AUKUS deal survives US review

A Nikkei Asia website article citing an unnamed AUKUS tri-partner source seemed this week to suggest that AUKUS would survive the Trump administration review. However, both the Australian Government and the Department of War played down the article suggesting the review was still ongoing. It was left to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles to be the most upbeat, suggesting “AUKUS is happening’’ saying Australia was very confident the deal would continue, and the US review was routine and only about improving on the existing deal. Concerns have persisted over the most vulnerable tenet of AUKUS which involves the US selling Australia from three to five Virginia class nuclear powered conventionally armed submarines from 2032. US Department of War undersecretary for policy and review author Elbridge Colby has expressed concerns about whether the US has enough submarines to spare to sell to Australia at a time when China represents a growing threat. Australia has agreed to subsidise US submar

NATO country adopts EOS Drone defence

A Canberra-made laser is about to become NATO’s newest frontline weapon against enemy drones, in a deal experts say could transform the future of warfare. The high-powered laser, nicknamed Apollo after the Greek God of Light, can destroy up to 20 drones a minute, at a cost of $1 per shot, which is faster and cheaper than traditional missiles or cannons. There have been several incursions in recent weeks by Russian drones into European airspace. Electro Optic Systems (EOS) told the ABC a Western European NATO country had bought the Australian technology to bolster its air defences. EOS Chief Executive Andreas Schwer said there had been a “paradigm shift’’ in warfare and particularly in Ukraine, driven by Drones. Normally it can take a $500,000 missile to take out a $1000 drone. Countries are turning to cheaper lethal counter-drone weapon solutions. The war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza has accelerated the demand for rapid, low-cost air defence weapons including lasers. Moscow has launched hundreds of dr

Qld launches manufacturing strategy

The Crisafulli Government has launched a new strategy to bolster manufacturing, jobs and innovation. The Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy 2025-2030 and Action Plan sets out a vision for a stronger, more competitive industry that drives productivity, embraces innovation and gets more Queensland products into the hands of global consumers. The strategy was developed in collaboration with the Queensland Manufacturing Council. It sets out a path to cut red tape, grow Queensland’s export pathways, build more resilient local supply chains and support workforce upskilling. Minister for Manufacturing, Dale Last said the manufacturing strategy marked a turning point for Queensland’s fifth largest industry. He described Queensland’s manufacturing sector as a sleeping giant. He said the Crisafulli government was determined to see Queensland manufacturing industry reach its full potential. Manufacturing already added $29 billion to the Queensland economy and supported 175,000 jobs, including 83,000 in regi

SA TAFE outlay boosts Defence workforce

The Federal and South Australian Governments have announced the creation of a $28 million National Security TAFE Centre of Excellence in Adelaide, designed to prepare workers for roles in defence, cyber security and emerging technologies. The new facility will be built at TAFE SA’s Regency campus. Its focus will be on equipping current and future technicians with the skills required for projects linked to the AUKUS security partnership, as well as broader national security needs. Courses will be developed across electrotechnology, electronics and engineering. Partnerships with UK and US education providers will also be established to share advanced knowledge and training methods. Students will also receive training on how to prevent and respond to cyber threats. The facility is the 14th TAFE Centre of Excellence announced across Australia. Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles said the initiative would help secure the state’s future workforce. South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Sk

US agency approves HIMARS sale

Australia is set to acquire 48 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems under a proposed US$705 million US foreign military sale approved by the US State Department. The US Congress was advised of the possible sale of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), resupply vehicles and other equipment by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 30 September. The proposed sale also includes M1084A2 HIMARS resupply vehicles, M1095 trailers, low cost reduced range practice rocket pods, intercom systems, radio and communication mounts, spare parts, and technical and logistics support services. The agency says the proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States with Australia one of the United States’ most important allies in the Western Pacific. The statement adds that the strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific. It is vital to assist this