February 2024 - Australia Special Weapons News

2024 U.S.-Australia Strategic Policy Dialogue US Dept. of State 28 Feb 2024 -- The governments of the United States and Australia held their annual Strategic Policy Dialogue (SPD) on February 27 in Honolulu.
Increased support for strike action against Houthi rebels Australia DOD 29 Feb 2024 -- Australia is increasing its contribution of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to support United States and United Kingdom actions targeting the capabilities used in Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea.
Landmark strategy to maximise support for Defence industry Australia DOD 29 Feb 2024 -- The Albanese Government has today released a master plan that defines the strategic rationale for a sovereign defence industrial base and sets out pathways for maximising support for Australian industry and its critical contribution to national security.
Realising Australia's strategic partnership with the Philippines Prime Minister of Australia 29 Feb 2024 -- Prime Minister Albanese and President of the Republic of the Philippines HE Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr reaffirmed the strong relationship Australia and the Philippines share during the President's first official visit to Australia this week.
Welcome to President Marcos Prime Minister of Australia 29 Feb 2024
Marcos plans to discuss South China Sea security while in Australia Radio Free Asia 28 Feb 2024 -- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Australia on Wednesday for a two-day official visit where he plans to solidify security arrangements linked to concern about the reported presence of Chinese warships near traditional South China Sea fishing grounds.
A stronger force leaves Guam Australia DOD 28 Feb 2024 -- Exercise Cope North 24 has finished after a rewarding four weeks in Guam for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), United States Air Force (USAF), Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and other allied nations.
A lot to learn in the jungle Australia DOD 28 Feb 2024 -- Soldiers from 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, were led through a week of jungle warfare training at Tully, Queensland, earlier in February.
Navy Week 2024 Prime Minister of Australia 26 Feb 2024 -- "Last week, the Deputy Prime Minister released our blueprint for the future of the Royal Australian Navy. (...) Our plan will see the number of warships more than double, from 11 to 26."
U.S. Forces, Allies Conduct Joint Strikes in Yemen CENTCOM 24 Feb 2024 -- On Feb. 24, at approximately 11:45 p.m. (Sanaa Yemen time), U.S. Central Command forces alongside UK Armed Forces, and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, conducted strikes against 18 Houthi targets in Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen.
Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Coalition Strikes in Houthi-Controlled Areas of Yemen DoD 24 Feb 2024 -- "Today, the militaries of the United States and the United Kingdom, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, conducted strikes against military targets in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. "
Fresh US-British airstrikes target positions in Yemen's western Hudaydah province Press TV 24 Feb 2024 -- The United States and the United Kingdom have launched a string of airstrikes against targets in Yemen's strategic western province of Hudaydah in response to continued attacks by Yemeni Armed Forces against Israeli-affiliated commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
US & Allies Conduct Strikes Against 18 Houthi Targets in Yemen - Pentagon Sputnik 24 Feb 2024 -- The United States and its allies carried out strikes against Yemen's Houthi movement, hitting 18 military targets of the movement, the US Defense Department said on Sunday.
Statement on Air Strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen UK MOD 24 Feb 2024 -- Four Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, supported by two Voyager tankers, again participated in a deliberate coalition strike on Saturday 24 February against Houthi military facilities in Yemen which had been conducting missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping and coalition naval forces in the Bab al Mandab, southern Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden.
Joint Statement from Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States on Additional Strikes Against the Houthis in Yemen UK MOD 24 Feb 2024 -- In response to the Houthis' continued attacks against commercial and naval vessels transiting the Red Sea and surrounding waterways, today the militaries of the United States and United Kingdom, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, conducted an additional round of strikes against several targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
Joint Statement From Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States on Additional Strikes Against the Houthis in Yemen DoD 24 Feb 2024 -- "In response to the Houthis' continued attacks against commercial and naval vessels transiting the Red Sea and surrounding waterways, today the militaries of the United States and United Kingdom, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, conducted an additional round of strikes against several targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen."
Two years on, Australia stands with Ukraine Australia MFA 24 Feb 2024 -- Two years on since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Australia mourns Ukraine's losses, and we stand unwavering in our support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Forces combine on the Indian Ocean Australia DOD 21 Feb 2024 -- Warships of the Royal Australian Navy, United States Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted two days of combined training in the Indian Ocean while sailing to India for Exercise Milan.
Working with partners to control the skies Australia DOD 21 Feb 2024 -- Controlling almost 4 million square km a mission, the Royal Australian Air Force has established its position in the skies.
Analysts warn multibillion navy overhaul 'irrational and dangerous' as Australia eyes largest navy buildup since WWII Global Times 21 Feb 2024 -- Australia on Tuesday announced a multibillion overhaul of its navy, claiming it is responding to "increasing geostrategic uncertainty." Chinese analysts criticized the plan as being "irrational and dangerous" as it neither matches Australia's real needs in geopolitics nor its economic capability. They warned that the assertive plan may trigger an arms race and deal a blow to the security and stability of Australia as well as the whole Asia-Pacific region.
Navy's enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet Australia DOD 20 Feb 2024 -- Today, the Albanese Government has released its blueprint for a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet for the Royal Australian Navy, more than doubling the size of the surface combatant fleet under the former government's plan.
Navy's enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet Australia DOD 20 Feb 2024 -- Today, the Albanese Government has released its blueprint for a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet for the Royal Australian Navy, more than doubling the size of the surface combatant fleet under the former government's plan.

Australia Unveils Multi-Billion Dollar Navy Overhaul VOA 20 Feb 2024 -- Australia Tuesday announced a multibillion overhaul of its navy, which senior officials say is in response to "increasing geostrategic uncertainty."

U.S., Japan and Australia Conduct Trilateral Exercise in Bay of Bengal US Navy 19 Feb 2024 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) conducted a trilateral exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to strengthen interoperability and readiness between the three nations, in the Bay of Bengal, Feb. 17-18.

Training proves ship is ready for anything Australia DOD 19 Feb 2024 -- Before HMAS Warramunga commenced Australia's first 2024 Indo-Pacific regional presence deployment, Commanding Officer Commander Jennifer Graham put her crew through rigorous training to ensure they were 'fully mission capable'.

Australia to participate in Exercise Milan 24 Australia DOD 18 Feb 2024 -- Australia will continue to deepen its relationships with India and like-minded regional partners this month by participating in Exercise Milan 24.

Press conference - Perth Prime Minister of Australia 18 Feb 2024

Press conference - Newcastle Prime Minister of Australia 17 Feb 2024

Swift response validates Cope North partnerships Australia DOD 16 Feb 2024 -- During Exercise Cope North 24, Royal Australian Air Force and United States Air Force assets and personnel were rapidly re-tasked to respond to a real-world aeromedical evacuation (AE).

Joint statement by the Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand Prime Minister of Australia 15 Feb 2024 -- The Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on reports of Israel's planned military operation in Rafah.

Canada, Australia, New Zealand Urge Israel to Nix Plans for Rafah Ground Offensive Sputnik 15 Feb 2024 -- The prime ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand issued a a joint statement on Thursday urging Israel not to commence its planned offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and warning of catastrophic consequences for Palestinians of expanding the Israeli military operation.

$50 million in Australian support for International Fund for Ukraine Prime Minister of Australia 15 Feb 2024 -- Ahead of the second anniversary of Russia's brutal full-scale invasion, the Albanese Government will provide a $50 million grant to the International Fund for Ukraine, directly supporting the procurement of priority military capabilities.

Battery embraces new littoral role Australia DOD 15 Feb 2024 -- Traditionally steeped in the ethos of conventional gunnery, the 101st Battery of the 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, is now at the forefront of a new frontier: the littoral space.

Flexible training benefits reservists Australia DOD 15 Feb 2024 -- 9th Brigade's Reserve Accelerated Training Scheme (RATS) is being run again in 2024 after a successful pilot last year.

Ukraine Asks Australia for Specialists for Burn Victims VOA 11 Feb 2024 -- With the death toll rising from missile and drone strikes almost two years after Russia invaded, Ukraine is urging Australia to share its world-leading approach to treating burn victims.

Diggers provide design input on Boxer Australia DOD 12 Feb 2024 -- As the Army prepares to take delivery of the Block II Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle (CRV) from this year, soldiers who will be operating them have been contributing to the vehicle's future design.

More funding to fuel Ghost Bat Australia DOD 12 Feb 2024 -- An additional $399 million has been allocated for the development of Air Force's MQ-28A Ghost Bat uncrewed aircraft.

Navy flagship anchors at the Royal Hobart Regatta Australia DOD 09 Feb 2024 -- The Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Diamantina(II) is proud to support the 186th Royal Hobart Regatta. The minehunter vessel arrived in Hobart on 9 February ahead of the iconic three-day event.

Cooperative activity plays a crucial role Australia DOD 09 Feb 2024 -- Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga has conducted a multilateral transit through the South China Sea with ships of the United States and Japan during a routine regional presence deployment.

Combat ready at Cope North Australia DOD 09 Feb 2024 -- Exercise Cope North 24 has kicked off at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam, with Royal Australian Air Force elements prepared to deploy to 'hub and spoke' airfields across the Mariana Islands.

U.S., Japan and Australia Conduct Trilateral Operations US Navy 08 Feb 2024 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) and Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) conducted trilateral operations with allied maritime forces from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in the South China Sea, Feb. 7-8.

Five Eyes alliance smears China for hacking to cover up for itself: FM Global Times 08 Feb 2024 -- The Five Eyes alliance's repeated smearing and attacking China are merely to cover up the basic fact that the grouping itself is "the largest global intelligence agency and the US is the No.1 'hacking state' in the world,'' said a spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, in response to the Five Eyes' warning against so-called Chinese hacker group Volt Typhoon.

Indo-Pacific Endeavour returns to Maldives Australia DOD 08 Feb 2024 -- Defence's flagship regional engagement activity, Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE), returned to Maldives in January for only the second time.

Australia-Papua New Guinea Annual Leaders' Dialogue Prime Minister of Australia 08 Feb 2024

Getting sister squadron ready to fly Australia DOD 07 Feb 2024 -- Seven Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) pilots travelled to the Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM) at RAAF Base Edinburgh late last year to complete the first of a dedicated aviation medicine training course.

New beginnings for patrol boat Australia DOD 07 Feb 2024 -- ADV Cape Pillar and its crew were officially welcomed to their home port of HMAS Coonawarrawith a ceremony conducted at Larrakeyah Defence Precinct.

Defence continues to support United Nations sanctions against North Korea Australia DOD 07 Feb 2024 -- Defence has deployed one Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft as part of Operation Argos to enforce United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against the rogue nuclear state.

Doorstop Interview - Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 06 Feb 2024

AUKUS Defense Scientists Test Robotic Vehicles DoD 05 Feb 2024 -- Defense scientists from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States collaboratively tested a range of robotic vehicles and their sensors during a trial at Cultana Training Area, South Australia.

Sentencing of Dr Yang Jun Australia MFA 05 Feb 2024 -- The Australian Government is appalled that Australian citizen, Dr Yang Jun, has today received a suspended death sentence in Beijing.

Aus writer given suspended death sentence spied for Taiwan, Chinese court claims Radio Free Asia 05 Feb 2024 -- The Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun given a suspended death sentence in China for espionage on Monday had spied for Taiwan, according to the verdict.

Australian writer given suspended death sentence in China Radio Free Asia 05 Feb 2024 -- A Beijing court on Monday handed down a suspended death sentence to Yang Hengjun, a Chinese-Australian author detained on suspicion of espionage for more than five years without trial, according to media reports.

Australian national Yang Jun sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for espionage; his rights fully exercised: FM Global Times 05 Feb 2024 -- The Beijing No.2 Intermediate People's Court publicly pronounced the first-instance verdict on the espionage case of Australian national Yang Jun, in accordance with the law in which Yang was found guilty of espionage and was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve and all his personal property was confiscated, FM spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Monday.

Joint Statement from Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States on Additional Strikes Against the Houthis in Yemen DoD 03 Feb 2024 -- "Today, at the direction of their respective governments, the militaries of the United States and United Kingdom, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand conducted an additional round of proportionate and necessary strikes against 36 Houthi targets across 13 locations in Yemen in response to the Houthis' continued attacks against international and commercial shipping as well as naval vessels transiting the Red Sea."

Prominent Australians Urge Government to Do More to Defuse US-China Tensions VOA 03 Feb 2024 -- A group of prominent Australians including former politicians, diplomats and academics have called on the government to adopt "an activist middle power role" to avert U.S.-China conflict.

Personnel fly back from Nevada Australia DOD 02 Feb 2024 -- Exercise Red Flag Nellis 24-1 has concluded after three weeks of high-intensity air combat training at Nevada and airspace in the southwest of the United States.

Exercise Red Flag Nellis 24-1 concludes in United States Australia DOD 02 Feb 2024 -- Exercise Red Flag Nellis 24-1 concluded in the United States on 2 February after three weeks of high-intensity air combat training that involved 150 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aviators.

Australia joins Japan-United States exercise for first time Australia DOD 02 Feb 2024 -- The Australian Defence Force has joined Japan and the United States for Exercise Keen Edge for the first time.

Secretary Blinken's Call with Australian Foreign Minister Wong US Dept. of State 01 Feb 2024

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February 2024 - Australia Special Weapons News