The M1 Abrams main battle tank is used by the Australian Army, Egyptian Army, Iraqi Army, Kuwait Army, Saudi Arabia and the United States. The M1 has three main variants; the M1, M1A1, and M1A2. A newer M1A3 is also under development. The M1A1/2 Abrams main battle tank is manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS).
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II or JSF is designed to be the most sophisticated multirole fighter ever built. It is currently undergoing testing and final development before being brought into service with a number of different Air Forces around the world. The F-35 combines advanced stealth designed with speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment, the F-35 delivers innovative capabilities to meet security needs for nations across the world.
The Collins class submarines have been designed specifically for its defence and two-ocean surveillance role in the Royal Australian Navy. Designed to be as quiet as advanced technology can achieve, The Collins Submarine has been developed from five generations of submarines designed and built by the Swedish Navy.
The Australian Army will be featured more prominently than ever before at Avalon Airshow 24 Feb - 1 March 2015. Army News has reported that an Australian Defence Force "showcase" will include Army land vehicles and weapons such as M1A1 Abrams main battle tank, ASLAV, M113 armoured personnel carrier and M777 Howitzer. Two of the newest Army helicopters will also be on show; the ARH Tiger and the MRH-90.
The ARH Tiger and MRH-90 will perform a flying display simulating and infiltration and resupply mission. Army News reports that the entire ADF showcase will go for 1 hour and will include air-to-air combat, attack and extraction sequence, airborne assault scenario from a C-130. There will be ground attack display and the AP-3C Orion will simulate a submarine kill. The C17 will demonstrate it's lift capability by landing two bushmasters and troops.
It all looks like an action packed showcase for the ADF at this year's Avalon 2015.
The Defence Minister Kevin Andrew visited Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) yesterday amid a wave of controversy surrounding the proposed "competitive evaluation process" the Government will use to choose the prime contractor.
Mr Andrews reinforced statements made by the Treasurer and Prime Minister in relation to the how suppliers will be selected for the $20-40 billion SEA 1000 project (Collins Class Submarine Replacement).
Defence News Report: Two suspect terrorists will soon appear in a Sydney Court by video link accused of serious terrorism related offences. The arrests following a major NSW Joint Counter Terrorism operation in Sydney yesterday. The pair were originally scheduled to appear in Fairfield Court this morning however this was adjourned and moved to Sydney Central Court due to security fears.
Various Australian Government ministers today clarified their positions after the surprise announcement of an "Open Tender" process for the Collins Class Replacement by South Australian Senator Sean Edwards. Mr Edwards claimed on Monday that Prime Minister Tony Abbot has promised an open tender in return for his vote in the leadership spill. That promise, if it ever occurred, now seems in doubt.
The organisers of Avalon Airshow (Aerospace Australia Limited) have announced the finalists in its prestigious Industry Innovation Awards for 2015. The 12 finalists include Australian based civil and defence industry aerospace innovators from Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. Victoria stands out this year with 8 organisations featuring on the short list.
United States
U.S. Navy sailors move to secure an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter during flight operations on the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima in the Red Sea, Jan. 24, 2015. The Iwo Jima, the flagship for the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, provides a versatile sea-based, expeditionary force that can be tailored to a variety of missions in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.