AS21 Redback: Australia’s New Contender for LAND 400

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.

Thorpe’s Play on Words

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.

 

Death Notice 215825 Maurice Malcolm Pearce – RAA

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
pjbruce8@bigpond.net.au

The Game-Changing Impact of Commercial Drones on Modern Warfare

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 Forcehere.

 

Death Notice Russell Collette RAA

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
pjbruce8@bigpond.net.au

The TERRIFYING Task of Door Gunners in the Vietnam War

Door gunners in the Vietnam War had one of the most dangerous and high-pressure jobs. Positioned on helicopters, they provided suppressive fire during combat missions, often flying into enemy territory under heavy fire. With minimal protection and exposed to incoming bullets, they had to remain vigilant, defending the aircraft and its crew while simultaneously being vulnerable to attack. Their role was crucial for the success of many air assaults, medevac missions, and resupply operations, but it came with immense risks and psychological strain.

The Russian military has received a new batch of “Courier” unmanned ground vehicles.

The drones, which can carry various types of weaponry, have already seen combat in Ukraine and are now being delivered in greater numbers to support ongoing military operations.

The “Courier” drone can be equipped with a wide range of armaments, including AGS-17 and AGS-30 automatic grenade launchers, RPGs, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and 12.7 mm heavy machine guns. It is also capable of deploying anti-tank mines, RPO-A “Shmel” thermobaric rocket launchers, and electronic warfare (EW) systems, making it a highly versatile platform for frontline operations.

This latest batch is part of an accelerated production schedule, with the Russian defence industry working to meet increasing battlefield demand. Initially developed as a garage-based prototype, the “Courier” system has quickly evolved into a vital asset for ground operations. The Russian military has already deployed the drones in the Avdiivka sector, where they were used to support combat activities.

Production has ramped up significantly since early 2024, transforming the once small-scale project into a mass-produced military asset.

 

Search for Remains of D445 Soldiers Killed in 7RAR/3Cav ambush on 31 December 1970 – Ceases.

Search for Remains of D445 Soldiers Killed in 7RAR/3Cav ambush on 31 December 1970 – Ceases.

In early September, the Vietnamese “war remains-recovery authorities” (ie: 515 Guidance Group) of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu), began a search for the remains of 23 D445 Battalion soldiers killed in a night ambush at Láng Cà Thi (ie: the Cà Thi Waterfall near Xuyên Mộc) by 7RAR elements (HQ B Coy, 6 Platoon minus), and 1/1/B 3 Cav Regt – four M113 APCs. 1 ATF records accessed and assessed included a detailed sketch map of the ambush site at YS 690668 by OC B Coy (MAJ G.P. Warland), and the 1 ATF INTSUMs that list in detail the large quantity of arms, equipment, materiel and documents recovered from the ambush site (ie back to Núi Đất). See attached a photograph of the Vietnamese 515 Group’s “Ground-Breaking Ceremony Altar” established at the beginning of their “dig” at Láng Cà Thi. The Vietnamese 515 Guidance Group’s recovery operation included the use of a small excavator. Information on the ambush/burial location was sought from 7RAR and 3 Cav veterans – and a 3 Cav veteran, David Pakes, indicated a burial location of the D445 soldiers’ remains on the “Warland sketch map” . However, on 28 September, the 515 Guidance Group cadre advised that – not having found the burial site of their fallen D445 soldiers at Láng Cà Thi, they had ceased their search.

Any information can be passed to Ernie Chamberlain (ernestchris@tpg.com.au .

The Revival of Three Mile Island: A Step Towards a Safer Energy Future

The Three Mile Island nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania, dormant for the past five years, is set to be reactivated following a significant deal between Constellation Energy and Microsoft. Under a new 20-year agreement, the plant will supply 835 megawatts of power to the Pennsylvania grid, primarily to support Microsoft’s growing AI operations. The economic impact of this deal is substantial, as it will create 3,400 jobs and contribute a staggering $16 billion to the state’s economy.

This news comes amidst a backdrop of historical controversy. The partial meltdown at Three Mile Island in 1979 has long been a rallying point for nuclear energy opponents. However, the facts surrounding the incident are often overshadowed by fearmongering. Despite the severity of the event, the death toll at Three Mile Island was precisely zero, and there were no recorded cases of nuclear contamination in the surrounding area. This fact is critical as it counters decades of negative narratives about nuclear energy.

Over the past 70 years, the global death toll from nuclear power accidents stands at 33 confirmed fatalities. The 1986 Chernobyl disaster resulted in the deaths of two plant workers on the night of the explosion and an additional 28 emergency workers who succumbed to acute radiation syndrome in the weeks that followed. The other major incident occurred at Fukushima in 2011, where one plant worker died from acute radiation syndrome and two more died from heart attacks, likely linked to the stress of the event. These numbers stand in stark contrast to the catastrophic accidents associated with other forms of energy production.

When comparing nuclear energy to other energy sources, its safety record is unparalleled. With just 0.0011 deaths per terawatt-hour (TWh) of electricity generated, nuclear is vastly safer than solar energy (0.02 deaths per TWh), wind (0.04 deaths), hydro (1.3 deaths), and biomass, which leads the toll with a staggering 4.8 deaths per TWh. For context, more people perished in the Hindenburg disaster (36 deaths) than in all nuclear power accidents combined.

As debates about energy policy heat up, it’s essential for policymakers to look at the facts. Nuclear energy is not only one of the most reliable ways to meet growing energy demands, but it’s also one of the safest. The reactivation of Three Mile Island symbolizes a renewed commitment to nuclear energy’s role in the future of sustainable power generation.

Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen would do well to heed the lessons of history. His focus on promoting hydrogen as a clean energy solution is commendable, but it’s worth remembering that hydrogen, regardless of whether it is green, blue, brown, or pink, remains a highly flammable and potentially explosive gas. The risks associated with hydrogen, in terms of safety and handling, are well-documented and should not be ignored in the rush to embrace this alternative fuel source.

In light of these facts, nuclear power stands out as a crucial part of the energy mix, offering both safety and reliability in an uncertain future. The return of Three Mile Island is a testament to nuclear energy’s enduring viability and its role in powering the world’s most advanced technologies.