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On July 17, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was tragically shot down over the Ukraine-Russia border. All 298 passengers and crew members aboard the Boeing 777 perished in the disaster. The victims included citizens from various countries, with the majority being Dutch, alongside nationals from Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, the Philippines, Canada, and New Zealand. Among the deceased were 38 Australians, adding to the global impact of this tragedy.

In 2015, Dutch investigators concluded that the aircraft was struck by a Russian-made Buk surface-to-air missile, launched from an area controlled by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. This conclusion was supported by extensive forensic analysis, including missile fragments found in the wreckage and evidence from satellite imagery. Despite these findings and international calls for accountability, Russia has consistently denied any involvement, instead attributing the attack to Ukrainian forces.

A decade later, the downing of MH17 remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The tragedy underscored the vulnerability of civilian lives amidst armed conflicts and the enduring quest for justice and accountability for the victims and their families. As the world reflects on this sombre anniversary, it serves as a testament to the innocent lives lost and the enduring impact of such incidents on the global community.

Registrations are now open for Bravery Trust’s annual five-week physical challenge, the Bravery Trek. This event serves as a unified symbol of support for all who serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and aligns with Veterans’ Health Week.

Event Overview

The Bravery Trek is a virtual challenge, allowing participants to trek anywhere while raising awareness about the financial support available to veterans and their families. This initiative highlights a commitment to those who sustain illness or injury as a result of their service.

Community Engagement

“Bravery Trek unites community groups, workplace engagement programs, and corporate sponsors, providing an opportunity to say thank you to those who serve our country and raise awareness of the ways we can support our veterans,” said Bravery Trust CEO Garth Callender. “We receive incredible support from within the ADF, and we are seeing growing numbers of individuals who have never served or worked in Defence signing up to show their support by raising funds and awareness.”

Fundraising and Support

Bravery Trek raises funds to provide a financial safety net for veterans and their families facing hardship. It also offers longer-term financial counselling to help rebuild lives. The charity provides a free, veteran-specific financial counselling service to all current and ex-serving members of the ADF, as well as a financial fitness program to assist them in avoiding or reducing financial hardship by developing an understanding of financial options and building better money habits.

“Finances have long been a hard conversation to start,” Callender noted. “Veterans are, by nature, proud people who can find it hard to ask for help when needed. Getting people together and raising awareness through Bravery Trek is a way we can initiate and normalize some of those hard conversations and encourage people to reach out for help as soon as their financial circumstances change. We know there is an intrinsic link between financial hardship and suicide, and through financial counselling and financial support, we can help to save lives.”

Sponsorship and Participation

Leidos will again be the major sponsor of Bravery Trek, supported by Wilson Security, Birdon, Defence Bank, and Brooks. This year marks the fifth year of Bravery Trek and celebrates the five domains of Defence over five weeks, from 8 September to 12 October. Participants will be rewarded with virtual achievement badges as they complete either 10 kilometres or 50 kilometres each week.

Registration is free at www.braverytrek.com.au, with a complimentary T-shirt for those who raise $55 before 24 August and a bespoke Bravery Trek Challenge coin for participants who raise $150 during the five weeks of Bravery Trek.

It’s June 1967. The Jungle is as inhospitable as it can be for the paratroopers of the 173rd Airborne as they sweep the area for the enemy. Although the thick fog and dense foliage prevent them from seeing further than just a couple of yards, they know the enemy is close. Suddenly, the silence is broken by the sound of gunfire. A rain of bullets starts flying through the air, striking paratroopers down. Wave after wave of NVA soldiers begin to attack their position and the clash turns into a brutal close-quarters fight. Paratroopers fight hand-to-hand, using their bayonets, rifles, and even their bare hands to fend off the determined enemy. They get to taste the Hell of the Vietnam Highlands in what would become one of the most brutal battles of the Vietnam War…the Battle of Dak To.

Australian Defence Force elements both Full-time and Reserve have commenced Exercise Austral Shield 2024, evaluating Defence’s capacity for rapid deployment across the nation’s northern regions. The exercise began on 12 July, aiming to assess Defence’s ability to project power and deploy forces to remote locations across northern Australia.

The training operations will occur around Derby in Western Australia, Darwin, Cairns, and Christmas Island. Defence anticipates that this exercise will enhance regional security through a sustained Defence presence in the north, employing assets across land, air, and sea. The Australian Army has alerted local communities to expect increased military activity and not to be alarmed by the presence of Defence personnel.

Exercise Austral Shield will conclude on 28 July 2024. Brigadier Damian Hill AM, the Exercise Director, stated that the exercise will test Defence’s ability to form a Joint Task Force from both full-time and Reserve elements while providing a realistic training scenario. “This will involve security and response forces from the 13th Brigade, 11th Brigade, and Regional Force Surveillance Units, who will deploy as part of an integrated Joint Task Force alongside other air and maritime assets,” BRIG Hill explained.

“The ADF’s contribution to Exercise Austral Shield supports our shared vision of a peaceful region and significantly contributes to collective security,” he added. Due to the nature of Exercise Austral Shield, local residents in the training locations are likely to observe increased military activity, including simulated weapons fire and military vehicle traffic.

Simultaneously, Australia is hosting Exercise Pitch Black, a record-breaking training event testing the use of aircraft and battle management systems in complex scenarios. Aircraft operations are centred at the Northern Territory’s RAAF Base Darwin and Tindal, with additional tanker and transport aircraft operating from Queensland’s RAAF Base Amberley. This marks the first participation of an aircraft carrier, with the Italian flagship Cavour taking part.

Exercise Pitch Black involves 140 aircraft and 4,000 personnel, with participation from the Philippines, Spain, Italy, Papua New Guinea, and embedded personnel from Fiji and Brunei for the first time. Additional participants include France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and embedded personnel from Canada and New Zealand. “Exercise Pitch Black is our premier activity for international engagement, held every two years to build stronger ties with like-minded nations,” stated Exercise Director Air Commodore Peter Robinson.

Admiral David Johnston, the newly appointed Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), will focus on recruitment, innovative technology, and wellbeing as he assumes leadership of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). He is the first naval officer to lead the ADF since 2002.

On 10 July, command of the ADF was officially transferred from former CDF General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC, to former Vice CDF Admiral David Johnston, AC, RAN at a ceremonial parade at Russell Offices in Canberra. General Campbell, who had held the position since 7 July 2018, concluded his duties on 10 July this year.

“Defence provides a unique opportunity for multiple career paths, where what we do matters, whichever path you take,” Admiral Johnston said during the ceremonial parade. “I have enjoyed the many experiences that my career has provided and want that to be the experience of everyone.”

Addressing the current strategic environment, Admiral Johnston emphasized the importance of readiness to meet Australia’s security needs through a Strategy of Denial. “This requires a force that is well equipped, trained, confident, strong, and resilient. I recognize that the ADF workforce is my priority.”

Admiral Johnston outlined his commitment to growing the force through higher recruitment and improving retention. “Significant initiatives have been implemented and progress is being made, but we are not yet meeting our workforce targets. This requires us to look broadly and examine our employment models and how we best use our highly capable part-time and Reserve workforce.”

During his speech, Admiral Johnston pledged to serve with service, courage, respect, integrity, and excellence. “It is my great privilege to lead the Australian Defence Force. Our people serve Australia from home and afar every day with such great pride and dedication. I am extremely proud of the men and women of the ADF. Our people are fundamental to all we can and must achieve; you are our capability.”

He acknowledged the mental and physical costs of service for some personnel and committed to prioritizing programs that foster a culture of wellbeing. “Along with the senior leadership team at the department, I am fully committed to prioritizing programs that foster a culture that prioritizes wellbeing so our people can serve well, live well, and age well.”

Admiral Johnston also highlighted the ADF’s collaboration with the government to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. “The Australian Defence Force must be a force that is agile in time, location, and purpose,” he said. “I will focus on innovation and quicker adoption of technologies into the ADF. I will continue the emphasis on developing the integrated force, to realize the opportunities of space and cyber, and to grow our domestic, regional, and international partnerships, including with our industry partners.”

Expressing his commitment to the ADF personnel, veterans, and their families, Admiral Johnston said, “We must continue working as an integrated team to create an environment of service, respect, and commitment to our mission. Our families and loved ones are impacted by our service – their continuing and unwavering support to us is so vital and so valued.”

“To our sailors, soldiers, and aviators – I commit to giving my all, every day, as your CDF. I seek your support in giving our best to our shared national mission.”

Saab 37 Viggen: Only Fighter to Ever Catch and ‘Missile Lock’ the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird, introduced during the Cold War, remains the fastest aircraft ever, capable of Mach 3.0. Despite its unmatched speed and advanced avionics, only one aircraft, the Swedish Saab JA-37 Viggen, ever scored a missile lock on a Blackbird.

CLICK LINK to read the article

Saab 37 Viggen: Only Fighter to Ever Catch and ‘Missile Lock’ the SR-71 Blackbird | The National Interest

Canada’s Northwest Passage and the broader Arctic region are garnering increased interest from global competitors seeking new transportation routes, natural resources, and critical minerals. Foreign submarines are increasingly exploring these waters, probing infrastructure, and gathering intelligence. Russian and Chinese submarine activities in the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific Oceans highlight the need for a robust Canadian maritime presence.

In response, Canada is set to upgrade its submarine fleet, replacing the aging Victoria-class vessels with new ones capable of under-ice operations. The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced the launch of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), marking the beginning of formal industry engagement for this acquisition.

This strategic initiative aims to provide the Royal Canadian Navy with a modernized, larger fleet that can covertly detect and deter threats, control maritime approaches, and project power across all three Canadian coasts. The Department of National Defence is currently engaging with manufacturers and potential partners, with a formal Request for Information (RFI) to be issued in fall 2024. This RFI will gather essential details on procurement, construction, and operational capabilities, ensuring the establishment of a robust submarine sustainment capability within Canada.

Key requirements for the new submarine fleet include stealth, lethality, persistence, and Arctic deployability, enabling Canada to effectively monitor and respond to adversaries across its vast maritime domains. The procurement process also aims to foster stronger ties with international allies, ensuring comprehensive personnel training and information sharing.

The federal government has announced that the braking issue found in Hawkei military vehicles has been resolved. The Australian Defence Force had stopped accepting these vehicles in 2020 due to the problem, leaving dozens of light-armoured patrol vehicles idle outside the Thales arms manufacturing factory in Central Victoria.

Federal Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy stated that a solution has been found, and planning is underway to roll out the vehicles to defence force units nationwide. “These vehicles are critical to the mobility of the Australian Army,” he said. “We’ll roll them out through a remediation program to have the fix installed. Defence will then advise the government on when we can expect to declare full operational capability.”

Brigadier John-Paul Ouvrier mentioned that the Australian Army worked closely with Thales to identify and rectify the fault. “We did extensive testing to identify the fault with the modulator, both on the vehicles but also in the workshop,” he said.

New Contract Provides Certainty for Defence Manufacturer

The Australian Government has also announced a $45-million defence contract for Thales Australia to build 15 new missile-equipped Bushmaster vehicles. The French defence manufacturer is currently building 78 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles in Bendigo as part of a $160 million contract, with production on the new 15 to start mid next year. Last year, Australia sent 90 Bushmasters to Ukraine to aid in its war against Russia.

Minister Pat Conroy highlighted that the Government had spent over $200 million on Thales defence contracts. “Bushmasters save lives,” he said. “We’ve seen them save Australian soldiers’ lives in Afghanistan and Ukrainian lives in Ukraine.” Additionally, the Fijian government recently approved an order to buy 14 Bushmasters from the Australian Government.

The new vehicles will be critical for the Army’s long-range fires regiment, said the defence minister. “[These are the] most advanced variant of the Bushmaster,” Mr. Conroy stated. “These are critical to standing up our new regiment of long-range fires that will deploy high mobility artillery rocket systems.”

Last month, the Royal Australian Navy’s Maritime Security Advisors (MSAs) and Sea Training Group (STG) launched the inaugural Operation Irensia in partnership with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in Guam. This initiative, marking two years of meticulous planning and coordination, underscores the growing alliance between Australia and the US.

Captain Robert Kistner, Commander of US Coast Guard Forces Micronesia, praised the operation for showcasing collective capabilities and strengthening international bonds. “This initiative, two years in the making, is a testament to our enduring commitment to the Pacific region,” he said. “We are grateful to all our partners and eager for this to become an annual event, continuing to foster a legacy of collaboration and security.”

Operation Irensia has reinforced Australia’s commitment in the Pacific, focusing on shared security objectives, partner capacity building, and enhanced interoperability to maintain peace, security, and prosperity in the region. The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of Palau, and Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) also participated, creating a platform for Pacific nations to fortify regional security architecture.

The week-long activities included an opening ceremony, law enforcement and mock boarding subject matter exchange, competitive seamanship and damage control drills, and practical at-sea exercises. Social events like a beach barbecue and a basketball tournament added to the camaraderie.

Patrol boats FSS Bethwel Henry (FSM), PSS President HI Remeliik II (Palau), and RMIS Lomor 03 (RMI), delivered by Australia under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, were integral to the operation. Dr. Liz Brierley, Assistant Secretary of the Pacific Maritime Branch, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We are thrilled to collaborate with our partner, the USCG, to bring Operation Irens

Nuclear for Australia Release

Recent events have highlighted how out of step the Australian Labor Party’s (ALP) stance on nuclear energy is compared to other global leaders. Last week, Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, was elected Prime Minister. UK Labour has long been a proponent of nuclear energy and continues to support the technology with bipartisan backing from the Conservatives.

Earlier this week, President Biden signed the ADVANCE Act into law. This legislation aims to improve regulatory conditions and support for the civil nuclear power industry in the U.S., with provisions for the coal-to-nuclear transition and microreactors. The Act underscores the strong bipartisan support for nuclear energy in the United States.

In stark contrast, the ALP has been running a fear campaign based on disinformation and stereotypes from shows like The Simpsons. This approach not only jeopardizes international relationships, such as AUKUS, but also demonstrates a lack of maturity in addressing the energy crisis.

However, there is some good news. After the fear campaign was exposed by Nuclear for Australia, reports from The Australian revealed that the Labor Party has warned its MPs against engaging in this behaviour. Despite this, the fear campaign persists, and we remain committed to countering it. Facts will ultimately prevail over fear.

Social Media Success

Nuclear for Australia has been actively educating the public about nuclear energy through a robust social media presence. With successful profiles on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X, we reach a young and crucial demographic in this debate. We regularly share facts, expert insights, and updates, engaging over 40,000 followers across platforms.

Our content frequently goes viral, with several videos on Instagram exceeding 1 million views. One particularly popular video, approaching 2 million views, revealed that cooling towers release water vapor, not smoke, and highlighted that nuclear power stations are emissions-free.

We will continue to grow our social media presence to reach millions of Australians with the truth about nuclear energy.