Recent content by RDBZ

As well as a radar that's more capable than the SMART-S on the Halifax class.

The RAAF’s C-27J are currently flying army support exercises, so their role is more expansive than humanitarian and regional assistance.

The Australian experience does tend to show that, ultimately, whether the auto industry stays or not in an economy the size of Australia (or Canada) is beyond the influence of national governments. The interplay of the changing technology and economics of the auto industry, combined with the...

It's not mission impossible though, if the RAN's experience with the Hobart class is indicative.

There's no point in ignoring the challenges in moving to nuclear powered boats, but equally there's not much point in exaggerating them either, or ignoring the benefits of that change. Sustaining and upgrading a small, six-strong, fleet of unique diesel electric subs that share only their...

Objectively, it doesn't seem to have been hyped any more than a large number of other defence related products and systems out there. As for other sales, following their selection by the Aus DoD to provide land abased radars for the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defence program, I suspect...

Public domain information indicates that AEGIS baseline 9 and SM-6 are both capable of terminal ABM defence. The significant increase in displacement of the Hunter class over the RN Type 26 (and also the Canadian CSC) has often been publicly stated as being due to CEAFAR and its power and...

Not sure why you assume they're limited to point defence. CEAFAR with AEGIS Baseline 9 is a pretty potent combination, hence their load out including SM-2 and SM-6. https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/australia-defense-services-related-future-standard-missile-production

The Hunters will have 6 panel L-band AESA array for long range search, 6 panel S-band AESA array for short-medium range, and a 4 panel AESA array illuminator for fire control, along with AEGIS baseline 9 combat system (including cooperative engagement). How much more AAW capability do you think...

The presence of the US Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (since 2012) would provide training opportunities not available in Adelaide. https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/MRFDarwin/

You forgot about "the buildup" season. It's hot, usually overcast, always with ultra high humidity, but there won't be a drop of rain to cool things (or you) down. Luckily it only lasts 6 - 10 weeks prior to the wet season.....

New Zealand is a land of dairy farmers too....... Just saying'......

An interesting summary of the ADF's focus on long range strike capabilities, including Tomahawk and HIMARS procurement. https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2023-08-21/missiles-power-adfs-range "The announcement of the $1.7 billion investment came on top of news that the acquisition of...

"The original" being all models pre SEP3 (first received by units in 2020), so it is likely they are. Abrams X also includes some pretty dramatic weight reduction measures.

I wonder whether the new Auxiliary Power Unit on the M1A2SEP3 makes the diesel engine debate less relevant? Or perhaps reduces the fuel burn issue to a level where the advantages of a turbine clearly outweigh any remaining "excess fuel consumption."