November 2022 - Australia Special Weapons News

Australia Lowers National Terrorism Threat Level, Shifts Focus on Foreign Interference and Espionage VOA 29 Nov 2022 -- Australia has five official levels under its national terrorism threat classification system, ranging from "certain" to "not expected."
ADF's combat vehicles make overseas debut in Singapore Australia DOD 30 Nov 2022 -- One of the newest capabilities of the Australian Defence Force has made its international debut at a training ground in Singapore.
Valuable lessons from Philippine experience Australia DOD 30 Nov 2022 -- Australian and Philippine officials conducted a humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) tabletop exercise in Manila, Philippines as part of Australia's flagship regional maritime engagement activity, Indo-Pacific Endeavour 22.
AUSTRALIAN ARMY CONTINGENT FOR JOINT EXERCISE "AUSTRA HIND - 22" ARRIVE IN INDIA India PIB 27 Nov 2022 -- The bilateral training exercise "AUSTRA HIND 22" between contingents of the Indian Army and the Australian Army is scheduled to take place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (Rajasthan) from 28 November to 11 December 2022.
Report Condemns Former Australian PM for Secret Appointments VOA 25 Nov 2022 -- Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been heavily criticized in a report on how he gave himself powers without telling even members of his own Cabinet - something he admitted to in August. He secretly appointed himself to administer five ministries, including treasury and home affairs, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Australia, Netherlands Confirm Citizens Detained In Iran, Access Denied RFE/RL 24 Nov 2022 -- Australia and the Netherlands have confirmed the arrests of dual nationals in Iran and say the detainees have been denied consular access.
Lightning joins Malaysian homecoming Australia DOD 24 Nov 2022 -- Deploying internationally for the first time since transitioning to the F-35A Lightning II, 75 Squadron has returned to its old home location at Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Butterworth Air Base.
Exercise Keen Sword demonstrates joint integration Australia DOD 24 Nov 2022 -- Destroyer HMAS Hobart participated in high-end warfighting exercises off southern Japan with ships and submarines from the US Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy from November 8-18.
Projecting airpower from South-East Asia Australia DOD 24 Nov 2022 -- This year, RAAF's 19 Squadron played a vital role in the success of Exercise Elangaroo 22, hosting nearly 200 personnel along with the F-35A Lightning II and C-27J Spartan for the first time.
ADF and industry celebrate drone innovation Australia DOD 23 Nov 2022 -- The successful partnership between Defence and industry in the development of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) technologies has been highlighted at the sixth World of Drones and Robotics Congress in Brisbane.
Navy brings out the big guns Australia DOD 23 Nov 2022 -- Navy ships from Australia, Japan, and Canada fired their biggest guns during a multinational gunnery exercise (gunex) in the North Pacific Ocean near Japan.
U.S. and Australia Hold Strategic Policy Dialogue DoD 22 Nov 2022 -- The Governments of the United States and Australia held their annual Strategic Policy Dialogue (SPD) on November 21-22 in Canberra. The SPD, established in 2019, is a forum for Australia and the United States to deepen collaboration to address growing strategic challenges, including on deterrence, arms control and nonproliferation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Aussie health spending hits new high during COVID-19 pandemic People's Daily 23 Nov 2022 -- Spending on health goods and services has increased significantly during the first full year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.
Defence signs contract to enhance Solomon Islands security capability Australia DOD 22 Nov 2022 -- Defence and the joint venture Reeves Icon and Hall have signed a contract to deliver major infrastructure works with the Solomon Islands Government, helping to support a secure and resilient region.
Action above, on and below the sea Australia DOD 22 Nov 2022 -- Cooperation was heightened, skills strengthened and relationships deepened as Exercise Malabar drew together Australian, Japanese, Indian and United States forces for high-end warfighting training.
Ground forces strengthen ties Australia DOD 22 Nov 2022 -- While Exercise Elangaroo 22 is primarily an air-to-air fighter interaction exercise, the overall focus is to bolster bilateral partnerships.
U.S. Navy Hosts Royal Australian Navy, Holds Bilateral Strategic Dialogue US Navy 21 Nov 2022 -- Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, Vice Adm. Gene Black, hosted his Australian counterpart, Rear Adm. Christopher Smith, Royal Australian Navy, Deputy Chief of Navy, for a bilateral strategic dialogue at the Pentagon, Nov. 21, 2022.
U.S., Japan, Australia integrate Allied Logistics during Tri-Lateral Operations US Navy 21 Nov 2022 -- Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 joined the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) in the Philippine Sea for tri-lateral operations to include the first replenishment at sea (RAS) between a new Australian oiler and a U.S. aircraft carrier, Nov. 20.
Royal Australian Air Force conducts Exercise Rogue Ambush 22-1 Australia DOD 20 Nov 2022 -- The Royal Australian Air Force will deploy personnel and aircraft to RAAF Base Amberley and Rockhampton to conduct Exercise Rogue Ambush 22-1 from 21 November to 6 December 2022.
Australia clarifies stance on Taiwan CPTPP bid: MOFA CNA 18 Nov 2022 -- The Australian government has clarified that its stance on Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) remains unchanged, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Friday.
Chief of Army praises Ukrainian recruits Australia DOD 18 Nov 2022 -- Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart has praised the commitment and courage of Ukrainian army recruits during a visit to a military training site in the United Kingdom.
Hobart replenishes relationships at sea Australia DOD 18 Nov 2022 -- In a slick display of navy-to-navy cooperation and coordination, HMAS Hobart refuelled at sea in early November while sailing with US Navy Ship Rappahannock off Honshu, Japan.
New surveillance weapon launched Australia DOD 18 Nov 2022 -- A new type of unmanned surveillance technology was used on Operation Resolute for the first time.
Statement by the AUKUS Partners to the IAEA Board of Governors UK FCDO 18 Nov 2022 -- UK Ambassador to the IAEA, Corinne Kitsell, gave a statement on behalf of Australia, the UK and the US on their co-operation on AUKUS nuclear naval propulsion.
Delivery of verdicts in MH17 trials in the Netherlands Australia MFA 18 Nov 2022 -- Australia has been steadfast in our enduring commitment to seeking truth, justice, and accountability for the victims of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
US, UK, Australian and Canadian Forces Operate as a Combined Force in Exercise Virtual Flag: Coalition US Navy 17 Nov 2022 -- "Fights on" loudly echos across the battlespace kicking off exercise VIRTUAL FLAG: Coalition 23-1 at the Distributed Mission Operations Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, and distributed sites across four countries, during the first day of an eleven-day exercise.
Despite snub, France offers to build conventional submarines for Australia Press TV 17 Nov 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron says his offer to cooperate with Australia on submarines is still "on the table," almost a year after a bitter row between the two sides over a cancelled contract threatened bilateral ties.
Iran summons Australian envoy to protest premier's 'wrong-headed approach' Press TV 16 Nov 2022 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned Australia's ambassador to protest recent anti-Iran comments by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
EU-Australia Leaders' Meeting 2022 Prime Minister of Australia 16 Nov 2022
Press Conference - Bali, Indonesia Prime Minister of Australia 16 Nov 2022 -- G20 Summit; Australia's international relationships; AUKUS; trade; climate change; Ukraine; Iran; ASEAN; EAS; APEC; Australia's relationship with China; Quad Leaders' meeting
PM meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: 16 November 2022 Gov.UK 16 Nov 2022
Australia approves Omicron-specific COVID-19 booster vaccine People's Daily 15 Nov 2022 -- Australian authorities have approved Pfizer's bivalent coronavirus vaccine.
Four nations come together for Exercise Malabar 22 Australia DOD 15 Nov 2022 -- The Australian Defence Force (ADF) joined key regional partners India, Japan and the United States for Exercise Malabar 22 off the east coast of Japan.
Exercise fuels relationship with South Korea Australia DOD 15 Nov 2022 -- For the first time, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has provided valuable air-to-air refuelling support in South Korea during Exercise Vigilant Storm 23.
Xi-Albanese meeting at G20 injects thawing potential to frayed ties Global Times 15 Nov 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met and held formal talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia on Tuesday afternoon, the first talks between leaders of the two countries since Malcolm Turnbull was Australian prime minister in 2016.
President Xi Jinping Meets with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese PRC MofA 15 Nov 2022
Meeting with China's President Xi Jinping Prime Minister of Australia 15 Nov 2022
Press conference - Bali, Indonesia Prime Minister of Australia 15 Nov 2022 -- Bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping; Australia-China relationship; Ukraine; trade; climate change; G20 Summit.
Opening Remarks - Bilateral Meeting - Bali, Indonesia Prime Minister of Australia 15 Nov 2022 -- Bilateral meeting with China's President Xi Jinping.
Australian Leader Meets Chinese President at G20 Summit in Indonesia VOA 15 Nov 2022 -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met China's President Xi Jinping at the G-20 international summit in Bali, Indonesia. The Canberra government is hoping China will end economic sanctions after years of diplomatic tensions.
Premier Li Keqiang Met and Talked to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the Sidelines of Leaders' Meetings on East Asia Cooperation PRC MofA 14 Nov 2022
Doorstop interview - Bali Prime Minister of Australia 14 Nov 2022 -- B20; G20; Australia's relationship with China; MoU signing with BCA and Kadin
Doorstop - Bali Prime Minister of Australia 14 Nov 2022 -- Arrival in Bali for G20 Summit; Bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi.
Japan Could Host Australia's AUKUS Nuclear Subs, Envoy Says Sputnik 14 Nov 2022 -- Under the September 2021 AUKUS alliance, the US and UK are due to supply Australia with advanced technology to domestically develop nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs). China, the perceived target of the pact, has accused Washington of inciting a "nuclear arms race" in the region.
China-Australia ties see major turn in 'coming out of the cold' Global Times 14 Nov 2022 -- In the first face-to-face meeting between top officials from China and Australia in three years, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said while meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that China is ready to meet Australia halfway and work together to promote sustained and healthy ties, amid a series of positive signals that Canberra has sent over recent days in a bid to patch up an icy relationship with Beijing in the past few years.
Defence improves accuracy of Torres Strait navigational charting Australia DOD 14 Nov 2022 -- Defence's Australian Hydrographic Office has released major updates to three official electronic navigational charts, improving accuracy and enhancing navigational safety for shipping and commercial vessels in the Torres Strait.
Press Conference - Phnom Penh, Cambodia Prime Minister of Australia 13 Nov 2022
Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia The White House 13 Nov 2022
Opening Remarks - Bilateral Meeting Of Australia And Ukraine Prime Minister of Australia 12 Nov 2022
Deepening Australia's Engagement In Southeast Asia Prime Minister of Australia 12 Nov 2022
ASEAN-Australia Summit Opening Remarks Prime Minister of Australia 12 Nov 2022
Press Conference - Phnom Penh, Cambodia Prime Minister of Australia 12 Nov 2022
Pacific security leaders meet to tackle regional challenges Australia DOD 12 Nov 2022 -- Pacific security leaders from 25 countries have visited Nadi, Fiji for the fourth Joint Heads of Pacific Security (JHOPS) meeting to share ideas and discuss regional solutions to common security challenges.
Counter-terrorism financing sanctions review Australia DFAT 11 Nov 2022-- The Australian Government has reviewed and relisted 27 persons and 36 entities for counter-terrorism financing sanctions due to expire in 2022, as part of our commitment to preventing terrorism at home and abroad.
Japan hosts Australia, India, U.S. in Naval Exercise Malabar 2022 US Navy 11 Nov 2022 -- Opening ceremonies kicked-off exercise Malabar 2022, Nov. 8, followed by scheduled at-sea exercises involving naval ships, aircraft and personnel from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States in the Philippine Sea, off the coast of Japan.
Australian COVID-19 cases increase amid warnings of new wave People's Daily 11 Nov 2022 -- Australia has reported an almost 50 percent increase in new coronavirus cases amid warnings of a new wave of infections.
Australian State Upgrades Warning as Fourth COVID Wave Hits VOA 11 Nov 2022 -- The Australian state of Queensland is raising its COVID-19 alert level starting Friday as case numbers increase. Health officials have said there was a "soup of variants" spreading around the state.
Firming friendships with Indian neighbours Australia DOD 11 Nov 2022 -- Indo-Pacific Endeavour has returned to India for the third time, engaging in military-to-military exchanges, volunteer work in the community and concluding the regional partnership activities by sailing in company with Indian Navy ships.
British Army deploys alongside US and Australian partners for future warfare experiment UK MOD 10 Nov 2022 -- United Kingdom, United States and Australia showcase pioneering equipment during Project Convergence exercise in California
Australia Orders Probe Into Ex-Military Allegedly Approached to Train Chinese Soldiers Sputnik 09 Nov 2022 -- Western media reported that Beijing has been seeking to attract pilots from the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US to train the People's Liberation Army, triggering national security concerns in these countries.
Australia Probing Claims Retired Veterans Approached to Train Chinese Military VOA 09 Nov 2022 -- Australia is investigating reports that former defense force personnel have been approached to provide military training to China. Defense Minister Richard Marles said Wednesday that retired former soldiers had an "enduring obligation" to protect state secrets and "to reveal any of those secrets is a crime."
Ships and subs form up for International Fleet Review Australia DFAT 09 Nov 2022 -- Australian vessels have joined about 40 ships and submarines that sailed in formation near Tokyo on November 6 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Positive signs seen in China, Australia ties People's Daily 09 Nov 2022 -- China and Australia pledged on Tuesday to properly address each other's concerns and make steady efforts to improve their relationship, as positive signs have emerged in improving bilateral ties.
Australia Pledges to Funnel More Funds to Arm Solomon Islands Sputnik 08 Nov 2022 -- Last week, Australia delivered 13 vehicles and 60 MK-18 semi-automatic rifles to the Royal Solomon Islands police force to bring a significant increase in the capability. The Pacific nation saw years of violence due to the rampant availability of guns across the islands between 1998 and 2003.
Visit to Japan strengthens relationship Australia DOD 07 Nov 2022 -- Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond visited Japan for high-level talks and official events to mark the 70th anniversary of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Force integration aim of Exercise Elangaroo in Malaysia Australia DOD 07 Nov 2022 -- Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel and aircraft have deployed to Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Butterworth Air Base to participate in Exercise Elangaroo, an air-to-air fighter interaction exercise.
Troops show true grit on combined exercise Australia DOD 07 Nov 2022 -- In the harsh humidity of Far North Queensland's jungles, soldiers from the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (8/9RAR), and the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC) battled tough conditions.
Maritime Partnership Exercise with Royal Australian Navy Conclude in the Bay of Bengal India PIB 05 Nov 2022 -- A Maritime Partnership Exercise involving Royal Australian Navy(RAN) ships HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Anzac and Indian Navy Ships Jalashwa and Kavaratti along with their embarked helicopters was held in the Bay of Bengal from 02 to 03 Nov 2022. The exercises included tactical manoeuvres, helicopter landings and amphibious operations, which signified the high degree of interoperability between IN and RAN.
Readout of U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday Meeting with Australian Chief of Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond US Navy Press Release 05 Nov 2022
China, Australia give equipment to Solomon Islands police as rivalry escalates Radio Free Asia 04 Nov 2022 -- China and U.S. ally Australia have donated weapons and vehicles to the Solomon Islands police, sparking criticism their rivalry could cause new instability in a South Pacific country that spiraled into chaos only two decades ago.
At least two thirds of Australians have had COVID-19: national antibody studies People's Daily 04 Nov 2022 -- Two complementary nationwide surveys showed at least two-thirds of Australians have been infected by COVID-19, including children and adolescents.
Australia Warns of New COVID Surge VOA 04 Nov 2022 -- Australia can expect another wave of COVID-19 infections in coming weeks, according to experts, as new variants circulate. Coronavirus cases are rising quickly in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia's most populous states.
Launch of the Annual Cyber Threat Report Australia DOD 04 Nov 2022 -- Australians are encouraged to help protect the nation's cybersecurity future, as the Australian Cyber and Security Centre (ACSC) - a key part of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) - launches its third annual Cyber Threat Report.
Visit reinforces ties with Republic of Korea Navy Australia DOD 04 Nov 2022 -- A group of 170 members from the Republic of Korea Navy (ROK-N) received a warm welcome during their visit to the Royal Australian Naval College (RANC) at HMAS Creswell.
Navy-to-navy friendship in good shape Australia DOD 04 Nov 2022 -- HMA Ships Hobartand Stalwartberthed at Manila, Philippines, for a five-day port visit as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022 (IPE22).
Arunta builds partnerships at sea and ashore Australia DOD 03 Nov 2022 -- HMAS Arunta has been enhancing partnerships at sea and ashore during the first phase of her Indo-Pacific regional presence deployment.
Joint CANZ Statement for Arria Formula meeting on Iran Protests DFAT 02 Nov 2022 -- "We [Canada, Australia, and New Zealand] thank the Council for today's meeting, and Professor Rehman, Dr Ebadi, and Ms Boniadi for their insightful briefings. We remain deeply concerned with the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran."
Australia - C-130J-30 Aircraft DSCA 02 Nov 2022 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of C-130J-30 aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $6.35 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
Australia and Republic of Korea air forces formalise aerial refuelling arrangement Australia DOD 02 Nov 2022 -- The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) have signed an arrangement formalising their cooperation in air-to-air refuelling.
United States likely to base long-range bombers in northern Australia Radio Free Asia 01 Nov 2022 -- Plans to station nuclear capable B-52 bombers in the far north of Australia show that the U.S. military is seeking more deterrence options against China as its military strength increases, defense experts said.
China warns US plans to deploy B-52 bombers to Australia could 'trigger arms race in region' Press TV 01 Nov 2022 -- China has issued a stern warning that Washington's plans to deploy six of its nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to an Australian military base may "trigger an arms race" and escalate tensions in the region.
"Aerial Warfare and Missile Defense Center 2022" Drill Kicks off in UAE with Participation of Royal Saudi Air Force SPA 01 Nov 2022 -- Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates yesterday saw the launch of the 25-day "Aerial Warfare and Missile Defense Center 2022" Drill with the participation of the Royal Saudi Air Force and forces of the UAE, Greece, Oman, France, Germany, India, the UK, the USA, and Australia.
New sustainment model partner to boost Defence capability in the West Australia DOD 01 Nov 2022 -- Defence capability in Western Australia will be strengthened, with NSM (Australia) Pty Ltd appointed as the Regional Maintenance Provider for Defence's new Regional Maintenance Centre West.
Partnerships in the Pacific Australia DOD 01 Nov 2022 -- Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant delivered humanitarian assistance and disaster relief stores as part of the whole-of-government response to drought in Kiribati.
Project AIR 7404 Phase 1 - medium air mobility replacement Australia DOD 01 Nov 2022 -- Defence is replacing and expanding its current medium air mobility fleet of 12 C-130J Hercules aircraft via Project AIR 7404 Phase 1.

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November 2022 - Australia Special Weapons News