DefenceTalkThe Government has approved the acquisition of an additional 58 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. The fifth generation F-35 is the most advanced fighter in production anywhere in the world and will make a vital contribution to our national security. Together with the Super Hornet and Growler electronic warfare aircraft, the F-35 aircraft […]https://www.defencetalk.com/australia-to-order-58-more-f-35-lightning-ii-joint-strike-fighter-aircraft-59381/

DefenceTalkThe Japanese Ministry of Defence has ordered four Bushmaster vehicles for deployment with the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF). The vehicles, all troop carrier variants, will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Bendigo, Victoria in Australia, for delivery in late 2014. Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins said: “This new export order demonstrates the ongoing […]https://www.defencetalk.com/japan-buys-thales-bushmasters-59251/

DefenceTalkAs the United States continues to support the search for the Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, the Navy is sending a towed pinger locator, as well as a Bluefin-21 Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, to Perth, Australia, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today. The pinger could be used to locate the missing airliner’s black […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-sends-sea-search-equipment-to-australia-59148/

DefenceTalkNUSHIP Canberra, the first of two Landing Helicopter Dock ships being built for the Australian Defence Force, sailed yesterday for the first time under her own propulsion as part of the sea trials and testing program. Canberra departed the BAE Systems dockyard at Williamstown where the ship will undergo a series of tests to prove […]https://www.defencetalk.com/future-australian-lhd-begins-sea-trials-58933/

DefenceTalkThe Government has approved the acquisition of eight P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft. These state-of-the-art aircraft will dramatically boost Australia’s ability to monitor its maritime approaches and patrol over 2.5 million square kilometres of our marine jurisdiction – an area equating to nearly 4 per cent of the world’s oceans. The first aircraft will be […]https://www.defencetalk.com/australia-to-buy-8-boeing-p-8a-maritime-surveillance-aircraft-58831/

DefenceTalkDefence Minister David Johnston today hailed as an “outstanding success” the delivery of the first two of 24 US-built MH-60R Seahawk Romeo maritime combat helicopters to be acquired by the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. “The handover of the first pair of Romeos means Navy’s Fleet Air Arm is now equipped with one of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-two-mh-60rs-delivered-to-australian-navy-49911/

DefenceTalkDefence and security company Saab has signed a contract with ASC Pty Ltd (Australian Submarine Corporation) to update and modernize the Integrated Ship Control Management and Monitoring System (ISCMMS) on the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class Submarines. The contract has a total value SEK 180 million. The ISCMMS system provides the submarine maneuvering control and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/saab-signs-contract-to-upgrade-australian-submarine-sub-system-49769/

DefenceTalkAn important step in the introduction of the Royal Australian Air Force’s electronic warfare capability has commenced, with the first pilot instructor commencing flying on the EA-18G Growler in the United States. Flight Lieutenant Sean Rutledge has commenced training with the Electronic Attack Wing, US Pacific Fleet (CVWP) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Once […]https://www.defencetalk.com/raaf-starts-growler-training-in-the-united-states-49578/

DefenceTalkCountries throughout the Asia-Pacific region are “excited by our increased participation here,” said the Army component commander for that area. “We intend to put into motion a pathway of activity (for the Army) into multiple countries for extended periods of time, linking a series of events and exercises on a variety of topics, said Gen. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/army-seeking-in-depth-engagements-in-asia-pacific-theater-49450/

DefenceTalkLockheed Martin and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) celebrated the beginnings of the first F-35 Lightning II for Australia yesterday. The aircraft, designated as AU-1, officially began the mate process, where major components of the aircraft are joined together to form the aircraft’s structure. AU-1 will then make its way down the assembly line […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-f-35-for-australia-takes-shape-in-fort-worth-49348/