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Before the outbreak of war in the Pacific, Darwin’s port, its airfield facilities, its coastal defence batteries, and its steadily growing garrison were of vital strategic importance. The Japanese Empire was becoming increasingly aggressive in the region, and Darwin played a critical role as a deployment base for the defence of the Dutch East Indies. Its location and infrastructure made it a prime target should hostilities escalate.

That escalation came swiftly. On the morning of 19 February 1942, the war arrived on Australia’s doorstep in a brutal and unprecedented fashion. At 9:58 AM, the first wave of Japanese aircraft descended upon Darwin, launching a devastating assault on the city’s military and civilian infrastructure. More than 188 Japanese aircraft, fighters, bombers, and dive bombers rained destruction upon the harbour, the airfields, and the township. A second wave of 54 bombers followed later that morning, completing what would become the most devastating attack on Australian soil.

The raids were meticulously planned and executed by the same Japanese fleet that had struck Pearl Harbor just ten weeks earlier. The first wave primarily targeted shipping in the harbour, sinking eight vessels, including the USS Peary, a U.S. Navy destroyer, and the Australian hospital ship Manunda, which suffered significant damage. The airfields, crucial to Australia’s northern defence, were also heavily bombed, with at least 30 aircraft destroyed. The second wave focused on military and civil facilities, ensuring that Darwin’s capacity to serve as a strategic base was severely crippled.

The human cost was staggering. Over 250 people, including Australian and Allied service personnel, merchant seamen, and civilians, lost their lives. Hundreds more were wounded. Chaos reigned as survivors sought shelter and assistance, many unaware of whether further attacks would follow. The city was left smouldering, its streets strewn with wreckage, its people in shock.

Despite this catastrophe, the defence of Darwin was far from over. The city endured another 63 attacks between 1942 and 1943, with enemy bombers targeting northern Australia in a relentless campaign to disrupt Allied operations. While other towns, including Broome, Townsville, and Horn Island, also suffered from Japanese air raids, none bore the brunt of attack as Darwin did on that fateful day in February.

The bombing of Darwin was a harsh awakening for Australia, shattering any lingering illusions of geographic invulnerability. It prompted an urgent strengthening of national defence, increased coordination with Allied forces, and a renewed determination to repel any further threats. It also instilled a lasting resilience in the people of northern Australia, who rebuilt their communities despite the ever-present risk of further attacks.

Today, we pause to remember those who lost their lives in the attacks on Darwin and the broader northern campaign. We honour the courage of those who defended Australia, from airmen and naval personnel to soldiers and civilians who stood their ground in the face of adversity. Their sacrifice reminds us of the price of war and the enduring spirit of a nation that stood firm in its darkest hours.

Lest we forget.

Treatment of Bankstown nurses labelled as "double standards" by Senator

ED: My view

The comments and actions of Senator Fatima Payman are deeply concerning and highlight the dangerous reality of Islamist extremism infiltrating Australian politics. By sympathising with jihadist nurses who openly threatened to murder Jewish patients, she has demonstrated a shocking disregard for Australian values of tolerance, equality, and the rule of law. This is not just an issue of “public humiliation” but of outright incitement to violence, which has no place in our society. Attempting to shift blame onto so-called “Islamophobia” while downplaying Islamist threats of murder is not only disgraceful but also proves that even so-called moderates within this ideology will defend the indefensible. This moment exposes the deep fractures in Australian multiculturalism, as radical voices are given platforms to normalise extremism. There can be no place in Australia for those who enable or justify jihadist violence.

Australia’s acquisition of the UH-60M Black Hawk marks a major shift in the nation’s military aviation strategy. After years of operational challenges with the MRH-90 Taipan, the Australian Army is returning to a combat-proven, highly reliable platform. In this video, we take an in-depth look at the history, capabilities, and future of the UH-60M Black Hawk in Australia.

Kyiv Independent

While the Kremlin hails the upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia as a step towards peace, Kyiv insists any agreements made without its participation are invalid. Understandable. If I were in Zelenskyy’s shoes, whose fate is likely being decided by a foreign nation, I would also be angry.

Zelenskyy is adamant that Ukraine must be included in any negotiations regarding its future.

On Monday, the Ukrainian president emphasized that “Ukraine regards any negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine as ones that have no result, and we cannot recognize… any agreements about us without us.”

He criticized the US for excluding Ukraine and its European allies from preliminary talks.

The hastily arranged meetings between Trump and Putin’s officials have set off alarm bells in Kyiv.

The US and Russia are scheduled for talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz and special envoy Steve Witkoff, is set to meet the Russian delegation led by Sergei Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov.

The meeting was reportedly just postponed from Thursday to Friday.

The US aims to gauge Russia’s seriousness about ending the war, while Moscow frames the talks as a chance to end its diplomatic isolation.

European leaders believe this is giving Russia a platform, which they firmly oppose.

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.