Defence

Buzz in the air at RAAF Edinburgh

$500 million dollar upgrade for RAAF Edinburgh Base brings hi-tech highflyers to Adelaide

“There’s lots of work in cyber, systems engineering, mission analysis... there will be at least 400 more people at Edinburgh over the next five-to-seven years supporting all of these new capabilities that are flying around.” It’s going to take a thousand-strong workforce to get the most impressive overhaul Edinburgh’s seen in 70 years off the ground. There’s a buzz in the air at the RAAF Base Edinburgh in Adelaide’s northern suburbs – and it isn’t all about the aircraft. The base is currently undergoing its most significant change since being formed in the 1950s, with another $500 million investment in infrastructure and technology to accommodate the 6000 Defence personnel and civilian contractors who work at the base and adjoining Defence Science and Technology Group hub, the largest Defence R&D organisation in Australia. And while much of that infrastructure revolves around the 12 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft currently winging their way to Edinburgh, the redevelopment is also bringing new aircraft, Australian Army units and logistics and engineering jobs on site. “It’s a really exciting time for the rebirth of the base,” says Reg Carruthers, Executive Director Defence and Space, Defence SA. 19 issue.pdf 1 27/1/21 6:52 pm The new capabilities include three major projects: AIR 555 Peregrine program: an electronic warfaretype aircraft based on a Gulfstream jet, due to be operating from Edinburgh within the next three years and requiring hangar space and additional infrastructure. AIR 7000 Triton program: an unmanned aircraft that will fly out of Northern Australia with the pilot and operators based at Edinburgh. “This is the big game-changer for what’s going to happen at Edinburgh,” Carruthers says. AIR 7003: still in final stages of government decision, this project will see Sky Guardian armed drones fly out of Northern Australia and Adelaide with crews, mission analysts and data based at the information hub at Edinburgh. And this doesn’t include the upgrades to the Woomera Range Complex and town, works at Cultana and upgrades to the Jindalee Over the Horizon Radar Network. “Up to $500 million worth of infrastructure is set to go into the base just to support those platforms as they come in over the next few years,” Carruthers says. “It’s basically double the current infrastructure.”

PROUD TO SUPPORT AUSTRALIAN CAPABILITY AND SOVEREIGNTY NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE

WORLD LEADERS IN MARINE

QueenslandGaskets

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

HVAC CMY REFRIGERATION K VENTILATION CBRN SYSTEMS FIRE SUPPRESSIN SYSTEMS

Dedicated to

manufacturing excellence.

Specialists in quality components, materials, solutions and service.

+61 2 9818 8787 hvac-nkau@engie.com QueenslandGaskets queenslandgaskets.com.au

The new hub places Edinburgh at the centre of Australia’s military intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare, with operators – uniformed, public servants and potentially contractors – working in a highly secure environment analysing, collecting and disseminating information on a real-time basis.

“So Defence personnel can be deployed in, say, Northern Australia, but the information they are using could be coming from an asset flying somewhere else that is sending the information back to Edinburgh, where it is analysed and resent to the soldier in the field,” Carruthers says.

“That’s where Edinburgh is going to be so critical to Defence.”

The significant investment in the Edinburgh base is also an investment in South Australia’s future, promising exciting career opportunities both today and for years to come.

“It’s not only for the young men and women going through school and university now – it will definitely be an attractor for future generations,” Carruthers says.

“The base is a very large employer of people in highskilled, well-paid jobs; once the infrastructure is built, there will also be direct benefits to the local communities and the state.

“When we think about Defence we think about ships and submarines, but Edinburgh is the unsung hero of South Australia.”

Defence image.

Lynn Cameron www.futureadl.com.au

Entire Trades is your one-stop shop for home, commercial, industrial, government, and defence trades services.

We provide a comprehensive range of trade services to cover all practical needs on-site, from home automation to 24/7 emergency electrical and plumbing services, and much more.

One Call – All trade and maintenance needs 02 4905 0901

www.entiretrades.com.au

Plastic Moulders | Toolmaker | Designers Manufacturers

Rian Industries provides custom manufacturing services in Plastic Injection Moulding, Toolmaking/CNC Machining & Product Assembly. Our full capabilities provide a completed and quality assured product. It’s the Rian way, our customers expect this of us. High Quality | Great Service | On-time delivery | Technical problems solved with fast responses | Competitive prices | Short lead times | Protecting your IP Rian Industries provides a full manufacturing service from customers design concepts through to a complete assembled and packaged product.

5 Remont Court, Cheltenham Victoria 3192 + 61 39584 6166 aarong@rian.com.au | www.rian.com.au

LONG RANGE MISSILE CAPABILITY ON THE WAY

HMAS Stuart conducts a live Harpoon Missile firing off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2020. Defence image.

Royal Australian Navy vessels are set to be fitted with new advanced anti-ship missiles as part of a $1 billion investment announced by Defence Minister Linda Reynolds.

The Commonwealth Government has committed to investing $1 billion in the early development of long-range anti-ship missiles, extended range surface-to-air missiles, advanced lightweight torpedoes and land strike capabilities, in a bid to bolster the naval fleet’s defences amid growing regional instability.

The nation’s current and future submarine and surface fleets are set to be fitted with anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles with a range of approximately 370 kilometres, and maritime land strike missiles with a range of approximately 1,500 kilometres.

“These new capabilities will provide a strong, credible deterrent that will ensure stability and security in the region,” Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said.

“The planned acquisitions – when aligned with the ongoing state-of-the-art combat system development and National shipbuilding programs – represent an investment of up to $24 billion, which will build a lethal and highly responsive Navy for decades to come.

APACHE GUARDIAN TAKES TO THE SKY

The Boeing built AH-64E Apache Guardian will eventually replace the current Tiger fleet. South Korean Army image.

Australia has selected Boeing’s AH-64E Apache Guardian as its next armed reconnaissance helicopter, replacing its

Australian Army A38 Eurocoptor Tigers. Defence image.

Airbus Helicopters Tiger fleet under the Land 4503 program estimated to be worth AU$4-5 billion.

The selection of the Apache follows the release of a request for information in July 2019 and was announced by Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds recently.

The RFI called for 29 helicopters, with 24 to be based at a single location with two operational armed recon helo squadrons, and five for training Army pilots and battle captains at the Australian Army Aviation Training Centre at Oakey, Queensland. The two operational Tiger squadrons are currently based in Darwin as part of the 1st Aviation Regiment.

The RFI also stipulated an initial operational capability, represented by 12 helicopters, in 2026; and final operational capability with all 29 aircraft two years later.

In addition to Boeing, Bell responded to the RFI with its AH-1Z Viper, and Airbus Helicopters with an updated Tiger.

“The Apache Guardian is the most lethal, most survivable and lowest-risk option, meeting all of [the Department of] Defence’s capability, through-life support, security and certification requirements,” Reynolds said. “By pursuing a proven and low-risk system offered by the Apache, [the Department of] Defence will avoid the ongoing cost and schedule risk typically associated with developmental platforms.”

The Tiger was introduced to service in December 2004 but suffered poor availability rates and high ownership costs early in its career, before a remediation plan was implemented by the Department of Defence and industry around 2016.

Reynolds said the issues with the Tiger fleet and other Australian military rotary-wing projects had informed the strategy to seek a proven and mature replacement.

The decision to acquire the Apache was made under the Australian government’s “Smart Buyer” policy, which allows for sole-source selection without a competition if there is a clear preference for a particular platform. Courtesy Defense News.

A spokesman for Australia’s Department of Defence said the government will now consider the acquisition of mission sensors and mission-relevant equipment, including the AN/APG-78 Longbow fire control radar, but no specific configuration or numbers of radars have been revealed.

“Apache is supported by an active production line and a U.S. Army modernization plan through to the late 2040s, thereby ensuring the platform remains the leading attack and reconnaissance capability through to 2050 and beyond,” a company spokesperson said.

JOINT HYPERSONIC PROGRAM UNVEILED

Australia and the United States recently signed a new collaborative agreement to develop and test hypersonic cruise missile prototypes.

This agreement will take place under the Southern Cross Integrated Flight Research Experiment (SCIFiRE) to cooperatively flight test full-size prototype hypersonic cruise missiles.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynold said maintaining Australia’s technological edge and capability superiority is key to the Government’s strategic planning.

“I am pleased to see this agreement come to fruition following my discussions with then Secretary Esper during my visit to the United States in July this year,” Minister Reynolds said.

“At AUSMIN, we acknowledged the unique role of our defence partnership to maintain our competitive edge, and affirmed the value of bilateral collaboration on hypersonics.

“That’s why we will continue to invest in advanced capabilities to give the ADF more options to deter aggression against Australia’s interests including the $9.3 billion earmarked in the Force Structure Plan 2020 for high-speed long-range strike and missile defence, including hypersonic development, test and evaluation."

The SCIFiRE Program is based on more than 15 years of collaboration between Australia and the United States on

Australia and the United States recently signed an agreement to develop and test hypersonic cruise missile prototypes. Defence image. science and technology research into hypersonic scramjets, rocket motors, sensors, and advanced manufacturing materials.

Minister Reynolds said the experiment will culminate in flight demonstrations to show how the weapon performs in operational conditions, which will inform any future acquisitions.

“Developing this game-changing capability with the United States from an early stage is providing opportunities for Australian industry,” Minister Reynolds said.

Michael Kratsios, Acting Under Secretary for Research and Engineering, US Department of Defense, welcomed the new collaboration.

“SCIFiRE is a true testament to the enduring friendship and strong partnership between the United States and Australia,” said Michael Kratsios, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, Chief of Air Force, was excited about SCIFiRE’s potential.

“The SCIFiRE initiative is another opportunity to advance the capabilities in our Air Combat Capability Program to support joint force effects to advance Australia’s security and prosperity,” Air Marshal Hupfeld said.

“Working with our Defence scientists here in Australia and our partners in the US Air Force and across the US Department of Defense on leading edge capabilities brings out the best in our Air Force team.

1ST RAN FLIGHT WITH AN ALL FEMALE AIRCREW

The first all-female crew for a Royal Australian Navy MH60R helicopter, from 725 Squadron, took to the skies on 13 January 2021, at HMAS Albatross, Nowra, New South Wales. The training sortie was crewed by Pilot, Lieutenant Rhiannon Thomson, Aviation Warfare Officer, Lieutenant Hannah Best (Royal Navy) and Sensor Operator, Leading Seaman Clare Lassam. This was a first for the MH-60R and highlights the necessary growth of more women in Navy aviation.

First female flight crew for a RAN MH-60R helicopter at HMAS Albatross, Nowra. Defence image.

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE INDUSTRY BENEFITS FROM LATEST BATCH OF GRANTS

Weld Australia was the recipient of a latest grant, it is brinign a welding accreditation to supply chains for the Land 400 Phase 2 project and beyond. Weld Australia.

Eight Australian small businesses will share in more than $3.4 million in grants as part of the Morrison Government’s continued push to grow Australia’s sovereign defence industry.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the latest round of Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority grants would provide the businesses and the wider Australian economy with a major boost.

“These grants support our bounce back from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen our sovereign defence industrial base,” Minister Price said.

“Weld Australia, based in NSW, is a great example of how beneficial these grants can be.

“It is bringing a welding accreditation to Australia, developing Australian supply chains for the Land 400 Phase 2 project and beyond, and ensuring we have the skills in Australia to deliver and sustain critical defence capabilities.”

Canberra-based Penten, Australian Performance Vehicles (Campbellfield, Victoria) and Gilmour Space Technologies (Gold Coast) will use their grant funding to upgrade their infrastructure used to test and evaluate emerging technologies and capabilities.

“Gilmour Space Technologies’ testing facility will ensure the safety and reliability of Defence platforms and vehicles across a range of domains, and enhance Australia’s sovereign ability to gain maximum benefit from our capability,” Minister Price said.

“Penten’s grant will support the construction of a secure facility fitted with information communications technology infrastructure.

“I was fortunate enough to visit Penten in Canberra in November and witness first-hand the important work it is doing to help ensure the ADF maintains its capability edge well into the future.”

The Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority grant program supports opportunities to drive Australian innovation, making our small businesses more competitive and our supply chains more secure.

This grant program is a key enabler of the Sovereign Industrial Capability Priorities, which are the capabilities assessed as critical to Defence, and must be developed or supported by Australian industry.

Grant applications can be made at any time and submitted through the Centre for Defence Industry Capability TWO MORE POSEIDONS ON THE WAY

A P-8A Poseidon from 11 Squadron is refuelled by a KC-30A multi-role tanker transport from 33 Squadron. Defence image.

The government has announced it is to purchase an additional two P-8A Poseidon’s, taking Australia’s total fleet to 14.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the maritime surveillance aircraft would be purchased as part of the existing “Cooperative Program” agreement with the US Navy.

The P-8A is equipped with advanced sensors and mission systems, including an advanced radar, high-definition cameras, and an acoustic system that is said to have four times the processing capacity of the Orion.

They are designed to replace the RAAF’s AP-3C Orion fleet, together with the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system.

Minister Reynolds said, “Together, the Poseidon and the Triton will provide Australia with one of the most advanced maritime patrol and response capabilities in the world.

“The Poseidon is a proven capability that will conduct tasks including anti-submarine warfare, maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and support to search and rescue missions.

“These additional aircraft will enhance Air Force’s flexibility to support multiple operations and will play an important role in ensuring Australia’s maritime region is secure for generations to come.”

The purchase forms part of the Morrison’s Government’s enlarged $270 billion investment in Defence over the next 10 years.

The RAAF accepted its first P-8A after a ceremony at Boeing Field, Seattle.