In an important milestone for the Australian Defence Force and the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program, the first of three destroyers, Hobart, was launched alongside the Port River wharf in Adelaide today.

This is a key achievement for the program and a big step towards the delivery of three highly capable warships to the Royal Australian Navy. Despite well publicised delays and cost blowouts Defence Minister Kevin Andrews was upbeat at the launch.

Australia and the United States are preparing for Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2015, the largest combined military exercise undertaken by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The exercise, scheduled to take place early to mid July 2015, is the principal Australia and United States (US) bilateral training activity focussed on the planning and conduct of mid-intensity ‘high-end’ warfighting.

U.S. Marine V-22 Ospreys fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, May 3, 2015. U.S. Marines brought tools and equipment in response to the Nepalese Government's request for help after a magnitude-7.8 earthquake, April 25. The Marines are with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police have charged one man and released three others following today’s major Melbourne Joint Counter Terrorism Team operation.  Hallam man Sevdet Ramdan Besim has been charged with conspiracy to commit acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts. It is alleged that these acts include a plan to attack Anzac day activities in Melbourne.