A newly constructed airstrip on Abd al-Kuri Island, a remote outpost in the Indian Ocean near the Gulf of Aden, has sparked intrigue and speculation about its purpose and the entity behind its development. The island’s strategic location, near one of the world’s most crucial waterways for cargo and energy shipments to Europe, underscores the potential significance of this development.
Satellite imagery dated January 7 reveals a north-south runway under construction, equipped with trucks and heavy machinery. The paved sections bear the designations “18” and “36” at their respective ends. Measuring approximately 1.5 miles long and 150 feet wide, the airstrip could support private jets and medium-sized aircraft upon completion. However, its length suggests it would not accommodate the largest commercial aircraft or heavy military bombers. A missing segment indicates the project is still in progress.
While the airstrip remains unregistered with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), raising questions about its official status, its strategic value is undeniable. Situated within Houthi drone and missile range but far from mainland Yemen, it appears shielded from immediate ground-based threats. The geographic isolation of Abd al-Kuri limits the risk of direct seizure by hostile forces.
The Gulf of Aden has gained heightened significance amid the ongoing conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have disrupted shipping routes through frequent attacks. These disruptions have halved cargo and energy shipments, further emphasizing the region’s vulnerability. The development of the airstrip could signal a broader effort to secure and monitor these critical waterways.
The United Arab Emirates is widely suspected to be behind the airstrip’s construction, aligning with its known initiatives to bolster its strategic military footprint in the region. This follows similar expansions, such as the extended runway in Mocha on the Red Sea and another airstrip near Dhubab in Yemen’s Taiz governorate. Both projects have enhanced the operational capabilities of these locations.
This activity coincides with escalating tensions in the region. The Houthi rebels have launched numerous attacks against US warships in the Red Sea and directed strikes toward other targets, heightening fears of a broader conflict. These developments have amplified concerns about the potential for significant escalation and the broader implications for regional stability.
Experts note the strategic calculus behind these developments. The Gulf of Aden’s proximity to global trade routes makes it a focal point for power projection. The airstrip on Abd al-Kuri may serve as a vital hub for surveillance, logistics, or other military operations aimed at countering threats in the region.
As construction progresses, questions linger over the long-term intentions for the airstrip and the broader implications for regional geopolitics. While its existence reflects the complexities of power dynamics in the Gulf of Aden, its full significance remains to be seen.
By Ray Payne OAM – Frontline
Australia Day has become a deeply debated topic, but understanding its true purpose, value, and place in the nation’s identity requires recognising both its historical origins and its evolving meaning in contemporary society. The day, celebrated on January 26, marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788, led by Captain Arthur Phillip. The day originally symbolised the establishment of British sovereignty over the land, which laid the foundations for the modern nation of Australia.
However, in modern times, Australia Day has evolved into a celebration of the nation’s achievements, values, and diverse people. It is a day to reflect on the nation’s history, both the highs and lows, and to recognise the multicultural fabric of Australian society, as well as the freedoms, opportunities, and quality of life Australians enjoy today.
Australia Day is more than just a public holiday; it serves several important purposes. It provides a moment for national pride and unity, offering Australians a chance to reflect on what it means to be Australian, from early settlers to modern immigrants and Indigenous communities. It celebrates the values of freedom, democracy, and equality, recognises Australia’s rich history of migration and multiculturalism, and acknowledges the sacrifices made by past generations to build a prosperous nation.
Beyond its symbolic significance, Australia Day has economic and social value. The day boosts the economy through celebrations, events, and tourism. Local councils, businesses, and community groups host public events that bring people together, fostering social cohesion and promoting a sense of belonging.
Patriotism is essential to maintaining a strong national identity and shared purpose. Countries like the United States and France celebrate their national days with pride, enthusiasm, and unity, reinforcing their citizens’ sense of belonging and national loyalty. Australia, too, needs to embrace patriotism without apology. Patriotism unites a nation, reminding Australians that, despite differences in background or beliefs, they share a common identity and future. It instils pride in the nation’s achievements and ensures Australians defend their core values, such as freedom of speech, democracy, and the rule of law. A strong patriotic culture on Australia Day sends a message that Australians are proud of their history and confident in their future.
The truth of Australia’s history is complex and cannot be ignored. The arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 marked the beginning of colonisation, which had devastating impacts on Indigenous Australians. However, erasing or undermining Australia Day does not change history. Instead, the day should be an opportunity to reflect on the entire history of the nation, both good and bad, and commit to a shared future of reconciliation and unity.
The historical facts surrounding Australia’s development must be acknowledged on Australia Day. This includes recognising the achievements of Indigenous Australians, who have lived on the continent for over 65,000 years; the sacrifices of convicts, settlers, and pioneers who built the modern nation; the contributions of migrants who have made Australia one of the world’s most multicultural societies; and the military sacrifices of Australians who fought to defend the nation’s freedoms. By acknowledging all aspects of history, Australia Day can become a genuine celebration of unity, resilience, and progress.
Political leaders must recognize the importance of Australia Day and offer it total support as a national celebration. The day represents the establishment of the modern Australian state and serves as a symbol of sovereignty and national identity. Attempts to abolish or change the date risk dividing the nation. Political leaders must promote inclusive celebrations that acknowledge Australia’s past while focusing on the future. Supporting Australia Day prevents divisiveness, promotes social cohesion, and ensures the day remains a positive celebration of unity.
Political leaders have a responsibility to defend Australia Day as a unifying event. Without strong political support, the day risks becoming a political battleground rather than a national celebration. Leaders must ensure all Australians feel included in the celebrations and reject efforts to cancel or alter the date in ways that alienate the majority of Australians.
While total political support is essential, so too is the need to make Australia Day more inclusive for all Australians. This can be achieved through education about the true history of Australia, including the stories of both Indigenous Australians and settlers. The focus should be on unity and shared values, highlighting the progress Australia has made as a nation and celebrating the future.
Australia Day should not be seen as a day of division or guilt. It should be a day of national pride, unity, and reflection, a time to acknowledge history, celebrate achievements, and look to the future with optimism. The truth about Australia Day is that it represents the birth of modern Australia, the resilience and achievements of its people, and a commitment to reconciliation and unity.
Political leaders, communities, and individuals alike must embrace the day as an opportunity to strengthen the nation and ensure Australia’s legacy endures for generations to come. As a proud Aussie tradition, Australia Day must be celebrated with vigour, respect, and patriotism, for it reminds us of where we’ve been, who we are, and where we’re going.
DVA will continue to provide support to veterans and families during the holiday season. However, please be aware that some services will be impacted.
Counselling and mental health support
The Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling telephone line is available to support current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Phone 1800 011 046 toll-free.
Similarly, Safe Zone Support is an anonymous counselling line that is available 24/7, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to support members of the current and ex-service community and families. Phone 1800 142 072 toll-free.
If you require urgent assistance, please call 000. If you are unwell, please contact your local doctor or go to your nearest hospital.
Open Arms centres will be closed for the Christmas / New Year period from Wednesday 25 December 2024 to Wednesday 1 January 2025 inclusive, and will re-open on Thursday 2 January 2025. For further information visit the Open Arms website.
Transport bookings for medical treatment
DVA staff will be available to process transport requests for approved or compensable medical treatment. Staff will not be available on weekends or the public holidays of 25 and 26 December 2024 and 1 January 2025.
If transport is required on these days and has not been pre-booked, you can pay for the travel and seek reimbursement when we re-open. Please call 1800 550 455 for assistance during business hours. Or, if you are an existing MyService user, you can make new transport bookings and review existing ones online. In a medical emergency, always dial 000.
Veterans’ Access Network offices and general enquiries
DVA offices, shopfronts and general enquiry services do not operate over weekends or public holidays.
Over the Christmas period, they will be closed from Wednesday 25 December 2024 to Wednesday 1 January 2025 inclusive. This includes DVA’s General Enquiries phone line and our Veteran Access Network offices. These services will resume on Thursday 2 January 2025.
Defence Service Homes Insurance
DSH Insurance and its advisors will be available for support with any insurance needs from 8 am to 5 pm on Friday 27 December, and from Monday 30 December to Tuesday 31 December. Outside of business hours, and during weekends and public holidays, calls will be diverted to DSH Insurance’s after-hours service partner, ensuring that support is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
For enquiries, or help with a policy or claim, phone 1300 552 662.
Online insurance enquiries can be made via the DSH Insurance website. They will respond to you after the public holidays. You can also lodge a non-urgent claim via the online claim form.
For DSH Insurance’s automated payment service, phone 1300 304 989 for the cost of a local call. This service is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Hospital admissions
Doctors can admit DVA patients into hospital over the holiday period and request retrospective approval for the admission, where required, when DVA resumes full services.
Pharmaceutical approvals
There will be no reduction in services across the Christmas/New Year period. Providers seeking prior approval for pharmaceuticals can call the Veterans’ Affairs Pharmaceutical Advisory Centre 24 hours a day on 1800 552 580.
Pension payments
The last pension payment in 2024 will be moved forward to Tuesday 24 December to ensure payments are received prior to the Boxing Day public holiday. The first payment of the new year will be Thursday 9 January 2025. See ‘Payment dates’ section below.
Incapacity payments
The incapacity payment that would ordinarily be paid on Thursday 2 January 2025 will be moved forward to Tuesday 24 December 2024. The next payment after this will be made on Thursday 16 January 2025, as scheduled. See ‘Payment dates’ section below.
Payment dates
As a result of differing arrangements by various banks during the holiday period, which are beyond DVA’s control, the precise day of the week you receive your pension or incapacity payment may differ. You may wish to make arrangements to ensure you have enough funds to cover any direct debit payments.
Client Support Program
The Client Support Program (CSP) provides case management services tailored to the individual needs of clients and families. This program will be closed from Saturday 21 December 2024 to Wednesday 1 January 2025 inclusive.
CSP case managers will contact their clients prior to this period to discuss support arrangements over this period.
Rehabilitation Program
The Rehabilitation Program applies a whole-of-person approach to rehabilitation, combining and coordinating various rehabilitation services to help a person return to work or improved wellbeing.
We encourage you to speak to your rehabilitation provider about any changes to your current arrangements over the holiday period.
If you require urgent assistance, please call 000. If you are unwell, please contact your local doctor or go to your nearest hospital.
Please be aware that claims and invoices submitted on or after 25 December 2024 will not be processed until after 1 January 2025.
Defence, Veterans’ and Families ‘ Acute Support Package
The Acute Support Package Program provides funding for short-term, flexible support to eligible veterans and their families to adjust to new and challenging life circumstances that may result in the family being at risk of experiencing crisis.
Please refer to information available on DVA’s website for external supports relating to crisis. (Search for ’Crisis contacts’.)
We encourage you to speak to your service providers about any changes to your current arrangements over the holiday period.
Please be aware that claims and invoices submitted on or after 25 December 2024 will not be processed until after 1 January 2025.
Household Services and Attendant Care
The Household Services and Attendant Care program provides approval for funding of household services and personal care as reasonably required as a result of an accepted service-related injury.
We encourage you to speak to your service providers about any changes to your current service arrangements over the holiday period.
Please be aware that claims and invoices submitted on or after 25 December 2024 will not be processed until after 1 January 2025.
If you require urgent assistance, please call 000. If you are unwell, please contact your local doctor or go to your nearest hospital.
Veterans’ Home Care Program
The Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) Program provides in-home care and support services to assist DVA clients maintain their independence by providing practical help. Services include domestic assistance, personal care, respite and home and garden maintenance services.
Access to VHC services is via the VHC Assessment Agency which will confirm eligibility and conduct an assessment to determine the level of care needed.
The VHC Assessment Agency can be contacted on 1300 550 450. Please note that VHC Assessment Agency will not be available on 25 December 2024 and 1 January 2025.
Community Nursing Program
The Community Nursing Program funds clinically required nursing and personal care services to eligible DVA clients in their homes. DVA-contracted Community Nursing providers can continue to accept new referrals and continue to deliver services to new and existing clients.
The DVA office will be closed from 25 December 2024 to 1 January 2025 inclusive.
During this time Community Nursing providers should continue to assess and deliver clinically required nursing services for eligible DVA clients throughout the Christmas period, under standard arrangements using the Schedule of Fees. Where clinically required care exceeds the Schedule of Fees, providers should deliver the care and email DVA at [email protected]. A DVA staff member will respond to requests from 2 January 2025.
Veteran Support Officers
Veteran Support Officers (VSOs) provide personalised DVA services to ADF members on Defence bases.
VSOs will not be available from 4 pm Tuesday 24 December 2024 to 9 am Thursday 2 January 2025 inclusive.
ADF members can continue to book VSO appointments over the holiday period by emailing [email protected].
Scam and fraud tip-offs
The Scam and Fraud Tip-Off mailboxes will not be monitored between 25 December 2024 and 1 January 2025 inclusive.
If you believe you have been the victim of a Scam, please review the options available at IDCARE, Australia and New Zealand’s national identity & cyber support service (www.idcare.org).
For all serious matters, please contact the police.
Feedback
DVA welcomes your feedback about the services we provide and how we deliver them. The feedback mailbox will not be monitored between Wednesday 25 December 2024 and Wednesday 1 January 2025 inclusive. Feedback services will resume on Thursday 2 January 2025.
The best way to provide feedback during the holiday period is to either:
- use MyService
- fill out DVA’s website online form.
The AS21 “Redback” Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), developed by Hanwha Défense Systems, is a modern armoured vehicle designed to meet the Australian Army’s LAND 400 requirements. This advanced IFV offers enhanced protection, firepower, and versatility, making it an ideal replacement for Australia’s aging ASLAV and M113 APC fleets. With a 40mm autocannon, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and an Active Protection System (APS), the AS21 “Redback” is engineered for maximum survivability on the battlefield. Its robust tracked-wheeled design, efficient turbocharged diesel engine, and operational range of 500 km ensure both mobility and endurance. Holding a crew of three and eight combat-ready soldiers, the AS21 exemplifies cutting-edge technology in military vehicles. Explore why this innovative IFV is a strong contender for Australia’s LAND 400 program and how it brings unmatched adaptability, power, and protection to modern warfare. Discover the future of armoured vehicles with the AS21 Redback.
Lidia Thorpe’s controversial actions and statements have sparked a significant debate over her eligibility and conduct as a senator. Her deliberate misstatement during her Oath of Allegiance, as she claims, has raised concerns about the legitimacy of her pledge to bear true allegiance to the King, which is a constitutional requirement for all Australian MPs and senators.
Thorpe’s remarks, especially the play on words (“her hairs, not her heirs”), demonstrate her ongoing stance against the monarchy and the system it represents. While she has been vocal about her opposition to the Crown, her admission that she made an invalid affirmation raises legal and ethical questions. According to the Australian Constitution, an MP or senator must swear or affirm allegiance to the monarch as a condition of taking office. If her claim of making an invalid affirmation is upheld, it could potentially render her swearing-in incomplete or invalid.
In terms of what can lawfully be done to dismiss her from the Senate, the options are limited and require clear legal grounds. Typically, a senator can only be disqualified if they breach Section 44 of the Constitution, which outlines various disqualifications, such as having a foreign allegiance, being a bankrupt, or being convicted of an offense punishable by imprisonment of one year or more. A failure to take a valid Oath of Allegiance might not directly fit into these disqualification categories, but it could be argued that it constitutes a breach of constitutional requirements. If so, her eligibility to serve could be challenged.
The Coalition’s move to seek legal advice on this matter is significant. Should the advice indicate that her invalid affirmation compromises her position, Thorpe could face legal challenges to her eligibility. This could lead to a High Court case, as only the Court of Disputed Returns has the power to disqualify a senator. However, it’s not certain that her admission alone would be enough to trigger such a process unless it can be proven that she deliberately misled the Parliament in a way that affects her eligibility.
Politically, this issue underscores the tension between republican sentiments, especially among Indigenous rights advocates like Thorpe, and Australia’s constitutional framework. Thorpe has positioned herself as a staunch critic of the monarchy, and her actions reflect her broader political stance. Whether this is viewed as an act of defiance or as a breach of her constitutional duty depends largely on one’s perspective on the monarchy and the role of senators in upholding the constitution.
We have been advised of the death on 9 October 2024 of Maurice Malcolm
Pearce. Known as Mal, he was 79. Mal served in Vietnam with 1st Field
Regiment from September 1966 until June 1967 as a Section Commander. He
returned to Vietnam from May to December 1971 as a Forward Observer working
with the Kiwi’s. Mal died not long after surgery. There will not be a
funeral however a memorial service will be held on a date to be advised.
RIP Maurice Malcolm Pearce
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
[email protected]
An award-winning essay by an RAAF corporal lays out the significant challenges posed by commercially available drones in the military sphere.
One of the most significant shifts in modern warfare has been the rise of commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) drones. These inexpensive, readily available systems have transformed battlefields from Ukraine to the Middle East, posing new threats that military forces around the world must address. Corporal Ryan Hodson, in his essay for the Air Force Writing Competition, highlights the profound implications these drones hold for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and broader defence strategies.
The COTS Drone Threat
While larger, military-grade drones have captured attention for their capabilities, it’s the smaller, commercial drones that are making a particularly game-changing impact. Sold for civilian use, these drones are fast, agile, and can be easily weaponized. Corporal Hodson’s essay, titled The Weaponisation of Toys and Implications for the Air Force, delves into the real-world challenges these drones pose to defence forces.
One of the most alarming aspects of COTS drones is their speed. Even hobbyist drones can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h, while racing drones can exceed 120 km/h. Despite their small size, these drones pose a ballistic threat, simply due to their velocity. When paired with weapons such as an RPG warhead, their versatility becomes clear—they can approach targets quickly and silently, avoiding detection by traditional methods. Unlike conventional anti-tank missiles, drones do not emit an infrared (IR) plume, meaning they can strike from above with little warning.
Detection and Countermeasures
One of the most significant challenges posed by COTS drones is their detection. Unlike military drones, which often have distinctive features, commercial drones come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Their small size and ability to manoeuvre through urban environments make them difficult to detect using traditional radar systems. This has forced militaries to consider integrating a combination of optical, thermal, and acoustic sensors to improve detection accuracy.
However, as Hodson explains, integrating these systems creates another problem—more data is added to the decision-making loop, which can slow response times. Furthermore, the interconnected nature of these detection platforms exposes new vulnerabilities. By linking sensors to central nodes for real-time data sharing, the risk of cyberattacks increases. In essence, these drones not only pose a physical threat but also become a vector for cyber warfare, expanding the attack surface for adversaries.
Counter-Drone Operations and Complications
Countering drones is more complex than it seems. While jamming systems may disable enemy drones, they can also disrupt friendly forces’ operations. This “fratricide” has been observed in the Ukraine conflict, where jamming efforts have impacted both enemy and allied drones, as well as critical radar and communication systems. In urban areas, jamming signals can inadvertently affect civilian infrastructure, such as GPS systems used by commercial air traffic.
More aggressive, hard-kill options, like close-in weapon systems (CIWS), present their own challenges. While they may effectively neutralize a drone, using such force in civilian areas could cause collateral damage, making them unsuitable in many situations.
The Need for Education and Speed
Trust is another key factor when dealing with the drone threat. With the speed at which drones can approach a target and the challenges of positively identifying whether a drone is a threat, military personnel must be well-trained to respond appropriately. For Hodson, education is essential to help pilots and operators understand how detection systems work and how to counter drone threats quickly and effectively.
The speed of innovation is a crucial point that Hodson raises. Not only are drones themselves fast, but the technology behind them is evolving rapidly. Defence forces must keep up with this pace to ensure they can adapt to new challenges and remain effective.
Navigating Legal and Operational Challenges
One of the trickiest aspects of COTS drone warfare is the overlap between civilian and military use. Drones already present problems in restricted airspaces, often due to hobbyists flying too close to sensitive areas. This raises difficult questions—how does one differentiate between an innocent mistake and a deliberate threat? Additionally, the increasing use of 5G and 6G networks complicates matters further, as these congested spectrums must now accommodate both civilian and military uses.
Hodson warns that while the threat of COTS drones is not immediate, it is significant. Drones have already been used to complement first strikes, as seen in Hamas’ use of them to overwhelm air defences. While they may not represent a complete paradigm shift, drones are nonetheless an evolving threat that demands attention.
Conclusion
CPL Hodson’s essay underscores the growing need for the RAAF and other defence organizations to recognize the implications of commercial drone technology. As drones become more accessible and versatile, defence forces must adapt their strategies to detect, counter, and defend against them. By educating personnel, investing in advanced detection systems, and addressing the legal and operational challenges posed by COTS drones, militaries can better prepare for the future of warfare.
You can read the full Corporal Margaret Clarke Award-winning essay, The Weaponisation of Toys and Implications for the Air Force, here.
I have just noticed a death notice, in the NSW RSL Magazine ‘Reveille’ September issue, of Russell Collette. Russ was a Bombardier with Headquarters Battery, 4th Field Regiment in Vietnam from March 1970 until March 1971. After returning to Australia, Russ transferred to Catering Corps and at one time worked in the ORs mess at the School of Artillery, North Head.
RIP Russell Collette
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
[email protected]