodore Muhammad Mujib, who heads the Sam Ratulangi Air Force Base, articulated his belief that Exercise Elang Ausindo will pave the way for an even more robust partnership and mutual enhancement of capabilities for both air forces. He emphasized, “Participation in such exercises isn’t just beneficial in terms of new acquaintances or knowledge; it’s an investment in our shared future.”
Furthermore, the exercise introduced air-to-air refuelling, a recent feature of the Australia-Indonesia partnership, which saw its first execution in the previous month.
Group Captain Bowes, during the inauguration ceremony, reiterated the unwavering dedication of both RAAF and TNI-AU towards fortifying their partnership. He envisions not just the success of the current bilateral exercise but an amplified collaborative spirit in the times to come.
Tracing its origins back to 1993, Exercise Elang Ausindo is merely one facet of a broader air cooperation framework with Indonesia, which also encompasses Albatross Ausindo for maritime surveillance and Rajawali Ausindo for tactical airlift operations.
Top of Form
Specialist teams from the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), and the British Army have come together to refurbish residences at the Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island.
Under the banner of Exercise Puk Puk, the combined forces managed to enhance 68 houses meant for PNGDF families and undertook significant road maintenance in the vicinity. The central aim was not only to rectify existing flaws in these homes to guarantee the security of the families but also to boost trade proficiency and foster knowledge exchange among the allied troops.
Lance Corporal Raimee Brook, who supervised the operations, mentioned a recent electrical mishap in one of the local homes. “After addressing the immediate issue, our focus shifted to rectifying potential risks in other properties, particularly concerning the electrical switchboards,” she remarked. Brook also shed light on the general wear and tear in these homes, with frequent relocations causing damages like power outlets dislodging from walls. The team is also revamping other parts of the naval base, including stair and deck replacements.
Brook emphasized the value of the collaboration with PNGDF professionals, finding it immensely fulfilling. “One of our local partners, Laurie, has immensely benefited from our Australian experts. He’s picking up diverse skills which he plans to apply back in his hometown, Lae,” Brook added. “The mutual cooperation has been heartwarming. Beyond the technical work, the support and love we’ve received from the community, especially the children, have been touching. They frequently come around, assisting us and even sharing fresh fruits.”
Lieutenant Robert Paka of the PNGDF expressed his appreciation for the collective venture. “This initiative primarily revolves around cross-national synergy, enabling forces from various nations to converge and exchange insights,” Lieutenant Paka stated. “Interacting with our colleagues from Australia and the UK has been an invigorating experience.”