The Cook Barracks infrastructure project commenced in 2021 as part of Canberra’s bilateral cooperation with the South Pacific island nation to reinforce security in Oceania and support the partner’s commercial activity and local economy.

Through the effort, the site now incorporates modern accommodation and training facilities, engineering and vehicle workshops, roads, a medical center, a fire station, and a chapel.

The facilities will be managed by the Vanuatu Mobile Force and Police Force once it reaches operational capability.

Demonstrating ‘Commitment’

Cook Barracks’ launch followed the reopening of Vanuatu’s Tiroas Barracks in Espiritu Santo Province in March 2024 under the same framework.

The base includes a new armory and medical facilities for the nation’s defense forces as well as critical infrastructure for Vanuatu’s inter-island emergency network.

At the project announcement, Canberra noted that the entirety of the initiative planned to support approximately 200 employment opportunities.

“These major projects demonstrate the importance of Australia and Vanuatu’s longstanding relationship and continuing commitment to working together,” Australian Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated.

“Australia and Vanuatu’s security is intertwined and our partnership enhances the peace, prosperity, resilience and safety of our region for future generations.”

The post Australia Reopens Upgraded Port Vila Barracks for Vanuatu appeared first on The Defense Post.

The upcoming test will reportedly utilize Lockheed’s new vertical launch system called the Quad Launcher, which will allow the missiles to be fired from medium and large surface vessels.

The company recently showcased a model of a generic vessel equipped with four JAGM Quad Launchers, indicating its readiness for the much-awaited integration.

Lockheed did not provide a specific date for the planned live-fire demonstration.

If successful, the test could allow for the official integration of Quad Launchers on surface vessels to defeat maritime threats.

“We are still in the development phase of the vertical launch capability and demonstrating to [the] US [Department of Defense] is our near-term goal,” said Patrick Sweeney, Lockheed’s senior manager for international business development.

Potential Applications

The sea-launched JAGM test is part of a broader initiative to transform the munition into a multi-domain weapon system capable of addressing a wide variety of threats.

It can be used to engage uncrewed surface vessels and drones, similar to those used by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

Currently, the US Navy employs AGM-114 Longbow Hellfire missiles for targeting small surface vessels.

The existing version of the JAGM only allows for launch on aerial platforms, such as the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter.

Lockheed plans to offer the sea-launched JAGM to the US military and the Australian Defence Force.

The post Lockheed Braces for First Sea-Launched JAGM Missile Test appeared first on The Defense Post.

Some of the Australian Army’s obsolete patrol vehicles, troop carriers, and Land Rovers are on eBay-style auction websites, inviting “off-road enthusiasts” to place their bids, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

The phrase “there’s a vehicle to suit every adventure” can be seen in the postings to promote the military-grade products.

According to local reports, a long-range patrol vehicle used by the Special Air Services in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars was sold for 113,000 Australian dollars ($77,246).

These vehicles are now reportedly being used for camping, off-road driving, and commercial purposes.

“The Australian government would rather auction off military equipment than offer it to Ukraine,” retired army major-general Mick Ryan wrote on X. “A story of parsimony and mean spiritedness towards a country in need… Shameful!”

‘A Default Position’

Australia’s Senate’s foreign affairs and defense committee has urged the government to establish a “default position” for handling its decommissioned military assets.

The committee suggests that defense materiel being retired or disposed of should be automatically gifted to Ukraine unless there is a “compelling case.”

As the Senate Inquiry I chaired said in our report this week, Australia should as a default position be providing retiring or surplus defence equipment to Ukraine. https://t.co/codclw9r4X

— Senator Claire Chandler (@SenatorClaire) September 19, 2024

Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations co-chair Kateryna Argyrou said it was a “short-sighted and baffling” move to see retired military equipment being sold online when they could be useful for Ukraine on the battlefield.

“Ukrainian soldiers are outnumbered, exhausted and working with whatever they are given, so it’s upsetting that this equipment hasn’t been considered for Ukraine,” she lamented. “Our community is in touch with frontline troops every day, who tell us these ex-ADF platforms are exactly what they need.”

In addition to adopting a “default position,” the committee is calling for the re-opening of an Australian embassy in Kyiv to oversee military aid.

Support for Ukraine

Despite the controversy, the Australian government maintains its “unwavering support” for Ukraine, having donated over $1.1 billion in military aid since the invasion began in February 2022.

In July, it announced its “largest military aid” package to Ukraine, totaling 250 million Australian dollars ($168.5 million), which included air defense missiles, anti-tank weapons, and guided weapons.

The Australian defense industry has also committed to helping the war-torn nation with EOS Defence Systems, expressing its interest in launching arms production in Kyiv.

The post Australia Puts Obsolete Military Vehicles for Sale Despite Ukraine’s Interest appeared first on The Defense Post.

Known as AUKUS, the alliance aims to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific and enhance defense capabilities through technology sharing. The initial phase of the partnership involves working on nuclear submarines for Canberra.

According to Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair, Ottawa wants to join a second pillar of the alliance, which involves collaboration on emerging military technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

“There have been important discussions about processes and platforms on a project-specific basis on where other nations, including Japan and ourselves, might participate,” he said during his first visit to Tokyo as defense minister.

“I would respectfully wait until they’ve come to their determination, but I’m very optimistic.”

Expanded Alliance?

Talks about potentially expanding the AUKUS alliance began when Japan signified its intent to become a fourth member.

The founding nations have confirmed they were considering Tokyo’s involvement in “specific Pillar 2 defense projects,” given its substantial investments in cutting-edge military technologies.

South Korea and New Zealand have also shown interest in contributing to the second pillar, offering their expertise in areas such as AI, autonomy, undersea capabilities, electronic warfare, and cyber operations.

The US previously said it was open to allowing more countries to participate in AUKUS’ technological activities, noting its appreciation for the interest from various allies.

“I think all three countries have made clear that under the appropriate circumstances we would be prepared to work collaboratively with other partners who bring capacity to the challenge,” US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said.

Increasing Threats

China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific has led many countries to view it as the biggest threat in the region.

Its aggressive stance in the South China Sea, marked by multiple maritime confrontations with Philippine Navy vessels and its mounting pressure on Taiwan, has heightened regional tensions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping previously warned against a resurgence of Cold War-era tensions in the Asia-Pacific due to increasing military cooperation among its adversaries.

The post After Japan, Canada Wants In on AUKUS Alliance to Counter China appeared first on The Defense Post.

The updated deal allows Canberra to manufacture the rocket motors and warheads for the GMLRS missiles, which will be produced locally.

Under the original agreement signed earlier this year, the country was only permitted to assemble the missiles with components sourced from the US.

This arrangement has been compared to assembling flatpack furniture, where individual pieces are assembled by the user.

“The global supply of solid rocket motors is under stress. We need partners globally in order to be successful,” Lockheed VP for international integration Ken Kota said.

Chosen Supplier

Thales Australia has been designated as the primary supplier of the rocket motors and explosive warheads for the Australian-manufactured GMLRS missiles.

Its facilities in Victoria and New South Wales are expected to produce the first locally-made GMLRS components.

CEO Jeff Connolly stated that his company is well-prepared to meet not only Australian missile requirements but also global demand.

“We started the discussion about what it would take to make a rocket motor and warhead for GMLRS as a start point,” he said. “People would like to tell you that Australia can’t do it – well it’s already there.”

Thales Australia has a proven track record in producing explosive ordnance, including the BLU-111 bombs, which were introduced into the Royal Australian Air Force in 2022.

The post Lockheed, Australia Expand GMLRS Local Production Deal appeared first on The Defense Post.

This situational awareness technology is a next-generation ruggedized C5I Battle Management System for the service’s M1A2Sepv3 Main Battle Tanks, M1A2Sepv3 and M88A2 Recovery Vehicles, M1074 Joint Assault Bridge platforms, and M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles.

It was built based on the same C51 hardware used by the US Army, US Marine Corps, and UK’s ground combat vehicles. 

The delivery was customized to fit the unique needs of Australian land forces and integrate networked communications with coalition partners such as the US, enhancing the army’s capabilities in monitoring external threats. 

“We are very proud to support our close allies in the Australian Land forces by delivering our newest generation of proven C5I Battle Management System capability ahead of schedule,” Leonardo DRS Land Electronics business unit’s Bill Guyan stated.

“In today’s complex threat environment, it is paramount to ensure these critical capabilities are ready to be fielded as soon as possible,” he added. 

Leonardo DRS was selected through the US foreign military sales program and has supplied advanced defense systems to Australia for over 20 years.

The post Australian Army Receives C5I Capabilities From Leonardo DRS appeared first on The Defense Post.

In a major restructuring move, several key JMSDF units — including the Fleet Intelligence Command, Oceanography ASW Support Command, Guard Post, and Communications Command — will be merged into a single, unified entity focused on information warfare.

The new Fleet Information Warfare Command will then comprise two groups, Operational Intelligence and Cyber Defense. 

It will carry out a broad range of information warfare (IW) duties, such as enemy movement analysis, submarine sound signature analysis, cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and C4ISR. 

This reorganization will enable Japan’s Navy “to strengthen response capabilities to information warfare, including in the cognitive domain, and to establish a system capable of rapid decision-making,” according to the country’s Ministry of Defense.  

Former JMSDF intelligence officer Kenji Yoshinaga revealed to Naval News that this new command was modeled after the US Fleet Cyber Command/US 10th Fleet.

Preparations have been underway since the JMSDF conducted the first-ever joint Japan-US IW training in 2021. The plan for the command’s establishment was stated in the approved Defense Buildup Program in December 2022.

In an additional reorganization, the JMSDF’s Fleet Escort Force and the Mine Warfare Force will be replaced by a new “Fleet Surface Force” by March 2026. 

Strategic Partnerships

Last April 2024, the JMSDF, US Pacific Fleet, and Royal Australian Navy signed the Trilateral Maritime Information Warfare Memorandum.

The agreement was intended to strengthen cooperation on “non-kinetic information operations related to intelligence, communications, meteorology/oceanography, electromagnetic, cyber and space domains, in addition to kinetic operations of the three fleets, for a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific.’”

Since then, the three countries have joined forces for their first information warfare event, Exercise Blue Spectrum, held in Sydney in July 2024. 

External Threats

In the 2024 Defense of Japan white paper, territorial disputes with China, North Korea’s missile tests infringing on Japanese territory, and China-Russia joint activities involving operating aircraft and vessels around Japan were identified among the country’s security threats.

Japan’s largest-ever reorganization of its maritime self-defense force and enhanced strategic partnerships are responses to the current security landscape. 

The post Japan Restructures to Create ‘Fleet Information Warfare’ Command appeared first on The Defense Post.

The deal extends the capability’s operation for the 12th consecutive year under Canberra’s military. It will continue coverage for available downloads and the latest version of the wargame simulator.

The partnership will also maintain access between BAE’s support teams and international Australian Defence Force (ADF) users.

Another contract was signed to fulfill continued support for the VBS3’s corresponding Image Generator solution across all the service’s Weapon Training Simulation Systems and Mobile Weapon Training Systems.

BAE’s New South Wales-based segment Bohemia Interactive Australia (BIA) will lead tasks for the projects.

“Once again, we’re honored that the ADF and the Australian Army have chosen to continue and strengthen this close and ongoing relationship with us,” BIA Managing Director Ryan Stephenson stated.

“BIA has proudly supplied the ADF with the best commercial-off-the-shelf game-based simulation software for over a decade.”

The VBS Ecosystem

BAE’s VBS was developed to bolster warfighters’ tactical skills in-house. Similar to modern gaming applications, the software provides an open-world environment that can be reconfigured according to preparation requirements.

The platform features courses of action, patrol debriefing, adversary, time, and weather elements to rehearse real-world missions anywhere in the world.

Additionally, users can utilize virtual versions of vehicles and artillery tools in the digital battlespace to match the capabilities of their actual armories in practice sessions.

Virtual Trainer in New Zealand

Australian ally New Zealand tapped BAE in August to modernize its existing VBS software to BIA’s latest configuration.

The award included the digital presentation production of Wellington’s eight-wheeled Light Armoured Vehicles.

The post BAE to Extend Support for Australian Wargame Simulator appeared first on The Defense Post.

The deal covers the system’s transport, expeditionary reconnaissance, and cargo variants for enhanced mobility, stealth in complex terrain, and larger payload capacity.

The vehicles will be accompanied by spare parts, mission accessories, tool kits, and technical manuals.

The Victoria-based company will also deliver in-country sustainment and driver training services for the fleet’s future operators.

Related assets to complete the contract will be engineered and produced locally, with the integrations to be facilitated at the firm’s center in Melbourne.

“We are proud to provide this capability for Australian personnel,” Polaris Australia Government and Defense Sales and Operation Manager Michael Cannell stated.

“The DAGOR all-terrain vehicle will allow teams to move faster, carry more and significantly reduce combat fatigue by navigating complex terrain otherwise covered on foot.”

“Polaris Australia will also provide in-country sustainment, leveraging the global presence of Polaris as these vehicles deploy globally.”

‘Force Multiplier’

The DAGOR is a four-wheel, all-terrain vehicle that can carry up to nine personnel or payloads weighing a total of 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms).

It measures 14.8 feet (4.5 meters) long and is capable of sling-load and low-velocity airdrop. Users can also transport the platform via a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and the C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules airlifters.

The vehicle is powered by a JP8 turbo diesel engine and a 24-volt auxiliary terminal for a top speed of 120 kilometers (74.5 miles) per hour and a range of 805 kilometers (500 miles).

“Collaboration within the global defence community is critical to mission success and equipment commonality helps enable interoperability among joint forces,” Polaris Government and Defense VP Nick Francis commented on the latest award.

“Polaris military vehicles have become force multipliers for expeditionary forces by extending mission range while mitigating operator fatigue and increasing mission readiness and capability.”

The post Australia Orders DAGOR Light Tactical Vehicles From Polaris appeared first on The Defense Post.

The Vegvisir Remote situational awareness solution is designed for both manned and unmanned vehicles, enabling users to navigate complex scenarios on the battlefield.

During the trials, the solution supported “multiple operators managing a fleet of vehicles from a single vehicle,” while its user interface allowed “bitrate limitation for each camera, network quality assessment, and custom driving aid lines,” the Estonian-Croatian defense tech start-up explained.

Converted Unmanned Platforms

The trials helped the army to explore whether mixed reality improves the efficiency of the converted platforms.

“Instead of sending the obsolete equipment to the junkyard, its life-span can be extended,” Vegvisir’s CEO Ingvar Parnamae said.

“With hundreds of thousands of armored platforms produced and phased out globally, there exists a substantial market opportunity to repurpose these assets for uncrewed or optionally crewed capabilities.” 

Vegvisir Situational Awareness Solution

The thermal sensor-equipped system comprises vehicle-mounted cameras, an immersive headset, and supplementary data overlay capability, providing operators with a “comprehensive ultra-low latency 360-degree view of the surrounding environment.”

It is available in two versions: Vegvisir Core for manned vehicles and Vegvisir Remote for unmanned or optionally manned ground platforms.  

“Our technology’s ability to integrate with existing platforms like the M113 APC is proof of the versatility and reliability of our solution,” Parnamae added.

“We are excited to see our systems support the Australian Army’s mission. Their readiness to invest in modernizing their military technology shows that the Australian market is, and will continue to be, a very attractive landscape for defense startups like Vegvisir.”

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