DefenceTalkOver 80 fighter jets from two opposing camps lit up the dark skies above the Northern Territory of Australia with trails of orange flames from their jet engines. Among them were F-15SG and F-16C/D fighter jets from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). These aircraft were taking part in Exercise Pitch Black – the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/singapore-f-15sgs-at-exercise-pitch-black-60395/

DefenceTalkNUSHIP Canberra, the first of two Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships being built for the Australian Defence Force, has sailed on her final contractor sea trials before delivery to the Australian Government. The ship departed Williamstown shipyard on 12 August as planned with the trials taking place in both Port Phillip Bay and off the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-australian-lhd-on-final-builders-trials-60373/

DefenceTalkAustralia and the United States will sign a 25-year deal allowing 2,500 US Marines and air force personnel to train Down Under, Defence Minister David Johnston said Monday, describing it as a “win-win situation”. The agreement will be inked Tuesday when US Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel meet with their […]https://www.defencetalk.com/australia-to-sign-25-year-us-marine-agreement-60343/

DefenceTalkMore than 800 Australian Navy, Army and Air Force personnel are on their way home after taking part in RIMPAC, the world’s largest naval exercise, which concluded in Hawaii today. Australia sent the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ship HMAS Success and Submarine HMAS Sheean, a rifle company from 5th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/exercise-rimpac-draws-australia-closer-to-amphibious-future-60308/

DefenceTalkChina’s military will take part in an infantry exercise for the first time with Australian and US forces in October, the Pentagon said on Thursday. The joint exercise will take place in northern Australia and marks another step forward in efforts by Washington and Canberra to bolster relations with China’s People’s Liberation Army, officials said. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-to-join-military-exercise-with-us-australia-60219/

DefenceTalkIn only seven months of operating the MH-60R ‘Romeo’ Maritime Combat Helicopter, NUSQN 725 has achieved successful Mk 54 torpedo firings during the current deployment to the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Centre (AUTEC). In a Royal Australian Navy first, a total of three Mk 54 torpedoes were employed against dynamic targets provided by United […]https://www.defencetalk.com/nusqn-725-successfully-launches-first-mk-54-torpedo-60209/

DefenceTalkMinister for Defence David Johnston today announced that Thales Australia Ltd has been awarded the Navy’s Adelaide Class guided missile frigate’s (FFG) Group Maintenance Contract. Senator Johnston said the contract will be for an initial period of four and half years with the potential for contract extensions to an anticipated value of $130 million. “If […]https://www.defencetalk.com/adelaide-class-frigate-maintenance-contract-signed-60046/

DefenceTalkA huge submarine deal is on the table this week when Japan and Australia meet to shore up their military relationship, as the security architecture of the Asia-Pacific shifts to meet the challenge of a rising China. Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera will play hosts in Tokyo on Wednesday to […]https://www.defencetalk.com/japan-australia-eye-submarine-deal-and-closer-military-ties-59822/

DefenceTalkThe Minister for Defence David Johnston today announced the first set of key initiatives in the Abbott Government’s long-term strategic naval plan. Within a year of taking office the Government is moving decisively to tackle Labor’s Defence mess and to ensure that Australia does not face major capability gaps as a result of Labor’s defence […]https://www.defencetalk.com/boosting-australias-maritime-capabilities-59801/

DefenceTalkThe State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for AIM 9X-2 Sidewinder missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $534 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 13, 2014. The […]https://www.defencetalk.com/australia-to-buy-aim-9x-2-sidewinder-missiles-59586/