Advances in miniaturisation are providing small UAVs with capabilities comparable to their larger cousins at significantly lower costs.

The DMO has awarded Thales Australia a contract to provide the SOTAS vehicle communications system to the ADF's Bushmaster fleet.

Although Australia is no longer part of the US Navy's (USN's) Global Hawk-based Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program, its capabilities now include several Australian-specific requirements and prime contractor Northrop Grumman is confident of continuing Australian interest.

BAE Systems presented two UAV models at his year's Avalon air show.

Saab has received continuation funding for Phase 2B of the Anzac ship the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade, project SEA 1448.

The 2006-2016 Defence Capability Plan (DCP) outlines the need for an REA capability as the "knowledge of the environment is a crucial factor in the conduct of successful joint military operations".

The 2009 Defence White Paper foreshadows enhancements in Australia's defence capabilities, supported by defence budget increases and heroic internal reforms.

The new Defence White Paper Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030 and the 2009 Budget are now both on the streets.

While the ADF has failed to introduce into service the wide-ranging ISR capabilities promised by JP129, Tactical UAVs, Australian forces in the MEAO are nevertheless gaining considerable experience in the employment of tactical UAVs.

The long-awaited announcement of the contractors selected to build the AWD hull and superstructure blocks was made last month, and contained a real surprise for naval industry observers and players.

The RAN's submarine service is suffering badly from shortages of personnel.

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) might justifiably claim to be the fastest growing Navy on the planet with four new ships arriving in less than two months.

Bankstown-based Turbomeca Australia has grown from a shop of 18 people producing 33 engines in 2000 to a plant of 130 people releasing over 220 engines in 2008.

The Future Submarine to be acquired under Project Sea 1000 will challenge Defence, DSTO and Defence Industry.

As foreshadowed in the Defence White Paper, large parts of DMO and Defence Industry will try to reduce out sourcing of many jobs currently performed by PSPs.

Bidders are waiting for the DMO to announce the names of the successful bidders for the expanded DMOSS Panel.