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The statement “The media manipulates the point of view” touches on a widely held belief that media organizations, through selective reporting, framing, or editorial choices, can influence how audiences perceive events and issues. Media outlets may emphasize certain aspects of a story, omit critical information, or present biased perspectives, consciously or unconsciously. This can shape public opinion by highlighting particular viewpoints while downplaying others.

Factors like ownership, political affiliations, target audience, and economic interests can play roles in how stories are presented. For instance, a news outlet with a specific political leaning may frame an event in a way that supports its ideology, leading audiences to interpret it in line with that perspective. Social media algorithms can also contribute to echo chambers, reinforcing specific views by showing users content aligned with their beliefs.

This young man articulates the problem very well.

The F-14 Tomcat is remembered for its important Navy role during the 1980s and 1990s. However, few people are aware of the brief role it played in the Vietnam War. We look at Operation Frequent Wind, in which the F-14 served.

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat, made famous by Top Gun, served as the U.S. Navy’s top naval fighter jet for decades. Renowned for its impressive speed and range, the F-14 could reach speeds over Mach 2 and had an extraordinary combat radius of 1,841 miles—a range the Navy still misses today.

Equipped with advanced systems like the AWG-9 radar and AIM-54 Phoenix missile, the Tomcat could lock onto and engage multiple targets up to 90 miles away, giving it a distinct advantage in air combat. Its versatile design, featuring variable-sweep wings, enabled the F-14 to excel in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. Though retired in 2006, it remains one of the Navy’s most iconic and capable fighter jets.

“Do you feel the need for speed?” This famous line from Top Gun may have catapulted Tom Cruise into stardom, but the true star of the film was the Grumman F-14 Tomcat. At the time, the F-14 was the most advanced naval warplane ever built, combining air superiority with interception capabilities that could shield a carrier group from anything the Soviet fleet could muster.

In terms of performance, the Tomcat certainly delivered on speed, reaching cruising speeds above Mach 2. But its real standout feature was its range—a combat radius of 1,841 miles, unmatched by any naval aircraft since.

Armed with the AIM-54 Phoenix missile, the F-14 could obliterate targets from 90 miles away. This long-range strike capability, combined with the radar system’s ability to track 24 targets and engage six simultaneously, made it an unparalleled force in fleet air defence.

Although the Navy once considered developing a successor, the F-21 Super Tomcat, they ultimately moved forward with the F/A-18 Super Hornet and are now transitioning to the F-35 Lightning II. However, even the F-35, a fifth-generation fighter, lacks some of the unique capabilities that made the F-14 so formidable. There have been murmurs of dissatisfaction within the Navy regarding the loss of capabilities following the Tomcat’s final flight in 2006.

Perhaps one day, the Navy will revisit the idea of building a true successor to the F-14—a jet that many still consider the greatest naval warplane ever built.

ED: While the government often makes statements in the media, there is a history of inaction when it comes to fully implementing the outcomes of Royal Commissions. Many times, reports are tabled and promises are made, but substantial follow-through is lacking. Today, the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will be handed to the Governor-General and is expected to be tabled in Parliament later. Once this happens, the report will be accessible on the Australian Parliament House website.

The Department has stated that it will actively support the Royal Commission’s work and implement its recommendations. However, given past trends with other commissions, it’s uncertain how much of the report’s findings will lead to meaningful change. With extensive media coverage likely, particularly surrounding mental health and suicide, support services are available for the veteran community.

The next steps, as always, will depend on real political will and not just media sound bites.

Ray

When air support is needed on the battlefield, nothing inspires both confidence in friendly infantry and chilling terror in enemy infantry like the silhouette of an A-10 Warthog! It’s not for nothing that this attack aircraft has become a true icon of American military aviation, bursting into all sorts of halls of fame with both wings spread! But can Warthog remain relevant for the foreseeable future, given the active development of drones and artificial intelligence technology?

• Defence News Army 2024

Picture: AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicles (Picture source: Australian DoD)

The Australian Army is undergoing significant reorganization to modernize its armoured capabilities, concentrating its heavy vehicles, including the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks and AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicles, in Townsville. This restructuring follows the recommendations of last year’s Defence Strategic Review, aimed at strengthening the country’s military readiness.

The Army’s 3rd Brigade, stationed in Townsville, will operate most of the newly acquired heavy armour. Among the key additions are the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams, advanced battle tanks sourced from the United States. These tanks represent a major upgrade from the older M1A1 Abrams, which Australia has operated since 2007 after retiring its Leopard 1 tanks.

In June, 27 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams were spotted en route to Australia, believed to have been shipped via California. Australia is purchasing 75 of these upgraded tanks, which bring enhanced protection, advanced technology, and improved combat capabilities. The M1A2 SEPv3 features a 120 mm main gun, a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun on the turret. It also includes advanced composite armour and the option for the Trophy active protection system, which intercepts threats such as rockets and missiles. Additionally, it boasts improved communication systems and energy management for efficient battlefield performance and maintenance.

These acquisitions are part of Australia’s broader effort to bolster its defence forces. Alongside the Abrams, the Army is also expanding its fleet of infantry fighting vehicles with the AS21 Redback, developed by Hanwha Defence. Australia plans to purchase 129 AS21 Redback vehicles as part of Phase 3 of the LAND 400 modernization program. Designed for mechanized infantry, the Redback offers strong protection, mobility, and firepower, armed with a 30 mm cannon and Spike-LR2 anti-tank missiles.

The AS21 Redback is equipped with modular armour and advanced digital systems that enhance battlefield coordination. It carries eight infantry soldiers alongside its crew, making it highly versatile for modern combat operations. These vehicles will replace the aging M113AS4 armoured personnel carriers, which have served for decades but are no longer adequate for contemporary battlefield needs.

By centralizing these new armoured assets in Townsville, the Australian Army aims to optimize the management and deployment of its modernized forces. This move enhances the Army’s ability to respond to modern threats and supports the broader initiative to reinforce the country’s defence capabilities.

By: Robert Dougherty – Defence Connect

It’s finally time for Australia to put on the big boy pants and plan out a long-overdue nuclear strategy, following more out-of-date and out-of-touch anti-AUKUS criticism earlier this week.

More anti-nuclear sentiment has bubbled to the surface in Australia as Parliament tabled the agreed legal framework for transferring nuclear materials and equipment under the AUKUS trilateral defence pact with the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Under the agreement, signed by all three partner countries in Washington last week, Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines among other critical defence technology for $368 billion dollars.

This new development is being closely followed by the most predictable and inane rusted-on no-nuclear criticism against Australia’s obligation to be responsible for the storage and disposal of its own spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste used in the nuclear power units that are transferred under AUKUS.

UK and US defence officials must now be wondering what an insane country they have allied with and militarily linked themselves to.

It’s beyond belief that such a common sense and essential obligation is being disputed. If you want to have nuclear submarines, you must be prepared to store the nuclear material and waste they utilise or produce.

Critics, such as the Australian Greens, have touted fear-mongering claims that Australia would become a dumping ground for radioactive waste produced by the US and the UK. An unsurprising allegation considering their devote opposition to nuclear energy, a campaign stifling decades of debate on the key international technology and industry.

“Reports that the Albanese government have signed a secret AUKUS deal with the US are deeply concerning. The Albanese government wants to legalise dumping nuclear waste from the US and the UK here in Australia,” Greens senator for SA, spokesperson for environment Sarah Hanson-Young said.

“Labor need to come clean and guarantee that South Australia will not become a nuclear waste dumping ground for the US and the UK.

“South Australia has long been the target for a dangerous nuclear waste dump and Labor need to clearly rule it out before the election.

“Between Labor’s nuclear subs and Peter Dutton’s nuclear power obsession, the Greens remain the only party in South Australia fighting to protect our nuclear-free state.”

Australia will manage all radioactive waste generated by its own Virginia Class and SSN-AUKUS submarines, including radioactive waste generated through operations, maintenance and decommissioning, according to the Australian Submarine Agency.

All waste, including spent fuel, will be managed safely, informed by international best practice and in accordance with Australia’s international and domestic legal obligations and commitments.

Australia will continue to leverage decades of experience in safely and securely managing radioactive waste and will be supported by the UK and the US, whose experience and advice will support Australia in building this capability – ASA said.

“There is no prospect of any nuclear waste coming to Australia from the US or the UK. We will be handling our own nuclear waste, which is what we announced in March of last year,” Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said, speaking to ABC News Breakfast earlier this week.

“What we signed earlier this week was the legal underpinning, a treaty-level agreement, which underpins the AUKUS arrangements that we announced in March of last year.

“What that will see is the three Virginia Class submarines be provided by the United States to Australia, which obviously will include within them the nuclear reactor.

“We’ll see the nuclear reactor that are built by Rolls-Royce come to Australia to form part of the submarines that we build in Australia.

“It reaffirms that we will, in this process, meet our international obligations in terms of non-proliferation and also in respect of the Rarotonga treaty. So this is the legal foundational underpinning of the agreement that we reached in March of last year. And in that sense it’s a very significant step forward on the AUKUS journey.”

Australia currently produces a relatively small amount of low-level radioactive waste and lesser volume of intermediate-level waste, according to information from the World Nuclear Organisation (WNO).

Each year, Australia produces about 45 cubic metres of radioactive waste, according to the WNO. In addition, the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency was set up to manage all radioactive waste in 2020 and there is ongoing consideration for national radioactive waste repository storage.

“We’ve agreed to have nuclear-powered submarines, that’s what we’ve agreed to. And the transfer of technology that’s related to that, that we’ll have access to it as we announced,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, speaking to a press conference in Perth on 9 August.

“There’ll be no nuclear transfer (of waste) from either the US or the UK. That’s the detail. That’s very clear. And that’s not part of the arrangement. Nuclear submarines have nuclear reactors in them, that’s the detail there as well.

“We work with our allies in the United States and the United Kingdom, and these arrangements are very clear.

“We’re very pleased that AUKUS, both Pillar I and Pillar II, has been agreed. It’s something that we have worked very carefully and closely on the detail.”

Final thoughts

The debate over Australia storing the nuclear material and waste produced by the nuclear submarines we receive is ridiculous and overblown. It’s part of the AUKUS deal, we have the space, it’s common-sense and it’s not a significant issue to be faced with.

This is in reality a golden opportunity that Australia has been gifted to better understand not only nuclear propulsion in submarines, but research, and comprehend nuclear energy, nuclear waste (yes that too) and countless other modern applications.

We already operate three uranium mines in this country and we are now at last on the path to a nuclear-powered navy. Nuclear research and technology should be a national triumph, not a fear tactic wielded for political gain at the cost of countrywide technological progress.

By SETH ROBSON- STARS AND STRIPES

For the first time in over two years, American B-2 Spirit bombers have been deployed to eastern Australia as part of a bomber task force mission. An unspecified number of aircraft, along with support personnel and equipment, arrived at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Queensland on Friday, according to a U.S. Air Force statement. The B-2s were last deployed to Amberley in July 2022 for a similar mission. This latest deployment involves units from the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.

“This deployment supports Pacific Air Forces’ training efforts with allies, partners, joint forces, and strategic deterrence missions,” the statement explained.

Bomber task force missions are frequently carried out from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and the Naval Support Facility at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. In March, two B-52 Stratofortress bombers were sent to Diego Garcia, and in June, a B-1B Lancer, operating from Guam, hit simulated targets at Pilsung Range, located about 100 miles southeast of Seoul, South Korea. The latest deployment to Australia reflects the U.S. military’s ongoing effort to disperse its forces in the region. In a potential conflict, U.S. bases in Guam and the Far East could be vulnerable to Chinese ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missile strikes.

In Australia’s Northern Territory, nearly $450 million in U.S.-funded construction is underway at air bases, according to Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Kevin Schneider during a visit to RAAF Darwin in July. These projects include facilities to support rotations of U.S. B-52 bombers at RAAF Tindal, located 180 miles southeast of Darwin. However, Schneider noted that any bomber deployments would need approval from the highest levels of both the Australian and U.S. governments. Tindal and Darwin are also geographically closer to Manila by over 1,400 miles compared to Amberley. During the biennial Pitch Black exercise in July and August, Tindal hosted U.S. F-22 Raptor fighters, as part of drills that involved 21 nations, 140 aircraft, and over 4,400 personnel in both the Northern Territory and Queensland.

The Washington Post – Douglas Whitman

Some Kamala Harris Supporters Might Be Ironically Cheering Putin’s Endorsement of Her, But Let’s Pause for a Second

In the strange world of global politics, it’s not every day that a foreign leader especially one as notorious as Russian President Vladimir Putin — endorses a candidate in the US presidential race. Yet, that’s exactly what happened when Putin, during a speech at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, threw out some cheeky remarks favouring Kamala Harris over Donald Trump. While some of her supporters might find this amusing, let’s take a moment to unpack what’s really happening.

First off, do you really want to celebrate an endorsement from a dictator?

Putin isn’t exactly known for championing democratic ideals, so getting his seal of approval comes with a fair share of irony. A leader who cracks down on opposition, controls media narratives, and extends his reign through questionable means might not be the best cheerleader for American democracy. While his endorsement might provoke a laugh, it raises an uncomfortable question: Should we really take this seriously?

Wait till you hear why he actually prefers her

So, why does Putin seem to prefer Kamala Harris? According to him, it’s because of her “infectious” laugh and what he described as “brat energy.” In typical Putin fashion, his reasoning doesn’t dive into her policies, experience, or leadership qualities but focuses on something as trivial as her laugh. Clearly, this isn’t an endorsement based on serious geopolitical analysis, but more of a jab at the nature of American political discourse.

Putin called President Biden the Acting President

If you thought Putin’s comments about Harris were light-hearted, he didn’t stop there. The Russian leader went on to refer to Joe Biden as the “Acting President,” suggesting Harris is running the show. This adds another layer of trolling, as Putin seizes every opportunity to highlight perceived weaknesses in US leadership. The fact that these remarks came shortly after two Russian media executives were charged with trying to influence the US election only adds fuel to the fire.

What does this all mean?

In the end, Putin’s playful endorsement of Kamala Harris is likely more about mocking the US election process than showing any genuine support. His comment serves as a reminder that foreign leaders, especially adversaries, often use satire and trolling to sow confusion or create division. While some may find it funny, it’s worth remembering that this type of rhetoric is part of a broader strategy to undermine confidence in democratic institutions.

So before cheering this so-called endorsement, it’s important to take a step back and consider the broader implications. When a dictator is backing a candidate — even in jest — it’s probably not something to celebrate.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Allan Grant “Angus” Houston, AK, AFC, born on 9 June 1947, is a highly respected and influential figure in Australian military history. With a career spanning over four decades in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Houston rose through the ranks to become Chief of Air Force in 2001 and later Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) in 2005. His legacy extends far beyond his military service, as he continues to play a pivotal role in public life, offering his expertise and leadership across various sectors in Australia.

Houston was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and spent his formative years attending Strathallan School in Forgandenny, Perthshire. His early life in Scotland instilled a sense of discipline and responsibility, values that would later define his military career. In 1968, at the age of 21, Houston made the life-changing decision to emigrate to Australia. His initial years in Australia were spent working as a jackaroo on a sheep and wheat farm in the North Eastern Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, near the town of Mukinbudin. This experience, though vastly different from his later military service, helped him adapt to his new country and fostered a strong connection to rural Australia.

In 1970, Houston joined the RAAF as a cadet pilot, marking the beginning of a distinguished military career. He quickly earned the nickname “Angus,” a reference to his Scottish roots. Just a year later, on 20 March 1971, Houston was granted an eight-year short-service commission as a pilot officer, and by 1973, he had been promoted to flying officer.

Houston’s early career was defined by his skill as a helicopter pilot. He flew UH-1 Iroquois helicopters in various challenging environments, including Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. These early assignments exposed him to a variety of terrains and situations, honing his piloting skills and preparing him for the challenges ahead. His abilities were soon recognized, and he was awarded a permanent commission in 1975, followed by a promotion to flight lieutenant later that year.

After completing the Flying Instructors Course in 1975, Houston embarked on several instructional tours, where he trained pilots on aircraft such as the Macchi MB-326H, British Aircraft Corporation Strikemaster, and Iroquois helicopters. His expertise and leadership took him to the Republic of Singapore Air Force from 1976 to 1978, followed by a posting to No. 9 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley. Houston’s skills extended beyond piloting, as he was involved in rescue operations, one of which earned him the Air Force Cross in 1980 for an open-sea rescue in gale-force winds off the coast of New South Wales.

Promoted to squadron leader in 1982, Houston’s career continued to flourish. He took on key leadership roles, including command of No. 9 Squadron, where he introduced the Black Hawk helicopter into service and oversaw its transition to the Australian Army. His success in these roles earned him admission as a Member of the Order of Australia in 1990.

By the 1990s, Houston was ascending into senior command positions within the RAAF. Promoted to group captain in 1992, he assumed the post of Director of Air Force Policy, where he played a key role in negotiating the establishment of the Republic of Singapore Air Force Flying School at RAAF Base Pearce. His career took on an increasingly strategic dimension, with involvement in planning during the Persian Gulf War of 1990–1991.

Houston’s rise continued, and by the late 1990s, he held critical roles, including Chief of Staff at Headquarters Australian Theatre and Commander of the Integrated Air Defence System. In 2000, he was appointed Head of Strategic Command, preparing him for his eventual appointment as Chief of Air Force in 2001.

Houston’s tenure as Chief of Air Force, starting on 20 June 2001, coincided with significant global and regional challenges, including the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. His leadership during this period helped shape Australia’s air power capabilities and its role in international military operations. Houston’s work was recognized with his advancement to Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2003 Australia Day Honours.

On 4 July 2005, Houston was promoted to air chief marshal and appointed Chief of the Defence Force, the highest-ranking military position in Australia. His time as CDF was marked by both domestic and international challenges. Notably, Houston played a central role in the Children Overboard Affair, a political controversy during the 2001 Australian federal election. Houston famously challenged the government’s claim that asylum seekers had thrown children overboard in an attempt to secure rescue and entry into Australia. His testimony during a Senate inquiry in 2002 was a pivotal moment, demonstrating his commitment to truth and integrity.

Houston also oversaw Australia’s military involvement in the Middle East, including operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the strategic pivot towards the Asia-Pacific region. His leadership was further acknowledged in the 2008 Australia Day Honours, when he was advanced to a Companion of the Order of Australia. His appointment as CDF was extended until July 2011, reflecting the confidence in his leadership during a period of significant geopolitical change.

Upon his retirement from the military in July 2011, Houston transitioned to several prominent public service roles. He was appointed Chair of the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board, responsible for overseeing the planning and implementation of events commemorating the centenary of Australia’s involvement in World War I. His leadership in this role helped ensure that the sacrifices of Australian soldiers were honoured on a national and international scale.

In December 2011, Houston was appointed chairman of Airservices Australia, where he utilized his extensive experience in aviation and governance. His role involved overseeing the country’s air navigation services and air traffic control, a critical position in ensuring the safety and efficiency of Australian aviation.

In 2014, Houston was thrust into the global spotlight when he was appointed to lead the Joint Agency Coordination Centre during the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which had mysteriously disappeared in March of that year. His leadership and expertise during the complex search operation earned him widespread respect. Later that year, Houston also played a significant role in the response to the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine.

For his service to Australia, particularly in leading these efforts, Houston was knighted in the 2015 Australia Day Honours. Although deeply honoured by the recognition, Houston expressed his preference to continue being called “Angus,” reflecting his humility and down-to-earth nature.

In June 2015, Houston was appointed as the special envoy for South Australia, where he supported trade missions, advised on international engagement strategies, and utilized his extensive networks in Asia to benefit the state’s economic interests. His role as special envoy has helped strengthen South Australia’s relationships with key international markets, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston’s career is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and integrity. From his early days as a pilot in the RAAF to his role as Chief of the Defence Force, Houston has consistently demonstrated a commitment to service and excellence. His contributions extend beyond the military, as he continues to serve the Australian public in various capacities, offering his expertise in aviation, defence, and international relations. A knight of the Order of Australia, Houston remains a respected figure both at home and abroad, admired for his leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to his country.