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The delivery of the final nine F-35A Lightning II aircraft completes the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) fleet of 72, underscoring a broader strategy to ensure the Australian Defence Force (ADF) remains equipped to counter evolving threats and safeguard the nation.

Since the arrival of the first two F-35A aircraft on December 10, 2018, Defence has rapidly introduced this cutting-edge capability. The F-35A, along with the EA-18G Growler and F/A-18F Super Hornets, now forms the backbone of Australia’s air defence and strike capacity, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy. These aircraft provide unparalleled versatility, performing both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions while leveraging stealth technology, electronic warfare capabilities, and advanced countermeasures to ensure both lethality and survivability in contested environments.

Enhancing Warfighting Capabilities

The final nine F-35A aircraft to arrive in Australia represent a significant enhancement in capability. These aircraft are the first in the fleet to feature Technology Refresh 3 (TR3), enabling Block 4 upgrades. These advancements will allow the F-35A fleet to adapt to future operational demands and threats more effectively, ensuring Australia maintains a strategic edge in the Indo-Pacific region.

The upgrades are crucial to maintaining Australia’s strategic advantage in the region by ensuring the ADF has the latest technological advancements to meet future challenges.

A Year of Accelerated Defence Capability Delivery

The delivery of the final F-35A aircraft marks the culmination of a year focused on accelerating ADF capability delivery.

Throughout 2024, significant progress has been made across various defence domains:

• Naval Capabilities: Three new missile types – Tomahawk guided missiles, Standard Missile 6, and Naval Strike Missiles – were successfully fired from Navy ships for the first time. Construction also began on the first Hunter Class Frigate, and two shipbuilders were selected to progress designs for a new general-purpose frigate following the Surface Fleet Review.
• Undersea Warfare: The Navy took delivery of the first prototype of the Ghost Shark, an autonomous robotic undersea vehicle, enhancing Australia’s maritime surveillance and deterrence capabilities.
• Land Capabilities: The Army received 46 new M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, further strengthening Australia’s ground forces. Additionally, the delivery of seven new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the United States increased the Army’s fleet to ten, with more to come in 2025.
• Aerospace Capabilities: A $200 million deep maintenance facility for Boeing 737 variants commenced construction at RAAF Edinburgh. Australia also took possession of its first Triton remotely piloted aircraft system, delivered from the United States, enhancing long-range surveillance capabilities.

Record Defence Investment

The 2024-25 Budget increased Defence funding to $764.6 billion over the decade, reflecting a commitment to a capable and self-reliant ADF. The 2023-24 financial year saw Defence’s largest-ever acquisition result, with $16.6 billion spent on new capabilities and 54% of that funding contributing to Australian industry. Sustainment efforts amounted to $16.4 billion, with 79% of those funds supporting local industries.

Thousands of uniformed ADF members, members of the Australian public service, and workers in the Australian defence industry all play a vital role in delivering these capabilities and ensuring the defence of the nation.

Building a Sovereign Defence Industry

Beyond enhancing the ADF’s operational capabilities, the focus remains on building a sovereign defence industry. By investing in local manufacturing, maintenance, and innovation, the goal is to create long-term jobs and ensure Australia’s defence needs are met domestically.

This approach ensures that Australia’s defence strategy is not only focused on immediate needs but also on securing a self-reliant future. Through this investment, the groundwork is being laid for a resilient defence industry that will support national security and economic growth for decades to come.

In summary, the completion of Australia’s F-35A fleet marks a significant milestone in the nation’s defence strategy. It highlights the ongoing commitment to providing the ADF with cutting-edge capabilities while fostering a sovereign defence industry that will bolster Australia’s security and prosperity well into the future.

The newly released Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030 highlights the pivotal role families play in supporting current serving Australian Defence Force members and veterans.

The Strategy and related First Action Plan provide the guiding principles for how support will be delivered to Defence and veteran families over the next 5 years and include actions that assist in responding to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

The Strategy recognises the impacts of military service and related life events on families during and after service; outlines how families will be supported; and confirms a continued commitment to understanding the needs of Defence and veteran families and improving engagement and ongoing support.

Three priorities will drive progress under the Strategy and First Action Plan:

• Informed and Engaged—Families can find the information they need when they need it, so they can access available supports and make informed decisions. Defence and DVA actively engage with families to ensure their perspectives are considered.
• Supported and Secure—Any impacts of service and related life events are managed, through appropriate and flexible, fit-for-purpose policies, support, and communication.
• Recognised and Understood— The impacts of military life on Defence and veteran families are recognised with a continued commitment to understand the needs of families, improve policies, and ensure approaches are informed by research and evaluation.

The Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs worked closely together to develop the Strategy and First Action Plan.

This coordinated approach ensures that the impacts of service and related life events on families are managed, both during and after service, with appropriate fit-for-purpose policies, programs and support – now and in the future.

The Strategy and First Action Plan are a culmination of the experiences of Defence and veteran families. Defence and DVA gratefully acknowledge the people from the Defence, veteran and family communities and organisations who contributed to the development of the Strategy and First Action Plan, whether that was through participation in surveys, forums or direct feedback on drafts of the Strategy. In particular, the contributions of the Veteran Families’ Policy Forum participants, the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner and Defence Families of Australia were invaluable in the development of the strategy and should be commended for their tireless dedication to bringing the voices of Defence and veteran families to the discussion.

Download the Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030.

The Krakow Post

Since Ukraine launched a surprise breakthrough in Russia’s Kursk border region last summer, the Russian army has suffered devastating losses. Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, recently disclosed that more than 38,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in action since the offensive began. Syrskyi shared these figures shortly after visiting Ukrainian troops who have been stationed within Russian territory for several months.

The breakthrough, which commenced on August 6, marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian forces initially gained substantial ground in the Kursk region, a strategic area near Russia’s western border. However, despite their early success, the Ukrainian military has since lost roughly half of the territory it initially secured. Nevertheless, they have successfully repelled continuous Russian counterattacks, which have been bolstered by foreign support.

One notable development is the involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict. Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate that thousands of North Korean soldiers were deployed to aid Russian forces in the Kursk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a December briefing, stated that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded since joining the fight. The presence of these foreign troops highlights the international dimensions of the war, as Russia increasingly relies on external allies to reinforce its struggling military campaign.

Additionally, more than 700 Russian soldiers have been captured by Ukrainian forces during the offensive, according to Syrskyi. The high number of casualties and captives suggests a significant strain on Russian military resources and morale. The ongoing conflict in Kursk continues to challenge Russian President Vladimir Putin’s broader strategic goals, as the Ukrainian military demonstrates its resilience and ability to conduct successful cross-border operations.

The Kursk offensive underscores the evolving nature of the war, with both sides suffering heavy losses. However, Ukraine’s ability to maintain pressure on Russian forces, despite fierce resistance, signals a shift in the conflict’s dynamics that could have long-term implications for the region.

ED: Summary of a much longer article 

The Canadian Army faces a perfect storm of crises that jeopardise its ability to recruit, retain, equip, and train personnel for the evolving nature of warfare in the 2020s. These challenges go beyond administrative hurdles and directly threaten the Army’s capacity to safeguard Canada’s security and contribute meaningfully to allied defence efforts. Addressing these systemic issues requires both a frank acknowledgment of the problems and a commitment to reform. A future Conservative government under Pierre Poilievre might bring the necessary political will to tackle these shortcomings, but lasting solutions will demand sustained focus and resources.

The recruitment and retention crisis is a critical weakness for the Army. With a shortfall of over 10,000 personnel across the Armed Forces, the Army struggles to meet recruitment targets. This isn’t just a numbers problem; it’s a capability crisis. Without adequate staffing, the Army cannot effectively maintain training cycles, staff units, or prepare for deployments. Retention remains equally problematic, with soldiers citing poor living conditions, limited career progression, and burnout as reasons for leaving the service. At key bases like Petawawa and Edmonton, housing shortages and rising rental costs add financial strain on service members and their families, further driving attrition.

For instance, soldiers stationed at Petawawa face soaring housing costs, forcing many to live in inadequate on-base housing or commute long distances. These hardships erode morale and contribute to a cycle where remaining personnel are overburdened and demoralized. Compounding the issue, societal attitudes toward military service have shifted. Younger generations often perceive the military as outdated and poorly supported. Unlike countries like the United States or Australia, which emphasize patriotism and career development in recruitment campaigns, Canada lacks a coherent narrative to appeal to potential recruits. The U.S. has successfully linked military service to opportunities in STEM careers, a strategy Canada could adopt to better align with modern workforce expectations.

Beyond personnel issues, the Army’s equipment deficiencies further undermine its operational readiness. Canada’s military procurement system is plagued by delays and cost overruns, resulting in outdated or inadequate tools for modern warfare. While the Army’s Light Armoured Vehicles have received upgrades, they remain vulnerable to advanced drones and precision-guided munitions used by adversaries. The Army’s lack of long-range artillery, air defence systems, and unmanned aerial systems leaves it ill-prepared for high-intensity conflict.

NATO allies, such as Poland, have invested heavily in modernizing their forces, acquiring advanced artillery systems like HIMARS. In contrast, Canada’s sluggish procurement processes reflect complacency. During recent NATO exercises, Canadian forces struggled to integrate with allies using sophisticated electronic warfare and drone systems, highlighting the operational risks posed by these gaps. The much-lauded “Strong, Secure, Engaged” defence policy promised significant investments, yet many of its commitments remain unfulfilled. The delayed procurement of new logistics trucks, for example, forces soldiers to rely on aging vehicles unsuitable for contemporary operations.

While recent acquisitions like Leopard 2 tanks are a step in the right direction, they do not make up for decades of underinvestment. This equipment gap is particularly glaring when comparing Canada’s NATO contributions to those of its allies. For example, Canada’s deployment of 800 troops to Latvia—though symbolically important—lacks the scale and technological sophistication to deter Russian aggression. In contrast, Germany’s expanded deployment to Lithuania, complete with air defence systems and modern combat vehicles, demonstrates a more credible commitment.

Training deficiencies further compound the Army’s challenges. Modern warfare increasingly demands integration of cyber capabilities, autonomous systems, and electronic warfare—areas where Canada lags significantly. Training exercises often fail to reflect these realities, leaving personnel unprepared for contemporary battlefields. Countries like the United Kingdom and the United States incorporate joint multi-domain operations into their training regimes, while Canada’s exercises remain rooted in outdated tactics. For instance, the recent “Maple Resolve” exercise, although useful for basic readiness, exposed significant gaps in electronic warfare and counter-drone training.

Infrastructure issues, particularly inadequate housing, further erode the Army’s ability to support its personnel. Many soldiers live in substandard housing or face high rental costs near bases, which strains their financial and emotional well-being. Inadequate facilities for training and medical care exacerbate these problems, contributing to a sense of neglect among service members. Reports from bases like CFB Edmonton reveal deteriorating barracks with issues such as mould and poor heating, symbolizing the government’s failure to provide basic necessities.

The Army’s scattered deployment model reflects its broader strategic incoherence. Spreading limited resources across multiple missions dilutes effectiveness and overextends personnel. For instance, Canada’s modest troop deployment in Latvia lacks sufficient logistical and technological support to be a credible deterrent. A more focused approach—such as doubling the Latvia deployment or reallocating resources to Arctic security—would better align with Canada’s strategic priorities.

The Arctic is a critical area for Canadian sovereignty and security. However, investments in Arctic capabilities remain inadequate, leaving Canada vulnerable to growing Russian and Chinese ambitions in the region. The lack of icebreakers, surveillance systems, and mobility platforms hampers Canada’s ability to defend its Arctic interests. Recent reports of Chinese interest in Arctic resource development highlight the urgency of enhancing Canada’s capabilities in this domain.

Addressing the Army’s systemic issues requires a comprehensive overhaul of recruitment, retention, equipment, and training strategies. Modernizing recruitment campaigns to appeal to diverse demographics through digital platforms and targeted messaging is essential. Retention efforts should focus on improving pay, benefits, and family support programs, including subsidized housing and allowances for those stationed in high-cost areas.

Reforming the procurement process to reduce delays and enhance accountability is equally critical. Partnering with allies on joint procurement projects could streamline acquisitions and ensure timely delivery of advanced technologies. A significant increase in funding for military housing and infrastructure is necessary, as is a complete overhaul of training programs to reflect the realities of modern warfare.

Political will is essential to drive meaningful reform. The Trudeau government has largely favoured symbolic gestures over substantive changes. A future Conservative government under Pierre Poilievre could provide the impetus for reform, assuming defence becomes a core policy priority. However, even under new leadership, addressing the Army’s challenges will require long-term planning, sustained investment, and a cultural shift within the military to embrace innovation and adaptability.

The Canadian Army’s current dysfunctions represent more than administrative failures—they pose an existential threat to its ability to defend Canada and support allied security efforts. From recruitment and retention crises to outdated equipment and inadequate training, the Army faces significant challenges that must be addressed to remain relevant in an increasingly volatile world. Practical solutions exist, but they require political courage and a commitment to prioritise defence over short-term political calculations. If a future government can rise to the challenge, it may restore the Canadian Army’s credibility and relevance on the global stage.

About the Author: Andrew Latham 

Andrew Latham is a non-resident fellow at Defence Priorities and a professor of international relations and political theory at Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN.

I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

Why do you have to “put your two cents in”… but it’s only a “penny for your thoughts”? Where’s that extra penny going?   (taxes?)

Once you’re in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they “slept like a baby” when babies wake up like every two hours?

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

Why do peanuts float in a regular coke and sink in a diet coke. Go ahead and try it…

Why are you IN a movie, but you’re ON TV?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They’re going to see you naked anyway.

Why is “bra” singular and “panties” plural?

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?   I’ve never seen a sign that says ‘Two or more LIVE people needed to use the HOV lane’…

If the professor on Gilligan’s Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can’t he fix a hole in a boat?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Why do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

HOW DID THE MAN WHO MADE THE FIRST CLOCK, KNOW WHAT TIME IT WAS?

ED: During a trip early in 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting the Australian Army Museum Bandiana, and I highly recommend it as a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts. This museum offers a fascinating and comprehensive insight into Australia’s rich military heritage. With its cutting-edge displays and expertly curated exhibits, it provides a unique focus on the history and evolution of the Army’s Logistic Corps, highlighting their vital role in military operations. From historical artifacts to engaging multimedia presentations, the museum offers an immersive experience that showcases the ingenuity, resilience, and dedication of the men and women who have served. Whether you’re passionate about military history or simply curious about Australia’s past, this museum is an exceptional place to explore and learn.

Located in Wodonga, Victoria open every THURSDAY to SATURDAY from 10am to 3pm unless stated below.

The Museum is closed on the following days; Good Friday, ANZAC Day, from Christmas Day to New Years Day (inclusive)

The Krakow Post

Merchants Lead the Way
On December 29, 2024, Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar, usually a bustling centre of trade and commerce, became the focal point of a major strike. Merchants and shopkeepers, grappling with surging inflation and a collapsing rial, shuttered their shops and called on others to join them. By the next day, protests had spread across the city, with workers from diverse sectors demanding higher wages, better pensions, and improved working conditions.

The strike began among shoe sellers in the 15th Khordad area and quickly rippled through the bazaar’s interconnected network of tradespeople, each bearing the brunt of Iran’s worsening economic conditions.

Voices of Protest
Protesters chanted slogans like, “Don’t be afraid, close up,” and “Brave merchants, support, support,” urging solidarity among their peers. A fabric merchant explained the dire situation, citing the skyrocketing cost of raw materials and the dramatic devaluation of the rial as reasons for his participation.

Their grievances were amplified by the currency’s sharp decline. On the open market, the rial has plummeted to over 810,000 per US dollar, exacerbating the financial strain on merchants who now face exorbitant costs to import goods.

A Collapsing Economy
Iran’s economic turmoil is rooted in a complex web of sanctions, geopolitical tensions, and internal mismanagement. U.S.-led sanctions targeting the country’s nuclear program and its support for militant groups have heavily restricted economic growth. Compounding the problem, Iran’s involvement in arms transfers to Russia has drawn further international criticism, isolating it from global markets.

Meanwhile, energy shortages have led to widespread blackouts and school closures, underscoring the depth of the crisis. Workshops across the country have shuttered their doors, while others struggle to sell goods in a shrinking market.

Unrest Beyond the Bazaar
The strike at the Grand Bazaar ignited similar actions in other commercial centres, including Abbasabad Market and Baghe Sepahsalar. Hamidreza Rastgar, head of Tehran’s Chamber of Guilds, acknowledged the growing unrest among manufacturers, signalling the strike’s potential to trigger broader disruptions.

Government on Edge
Iranian security forces have responded with heightened vigilance, deploying personnel to monitor and contain demonstrations. Although no immediate violence has been reported, the heavy police presence reflects the government’s anxiety over protests in such an economically and historically significant area.

A Turning Point?
The Grand Bazaar protests highlight a critical moment in Iran’s ongoing economic struggle. What began as localized discontent has evolved into a nationwide call for change, with merchants and workers from diverse backgrounds uniting against shared hardships. As inflation soars and the rial weakens further, the voices from the bazaar may become a rallying cry for broader reform.

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the incredible achievements of the Royal Australian Air Force. From supporting our Pacific neighbours to working with international partners and responding to crises at home, our people have been there when it mattered most.   Watch our 2024 Year in Review and see how Air Force has made a difference this year.

 “Your past doesn’t define you—it teaches you. Every experience is a lesson, not a life sentence.”
In Stay Loose, Adrian Hodges delivers a candid reflection on three decades of service in the Australian Army, from navigating the dangers of war to the challenges beyond the battlefield.
Adrian chronicles both the highs and lows. From his battalion’s deployment to Somalia’s famine-stricken chaos—Australia’s first major overseas operation since the Vietnam War—to participating in the nation’s first lethal firefight in decades, he offers harrowing frontline insights. His memoir covers a military exchange in Malaysia, as well as service in Afghanistan and Iraq, providing an intimate view of the physical and psychological tolls faced by soldiers.
But this memoir isn’t just about combat. Adrian reflects on his struggles after leaving the Army, battling uncertainty and searching for direction. His post-military career led him to work as a court recorder on several high-profile legal cases, including the investigation into the Black Hawk helicopter crash that claimed 18 military lives. He also recounts backpacking through North Africa and the Middle East, contrasting his military service with personal discovery.
Eventually re-enlisting, Adrian’s return to operations and military exchanges weaves themes of brotherhood, resilience, and the strength found in family. Now a private military contractor in the UAE, he explores how his past shaped his future.
Stay Loose is a deeply personal journey of finding humour and catharsis in extraordinary circumstances, proving that past experiences offer lessons, not life sentences.

About the Author – Adrian Hodges

Adrian Hodges was born in 1970 and has been involved in the defence industry for more than thirty-five years. His first military mission was to war-ravaged Somalia, on the Horn of Africa, with his last to Iraq. An Australian by birth, Adrian is now based in the Middle East, where he works as a military contractor for the Presidential Guard, an elite military unit of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

LIST PRICE: AU$ 34.99 / NZ$ 39.99

PRICE MAY VARY BY RETAILER

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Big Sky Publishing (2 April 2025)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 312 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1923300180
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1923300187

Available from: Amazon.com.au – booktopia – Dymocks – Mightyape – The Nile – QBD books

ED: The following video was sent to me by Bob Buick, with the following quote with which I agree; “Me being me, a pragmatist, of the commonsense group I cannot discover evidence of “CLIMATE CHANGE” but can of “GLOBAL WARMING” that is not CO2 cause but plant evolution that will continue until the demise of EARTH!”

———-

Liberty Energy CEO Wright is an MIT and Berkeley trained engineer running a big fracking company. He’s also an investor in next-gen technology, including Tim Latimer’s Fervo Energy, which aims to frack hot rocks to provide geothermal energy. To make the world a better place, you need more reliable, affordable, secure, energy,” Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, told Forbes, 10 days before President-elect Donald Trump announced he would nominate him as the next secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. And that’s true, he says, even if the world has to rely on fossil fuels to get there.