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The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is rapidly adapting to the evolving satellite communications landscape, following the cancellation of the $3 billion JP9102 program. Fleet Space Technologies has successfully demonstrated two-way voice and data transmission via its reprogrammed Centauri 6 satellite, showcasing a shift toward advanced, cost-effective, and resilient solutions in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Fleet’s Centauri 6 satellite, operating in the favoured LEO, represents a critical breakthrough in sovereign satellite communication (SATCOM). The company revealed its achievements at the MilCIS industry event, emphasizing that advanced microsatellite architectures are key to creating resilient multi-orbit systems.

The demonstration builds on Fleet’s earlier success with Centauri 4, the world’s smallest voice-enabled satellite, and marks a significant step forward. Using a re-engineered waveform developed in collaboration with Safety from Space, SmartSAT CRC, UniSA, and the Defence Science and Technology Group, Fleet’s innovation aligns with Defence’s strategy for secure, distributed communications.

The move comes weeks after Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the axing of JP9102, citing the growing vulnerability of single geostationary satellites to emerging threats, such as anti-satellite weaponry. Marles emphasized the need for distributed systems, arguing they offer greater resilience and faster deployment.

Air Commodore Peter Thompson, a leading figure in Defence’s space capability, reaffirmed that the JP9102 program is not entirely shelved but redirected to meet current and future challenges. “We’re just working out the best way to use [the allocated funds] in the current environment,” he said, addressing concerns from industry stakeholders.

Despite the abrupt cancellation, Lockheed Martin, previously selected as the preferred tenderer for JP9102, had yet to finalize the contract. The project, which promised over 200 jobs, will now pivot towards exploring multi-orbit solutions driven by advancements in microsatellite technology.

Defence’s strategy reflects a broader shift in military satellite communication, leveraging the capabilities of smaller, distributed satellites to counter emerging threats effectively. This approach positions Australia as a key innovator in sovereign satellite systems while aligning with global trends in defence technology.

As Fleet Space and other Australian companies lead in advancing satellite communications, the ADF is poised to capitalize on cutting-edge capabilities to ensure secure and resilient communications, staying ahead of technological and geopolitical challenges.

The Times

As fears of global conflict intensify, President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to reinstate a ban on transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military. Sources indicate Trump plans to sign an executive order on January 20, his first day back in the White House, effectively ejecting an estimated 15,000 transgender personnel and barring future enlistments.

Insiders revealed that under the proposed policy, transgender troops—regardless of their years of service—would be discharged on medical grounds, labelled as “unfit for duty.” Speaking to The Times, one source said: “These people will be forced out at a time when the military is already struggling to meet recruitment targets. Only the Marine Corps is currently meeting its quotas, and some of those affected hold critical senior roles.”

This policy echoes Trump’s first-term ban on transgender service members in 2019, which was later overturned by President Joe Biden. The original prohibition, first enacted during the mid-20th century, was lifted briefly from 2016 to 2019 under the Obama administration, allowing transgender people to serve under certain conditions. Trump’s reinstatement of the ban sparked significant backlash, with critics likening it to the now defunct “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that once excluded LGBTQ+ individuals from military service.

The proposed policy would prohibit anyone with a history of gender dysphoria or those who have undergone gender-affirming surgery from serving. To remain in the military, transgender individuals would need to conceal their identity, avoiding uniforms, facilities, or accommodations aligned with their gender. Trump previously defended his stance in 2017, claiming the move would prevent “tremendous medical costs and disruption.”

The timing of this decision comes as military recruitment struggles persist. Only 1% of Americans serve in the armed forces, and while the military enlisted 225,000 recruits last year, officials are spending heavily to boost numbers. Experts attribute the shortfall to a combination of low awareness, a competitive labour market, and unqualified candidates.

Critics argue the proposed ban would further strain recruitment efforts, eliminating capable and experienced service members in a time of heightened global uncertainty. For the LGBTQ+ community, the news has reopened old wounds, signalling a potential rollback of hard-won rights.

ED: I also read in Newsweek that Trump’s transition team denied that any decisions on the issue had been made. No decisions on this issue have been made. No policy should ever be deemed official unless it comes directly from President Trump or his authorized spokespeople.

Australians Call for a Pause on Immigration Amid Housing and Population Concerns

Australia’s record-high immigration intake has placed unprecedented pressure on the country’s housing market. Chronic shortages of affordable homes, surging rents, and a lack of sufficient infrastructure have fuelled frustration among Australians struggling to secure stable housing. Critics argue that the Labor government’s policies, while aimed at addressing skills shortages and economic growth, have exacerbated existing inequalities and overlooked the practical limitations of infrastructure and housing supply.

Earlier this year, the Australian Population Research Institute (TAPRI) published a landmark survey that revealed growing resistance to high immigration levels and the concept of a “Big Australia.” Conducted in December 2023 and released in April 2024, the study polled 3,000 voters across the nation and uncovered that 74% of respondents supported reducing net overseas migration. This striking figure reflects mounting dissatisfaction with policies perceived as prioritizing rapid population growth over the well-being of current residents.

The housing crisis is reaching critical levels. Many renters face fierce competition, while homeownership becomes increasingly unattainable for middle-class Australians. Meanwhile, the strain on public services, transportation networks, and urban planning has left communities grappling with overcrowding and diminished quality of life.

Experts, including TAPRI researchers, argue that halting or dramatically reducing immigration until housing and infrastructure can catch up is essential. The current model, they warn, risks eroding social cohesion and fuelling resentment. “Australians overwhelmingly feel that their voices are being ignored,” says a TAPRI spokesperson. “The desire for lower immigration levels stems not from xenophobia but from a pragmatic understanding of the challenges we face as a nation.”

The debate over immigration policy has also become a key political issue, with voters increasingly demanding accountability from their leaders. Many feel betrayed by what they view as Labor’s mismanagement, citing that its immigration-driven growth strategy prioritizes corporate profits and GDP over community well-being and sustainability.

As public sentiment shifts, the question remains: will policymakers heed the call for change? With clear evidence of widespread public discontent and mounting challenges in housing and infrastructure, Australians are urging leaders to pause immigration, reassess priorities, and invest in a sustainable future.

The growing movement against high immigration is not anti-immigration per se but a call for balance. As one survey respondent succinctly put it, “Australia needs to take a step back, address the issues at hand, and ensure we’re ready to welcome new people without compromising the lives of those already here.”

As part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024 (IPE24), the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) will conduct a bilateral amphibious activity for the first time as part of Exercise KERIS WOOMERA. Exercise KERIS WOOMERA is a combined joint activity conducted by ADF and TNI forces including approximately 2,000 personnel drawn from the Navy, Army, and Air Forces of each nation. By training together, forces from Indonesia and Australia can build upon shared tactics, techniques, and procedures to enhance interoperability and readiness to respond to shared security challenges in the region.

ED: As usual another great edition of Duty First – enjoy.

CLICK LINK to open the magazine

Duty First RAR Magazine

The Straits Times

The Australian Government has shortlisted Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to progress designs for the country’s future general-purpose frigates. This program is a key component of the Government’s strategy to equip the Navy with a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet, addressing Australia’s evolving strategic needs. In May, Defence invited five shipbuilders to propose designs based on platforms identified through an independent analysis of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet. Following rigorous evaluation, the Mogami and MEKO A-200 designs have been selected as the most likely to meet Australia’s capability requirements.

Defence will now collaborate with MHI, TKMS, and Australian industry partners to refine these designs. The Government has recognized the quality and sophistication of proposals submitted by the five shipbuilders, which reflect the advanced capabilities of the defence industries in Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Spain. The Albanese Government is committing up to $55 billion over the next decade for naval capabilities, including $10 billion dedicated to the general-purpose frigate program. This initiative will more than double the size of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet compared to previous plans and will replace the ageing Anzac Class frigates.

The new frigates will be equipped for undersea warfare and local air defence, ensuring the security of vital maritime trade routes and Australia’s northern approaches. Initial construction of the first three ships will occur offshore, with subsequent builds shifting to the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia. This transition is contingent on the successful consolidation of the precinct and represents a broader plan to invest tens of billions in defence infrastructure in the region over the next 20 years. This investment is expected to create approximately 10,000 high-skilled, well-paid local jobs.

The Government’s decision to progress with the Mogami and MEKO A-200 designs is underpinned by a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by Defence. The program aims to deliver Australia’s first general-purpose frigate within the current decade, ensuring a modern and capable Navy equipped to safeguard national interests.

ED: Why is compensation being considered without waiting for the establishment of criminal liability? Shouldn’t this process ensure accountability and prevent potential misuse of funds while preserving the presumption of innocence?

Media Release

The Albanese Government has appointed the Hon Justice Ruth McColl AO as the Afghanistan Inquiry Compensation Advocate.

The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force Afghanistan Inquiry report contained 15 recommendations to pay compensation to victims, and their families, where there was credible information involving allegations of property damage, assault or unlawful killing, by ADF members on operations in Afghanistan during the period 2005-2016, without awaiting the establishment of criminal liability.

In response, the Government directed Defence to design a compensation scheme under regulation, which came into effect on 19 July 2024.

Justice McColl comes to the role following a distinguished career in the legal profession and sustained commitment to the service of the law and to the judiciary. Her Honour is independent of Defence and will review claims for compensation referred by the Chief of the Defence Force and make recommendations on the payment of compensation under the criteria set out in the regulation.

Compensation provided under the Afghanistan Inquiry Compensation Scheme may include monetary or non-monetary compensation.

Defence has launched a dedicated webpage for the Afghanistan Inquiry Compensation Scheme which provides information and a submission point for applications. The information will be available in both Pashtu and Dari.

This webpage is accessible here: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/complaints-incident-reporting/afghanistan-inquiry-compensation-scheme

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“The appointment of the Hon Justice Ruth McColl as the Afghanistan Inquiry Compensation Scheme Advocate is another important step as we hold ourselves to account for the circumstances outlined in the Brereton Report.

“Establishing a transparent process for compensation claims respects all those affected by these events. This scheme reflects the Albanese Government’s resolve to support those who have been impacted by the actions of certain Australian Defence Force members during operations in Afghanistan.

“We again acknowledge the service of all those who served in Afghanistan with professionalism and integrity, the 41 Australians who died on operations, those wounded in service and their families.”

CLICK LINK to read this information from the DVA

DVA-wellbeing-approach-to-the-veteran-hearing-service-offering 1st July 2024

ED: This information has just been brought to my attention by Bill Williams a member of the TPI Association.

The Globe and Mail

NOVA SCOTIA:  In a bold step to address the evolving landscape of global missile threats, Australia and Canada have signed a landmark agreement to jointly develop technologies targeting hypersonic weapons and other advanced missile systems. The announcement was made by Canada’s Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, at the prestigious Halifax International Security Forum.

The collaboration will see Defence Research and Development Canada and Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group partner on projects aimed at advancing detection, monitoring, targeting, and countermeasure technologies. Over the next five years, the nations will collectively invest up to $474 million in these critical initiatives.

“This agreement signifies our shared commitment to addressing the growing dangers posed by emerging missile threats, particularly hypersonic weapons,” Blair stated during his address. He emphasized the importance of close cooperation, describing the partnership as “a vital step toward bolstering the defence capabilities of our nations and allies.”

The announcement comes as global defence leaders convene in Nova Scotia to tackle pressing issues, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Another key topic on the table is the future of NATO, particularly as president-elect Donald Trump prepares to reassume office.

Trump has long been vocal about NATO members meeting the alliance’s 2% GDP defence spending goal. His previous tenure saw heightened pressure on nations, including Canada, to boost their military investments. Canada, which has yet to meet the target, could face renewed scrutiny under Trump’s leadership.

While critics have occasionally questioned the 2% benchmark, its importance in ensuring equitable burden-sharing among NATO members cannot be overstated. Trump’s insistence on this requirement underscores a vital principle: collective defence demands collective commitment. As threats evolve — including the hypersonic weapons addressed in the Australia-Canada agreement — robust investment in defence capabilities becomes more urgent than ever.

The Australia-Canada partnership highlights the growing recognition that addressing modern threats requires innovative, cooperative solutions. By pooling resources and expertise, the two nations aim to not only enhance their defensive capabilities but also contribute to broader global security efforts.

As NATO’s role continues to adapt to new geopolitical realities, collaborations like this underline the necessity of robust alliances and forward-looking strategies. The Halifax Forum serves as a reminder that the challenges of the future demand unity, resolve, and unwavering commitment — both in words and in action.

Washington, D.C. – November 24, 2024

The Islamic Republic of Iran has announced an expansion of its uranium enrichment program, following a formal censure by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities.

Iran plans to activate and deploy a substantial number of advanced centrifuges, increasing its capacity to enrich uranium to higher levels. These modern centrifuges enable the production of highly enriched nuclear fuel, a critical step toward weaponization if pursued.

The IAEA Board of Governors recently voted 19-3 to issue a formal rebuke to Iran for failing to fully cooperate with inspections. In response, Tehran has dismissed the censure as “politicized and destructive,” reaffirming its stance against international pressures it deems unjust.

The ramp-up in enrichment has alarmed Western experts, who warn that this development could heighten regional and global tensions. Analysts note that Iran now possesses sufficient material to potentially produce multiple nuclear weapons.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister has issued a stark warning, suggesting that Tehran may withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) if faced with further sanctions.

While Tehran continues to assert that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes, the enrichment of uranium to 60 percent—near weapon-grade levels—has raised significant concerns. Civilian nuclear reactors typically require uranium enriched to only 5 percent, while 90 percent enrichment is necessary for nuclear weapons.

This latest development comes in the context of a long-standing international impasse over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which limited Iran’s enrichment activities, fell apart in 2018 following the United States’ unilateral withdrawal. Since then, Iran has steadily increased its nuclear activities.

The U.S. government, along with its allies, continues to monitor the situation closely. Iran’s actions pose critical questions about the effectiveness of international diplomatic tools and sanctions in addressing nuclear proliferation. As Tehran resists external pressures, the global community faces the challenge of navigating a path toward de-escalation and stability in the region.

For inquiries, contact:
Office of International Affairs
U.S. Department of State
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