US Navy Release
The US Navy operates four Ohio-class submarines, each capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. These 1980s-era vessels have played crucial roles in conflicts such as the Persian Gulf War and the 2011 Libya intervention. However, after over 40 years in service, these submarines—USS Florida, USS Georgia, USS Ohio, and USS Michigan—are nearing retirement. Scheduled to be decommissioned by 2028, their departure will significantly reduce the Navy’s conventional missile firepower.
To compensate for this loss, the Navy has been developing Block V Virginia-class attack submarines. Unlike earlier Virginia-class models, which can launch 12 Tomahawk missiles, Block V versions incorporate an 80-foot Virginia Payload Module, expanding their capacity to 40 missiles per boat. Between 2019 and 2023, the Navy procured ten Block V submarines, several of which are already under construction.
This upgrade is strategically significant, as modern warfare increasingly relies on high-volume, precision-guided missile strikes. The Tomahawk missile, capable of reaching targets up to 900 miles away at speeds of 550 mph, remains a key asset in military engagements. The ability to launch a large salvo of these missiles provides a crucial advantage, particularly in potential conflicts requiring long-range precision strikes.
In a major engagement, ten Block V Virginia-class submarines could collectively fire up to 400 Tomahawks, ensuring the ability to overwhelm enemy defences. Furthermore, recent enhancements to Tomahawk missiles have increased their effectiveness. Block IV Tomahawks feature a two-way data link, allowing in-flight retargeting, while Tactical Tomahawks can engage moving targets. These advancements enable submarines to strike enemy ships and convoys with greater accuracy.
Submarines provide a stealthy platform for missile deployment, making them less vulnerable than surface ships. The combination of increased missile capacity and improved targeting capabilities strengthens the US Navy’s deterrence and warfighting potential. As the Ohio-class SSGNs retire, Block V Virginia-class submarines will play a pivotal role in maintaining America’s naval strike power, ensuring readiness for future conflicts.
Discover how Australia is revolutionizing its military capabilities with the Bushmaster Electronic Warfare (EW) system under Project Land 555 Phase 6. This video dives into the $75 million AUD upgrade that transforms the iconic Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle into a cutting-edge EW powerhouse. From jamming enemy communications to shielding ADF forces from electromagnetic threats, we explore the advanced electronic attack, protection, and support features that make this platform a game-changer. Learn how Raytheon Australia, Thales, and local industry partners are driving innovation, boosting the economy, and aligning with Five Eyes allies like the US and UK. We’ll compare the Bushmaster EW to regional competitors like China’s Type 05 and South Korea’s K21, showcasing its unique strengths in mobility, modularity, and coalition interoperability. Set to be fully operational by late 2025, this project not only enhances Australia’s deterrence in the Indo-Pacific but also cements its role as a leader in the electromagnetic battlespace. Don’t miss this deep dive into the technology, strategy, and impact of Australia’s next-gen land-based EW capability!
Join us as we explore the current state of Australia’s Collins-class submarine fleet in 2025, a vital part of the nation’s naval defence. Comprising six diesel-electric submarines—HMAS Collins, Farncomb, Waller, Dechaineux, Sheean, and Rankin—these vessels, developed in partnership with Sweden’s Kockums, overcame early technical issues to become one of the world’s most advanced conventional submarine forces. Operating across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, they safeguard trade routes and deter threats but now face challenges from an aging platform, crew shortages, and maintenance demands. With a $4–5 billion Life-of-Type Extension set to begin in 2026 as a bridge to Australia’s nuclear-powered future under AUKUS, we examine their high-stakes missions, from the 1999 East Timor operation to RIMPAC exercises, and upgrades like the AN/BYG-1 combat system. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more deep dives into defence and technology!
At Carnival Cruise Line, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Defence Force for their dedicated service. As a token of appreciation, we offer a special discount on any cruise, at any time of the year.*
Eligibility Criteria:
This exclusive Defence Force offer is available to personnel in the following branches:
- Active Personnel: Those currently serving in the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Navy, or the New Zealand Army. Active personnel can provide their PM KeyS number, Regiment number, or Service Number as proof of service.
- Ex-Serving Personnel: This category includes discharged and retired personnel. To qualify, provide relevant documentation demonstrating your service in the ADF or NZDF. Examples include Defence Force superannuation/pension statements from schemes such as the Defence Force Super scheme, the DFRDB scheme, the DFRB scheme, or the DFSS scheme (New Zealand), as well as a Certificate of Service.
Booking Process:
- Click ‘Book Now’ or ‘Start Booking’
2. Select how many rooms and guests are required
3. On the page titled ‘Qualify for a special rate?’- Select ‘Country of Residence: Australia’
- Select ‘Defence Force Offer’
- Select your preferred cabin
5. On the ‘Your Offers’ screen select the ‘Defence Force Offer’ rate code
6. Note: Other Fares that are offered by Carnival at the time of booking will also be displayed, you can choose between the Defence Force Offer fare or another fare available.*
7. Complete the booking process
Once you have completed your booking, send your verification documents to [email protected] within:
- 24 hours for cruises booked within one week prior to sailing; OR
- 72 hours for all other cruises.
Active Personnel
- PM KeyS Number
- Regiment Number
- Service Number
Ex-Serving Personnel
- Relevant proof of identification/documentation (e.g., defence force superannuation/pension statement, Certificate of Service or super Scheme – the DFRDB scheme, the DFRB scheme or the DFSS scheme)
Defence Personnel may be asked to produce proof of Defence identification during the cruise.
For any questions regarding this offer, please contact:
- Australia: 1300 385 625
- New Zealand: 0800 442 095
*See Our Defence Force Offer Terms and Conditions
We look forward to welcoming you aboard for an unforgettable cruise experience!
ED: From my inbox – Thanks to Dennis Southwell
In 1858, a prophetess in South Africa had a vision that led to one of the most devastating self-inflicted tragedies in history. She proclaimed that all cattle of her tribe had to be slaughtered, and crops destroyed, as they had been tainted. In return, she believed ancestral spirits would drive out foreign settlers and restore abundance. The result was catastrophic—the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of cattle led to famine, and the population of the region was decimated.
This historical episode serves as a cautionary tale for modern approaches to disease control in both livestock and human populations. Throughout history, various species have faced diseases that threaten their survival, from viruses in horses and sheep to fungal blights in crops. The prevailing bureaucratic response to such threats often mirrors the drastic measures taken in 19th-century South Africa—eradicate entire populations to prevent disease spread.
One contemporary example is the response to bee diseases. In Australia, authorities have resorted to mass extermination of beehives when a single case of disease is detected. This approach, rather than fostering natural resistance, has led to declining honey production and threats to essential pollination. Similarly, outbreaks of avian flu prompt the wholesale culling of poultry flocks, leading to shortages in egg supply.
The mindset of total eradication ignores an essential principle of natural selection: survival of the fittest. In the wild, animals and plants develop resistance over time. Wildlife congregating around scarce water sources are exposed to various pathogens, yet the strongest survive and pass on their immunity. This process of natural herd immunity has long protected species from extinction.
Past generations understood the value of controlled exposure. Before modern vaccines, childhood illnesses such as chickenpox were managed through social exposure to build immunity early in life. By contrast, today’s policies often favour absolute control, driven by an increasing reliance on technology to monitor and manage populations.
On a broader scale, global policies often reflect the same extreme measures under the guise of sustainability and public health. Population control policies have emerged throughout history, from enforced limits on childbirth to restrictions on movement and resource use. The implementation of electronic tracking for livestock, and more recently for people, hints at a future where individuals may face similar constraints on their freedoms.
The drive for extreme interventionist policies in the name of progress raises concerns about unintended consequences. Efforts to curb carbon emissions and control land use, for example, could lead to severe resource shortages, disproportionately affecting those with fewer means. Ambitious environmental and public health goals must be balanced against practical realities to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
The lesson from history is clear: solutions driven by fear and absolute control often create greater suffering than the problems they aim to solve. Sustainable approaches should encourage resilience, adaptation, and balance, rather than destruction and suppression. Learning from nature and past mistakes will be essential in crafting policies that protect both people and the planet without sacrificing freedom and prosperity.
As the first video of our real-life heroes mini-series we explore the incredible inspirational life and military career of Rayene Stewart Simpson, one of Australia’s finest soldiers. Simpson served in WW2, Korea, Malaya and in Vietnam and was awarded a Victoria Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Distinguished Conduct Medal.
The Australian Army is advancing its amphibious capabilities with the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV). On 18 March 2025, crews from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment tested its deployment at the Port of Brisbane, working with HMAS Choules in a naval exercise.
As part of the $15.7 billion Land 400 Phase II program, the Boxer CRV features an 8×8 modular design, a 720-hp engine, and advanced firepower, including a 30mm chain gun and Spike-LR2 missiles. From beach landings in 2020’s Sea Wader to naval deployments in 2025, it is preparing for Indo-Pacific operations.
With 211 vehicles in production and local manufacturing in Queensland, the Boxer CRV strengthens Australia’s defence ties with AUKUS and NATO. How does it compare to Indonesia’s Pandur II or Singapore’s Terrex ICV? Australia’s investment in amphibious readiness is shaping its military future.
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas shattered on Tuesday, bringing an end to two months of relative calm. The Israeli military resumed its bombardment of Gaza, citing Hamas’s continued refusal to release hostages. In response, Hamas launched rocket attacks into Israel, though no casualties have been reported on the Israeli side. Since the fighting reignited, it is alleged by Hamas that over 400 people have been killed in Gaza.
Of the more than 250 hostages originally seized by Hamas during the October 7th, 2023, attacks, 59 remain captive. Reports indicate that 24 of them are believed to be alive. The failure of negotiations to secure their release has only escalated tensions, prompting Israel to take further action.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has signalled an expansion of Israel’s control in Gaza. He has instructed the military to seize additional territory and facilitate evacuations, emphasizing that Hamas will continue to lose ground unless it agrees to release the remaining hostages. Katz also referenced plans to implement former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “voluntary transfer plan” for Gaza residents, hinting at broader strategic objectives in the region.
Egypt, a key mediator in previous ceasefire talks, has condemned Israel’s renewed offensive. Egyptian officials have described the resumption of hostilities as a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire agreement and warned of potential “ripple effects” from the escalating violence. While Cairo has historically played a central role in de-escalation efforts, its ability to rein in the conflict remains uncertain.
The ongoing war continues to polarize global opinion. Critics of Hamas argue that the group’s manipulation of casualty figures and propaganda efforts have fuelled Western sympathy, ultimately prolonging the war. They point to statements from the now-eliminated Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who had instructed militants to leverage media narratives to their advantage. Supporters of Hamas, however, claim that the group’s actions are part of a broader struggle against what they perceive as Zionist oppression. While many recognize the war as having been initiated by Hamas’s brutal October 7 attack, others frame it as a continuation of decades-long hostilities in the region.
As Israel advances its operations, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. With no resolution in sight, the conflict appears poised to enter an even more intense and unpredictable phase.
Media Release – 24/3
Australia has entered into a $200 million agreement with the United States to acquire additional quantities of advanced torpedoes. Designed for both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, the enhanced stockpile of MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes will significantly bolster the defensive and offensive capabilities of Australia’s Collins class submarines. The MK-48 will also be integrated into the country’s future nuclear-powered submarines.
This acquisition is part of a collaborative program between the Australian and United States governments, involving the joint development of MK-48 hardware and software. This initiative not only facilitates the acquisition and sustainment of the capability for both the Royal Australian Navy and United States Navy but also reinforces the deep strategic ties between the two nations.
Australian MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes are procured in sections, which are then assembled and tested at the Torpedo Maintenance Facility in Western Australia. This facility is certified to assemble, maintain, and test the weapon for use in United States Navy platforms as well. The procurement effort enhances Australia’s deterrence capabilities and aligns with the objectives outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
By expanding the nation’s torpedo stockpile, the government aims to ensure that the Royal Australian Navy remains equipped with the latest technology to counter emerging threats. The continuous joint development of the MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedo underscores Australia’s commitment to maintaining a strong and capable defence force while reinforcing its alliance with the United States.