A specialist sector of the global defence industry is waiting for the Defence White Paper and the new Defence Capability Plan to set out the ADF's requirements for a new generation of non-lethal, or less-than-lethal weapons and capabilities.

A little-known but high priority project is underway to increase the Australian Defence Force's (ADF's) ability to operate in a chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear (CBRN) environment.

Our reading has suggested that, in addition to technology, there are perhaps more important issues to be understood and managed, on the road to Land NCW. Relevant here is Henry Thoreau's observation that technology can offer ‘improved means to unimproved ends.'

Fears persist that Land 17 will see the purchase of only towed 155mm howitzers to replace Army; but Defence believes self-propelled guns are a key component of a Hardened and Networked Army and is arguing its case strongly.

Nearly 700 personnel from Defence, the public service and contracted private companies - the approximate numerical equivalent of an infantry battalion - are now directly involved in boosting recruitment to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

On 8 November 2008, a National party government was elected to govern New Zealand and Dr Wayne Mapp is now New Zealand's Minister of Defence. He spoke exclusively to ADM in early December 2008.

As is entirely appropriate, there is much discussion in the defence commentariat about the forthcoming Defence White Paper.

Following over a year of work by the DMO on a Draft Agreement on Materiel Cooperation between the Australian DoD and the Turkish MoD, it has finally come to fruition with a planned visit by the Turkish Minister for Defence Mr Vecdi Gonul on 3-5 March 2009 to sign the Agreement and to also meet with Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon to progress negotiations towards a Bilateral Security Initiative to facilitate exchange of classified information relating to materiel cooperation.

Ultra Electronics, the UK-led group that was the surprise choice to supply the undersea warfare sonar systems for the RAN's three air warfare destroyers (AWD), intends using its win as a catalyst for access to opportunities in the Pacific rim.

The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has flown supersonic for the first time in December, achieving another significant flight test milestone.

The P3 Accord, an alliance between the DMO's Maritime Patrol Systems Program Office (MPSPO), Australian Aerospace and BAE Systems Australia has won a major accolade at the Engineers Australia National Excellence Awards.

Thales has completed on schedule the Detailed Design Review for both Mission and Support Systems for Project Sea 1442 Phase 3.

Defence has signed a long-term agreement with Chemring Australia Pty Ltd for the in-country manufacture of pyrotechnics and air-expendable stores such as flares and chaff, deployed from military aircraft.

BAE Systems Australia has won a $52.9 million contract to provide five maritime satellite communications terminals for the RAN's new Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) and Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD).

Thales's Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) Crew Procedural Trainers have passed a series of major milestones.

In a world first for a combat helicopter simulator, Thales Australia's Tiger ARH Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Crew Procedural Trainer (CPT) has been accredited at the Army Aviation Centre in Oakey, Queensland.