Two key ADF projects received 2nd Pass Approval last month: the purchase of 12 new watercraft for the two Canberra-class LHDs under Joint Project 2048 Ph.3, and the enhancement of information and technology infrastructure at Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) .

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract of undisclosed value for the development and delivery of training for the RAN’s Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships. The training will rely heavily on simulation and virtual scenarios using the latest technology, including avatars.

The first industry briefing held since selection of the MH-60 Romeo as the RAN’s new combat helicopter has emphasised potential Global Supply Chain opportunities for local SMEs rather than new work that is likely to emerge solely from MH-60R support.

Rear Admiral (Ret) Brian Adams, AO, spent 37 years in the RAN, much of that time as a specialist in Joint and Amphibious warfare and some of it instructing, both in Australia and the UK. He spoke to Editor at Large Gregor Ferguson.

Airbus Military Chief Domingo Ureña-Raso has urged the Australian government to mount a genuine competition in Project Air 8000 Ph.2.

The F-35 system development and demonstration (SDD) flight test remains on or ahead of plan for 2011, despite losing 15 days of testing after a ground mishap involving the Integrated Power Package (IPP) and natural disasters affecting the US Navy’s Patuxent River flight test centre.

BAE Systems Australia is hoping its combination of local smarts, built on programs like Parakeet and Raven, and reachback to similar programs by its UK parent will help it secure the prime contract for JP2072 Phase 2B

No sooner had Minister for Defence Stephen Smith taken delivery of the RAAF’s fifth C-17A Globemaster III airlifter, whose purchase was announced at this year’s Avalon air show, than he announced the likely purchase of a sixth C-17A.

UK online journal, Battlespace reports that the UK’s Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox intends to follow Australia’s example by publishing a list of ‘contracts of concern’, pending the outcome of a Major Projects Review Board (MPRB) meeting schedule for September.

Project Sea 1442 is the mechanism by which Defence is networking the Navy’s surface fleet with a new architecture of IP-based wide area networks and a new generations of communications bearers. Phase 3 is already successfully under way with 2nd Pass Approval for Phase 4 due next year.

CAE Australia has upgraded the RAAF’s C-130J Hercules full-flight and mission simulator (FFMS) at Richmond to provide additional tactical training capabilities. The upgrade was completed on budget and without taking the simulator out of service.

BAE Systems Australia has delivered two more keel blocks for the first Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD). The two blocks were barged to the ASC yard at Osborne, SA, from Williamstown in September; the first block was delivered from Williamstown the previous month.

Raytheon Australia has finessed itself into a strong position to bid for prime contractorship on the ADF’s Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) project. Its securing of the second HMI contract will help it introduce the bell 429 to the ADF which will be the type’s first military customer.

The NZ Defence Force is replacing or upgrading key parts of its small arms fleet. The costs are under control but delays highlight the importance of a properly manned project office.

Meggitt Training Systems has won a $29 million contract with ADF to operate and maintain its primary small and supporting arms simulation training centres known as WTSS (Weapon Training Simulation System) facilities.

The NZ Army has adopted an indigenously designed UAV based on IP developed by its own Defence Technology Agency and then transferred to a local manufacturer, Skycam. The system is now in operational service.