February 2025 - Australia Special Weapons News

Doorstop interview - Sydney Prime Minister of Australia 28 Feb 2025
Albanese Government secures future of Seahawk helicopter fleet and hundreds of local jobs Australia DOD 28 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government has secured the future of MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet, ensuring this critical capability remains mission ready, with a $313.5 million maintenance contract that will support local businesses and jobs.
PLA warships' drills completely different with Australian military aircraft's intrusion into China's airspace: Chinese Ambassador Global Times 28 Feb 2025 -- The drills conducted by the Chinese fleet have been safe, professional, and in accordance with relevant international law and established practices, and they are completely different with the Australian military aircraft's intrusion into China's airspace, which is a serious violation of international law and undermines China's national security, said Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania on Thursday.
People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating near Australia Australia DOD 28 Feb 2025 -- People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) Task Group 107, comprised of the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class Cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu, is operating approximately 320 nautical miles (593 kilometres) south southwest of Adelaide.
Commitment to support RFS operations at Defence bases in NSW Australia DOD 28 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government will ensure the New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service has access to RAAF Base Richmond, RAAF Base Williamtown and HMAS Albatross to support aerial firefighting operations with an extension to the current agreement through to 2029.
China flexes military muscle in Indo-Pacific, testing US and allies VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- China has held a series of live-fire military drills across the Indo-Pacific region over the past week, from the Taiwan Strait to the Tasman Sea. Analysts say the exercises, which included "extremely capable" weapons systems, were aimed at testing the United States and regional countries' responses to military threats.
Will Australia make notification in advance of military ops near China? Chinese Defense Ministry asks in return Global Times 27 Feb 2025 -- In response to four questions raised by journalists on the recent exercises by Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warships in international waters near Australia and New Zealand, including the two countries' claims that China did not notify them in time, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson on Thursday reiterated that the PLA Navy flotilla's activities completely conform to international law. He responded by asking if Australia would send notifications in advance when it conducts military operations near China.
China willing to strengthen communication with NZ regarding 'live-fire drill concerns' raised by visiting NZ deputy PM Global Times 27 Feb 2025 -- Responding to question regarding Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters' meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday, during which Peters raised concerns over China's recent live-fire drills in the Pacific Ocean, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday that China has previously introduced situation and elaborated its positions on relevant issues multiple times. "We are willing to strengthen communication with the New Zealand, enhance mutual understanding, and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations," Lin said.
HMAS Hobart completes first ADF Regional Presence Deployment for 2025 Australia DOD 27 Feb 2025 -- The Australian Defence Force has completed the first Regional Presence Deployment for 2025, demonstrating the Australian Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring a stable and secure Indo-Pacific.
People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating near Australia Australia DOD 27 Feb 2025 -- People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) Task Group 107, comprised of the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class Cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu, is operating approximately 296 nautical miles (548 kilometres) west of Hobart, entering the Great Australian Bight.
Virginia class submarine moors in Australia for the first US submarine visit of 2025 Australia DOD 26 Feb 2025 -- US Virginia class submarine, USS Minnesota (SSN 783) has arrived at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia on 25 February for a routine port visit, the first of several planned US SSN submarine visits to Australia in 2025.
Albanese Government backs local manufacturing with $100 million contract for underwater life support systems for ADF Australia DOD 26 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government has further invested in local manufacturing and jobs, by securing local maintenance and support of diving and hyperbaric equipment for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through a $100 million investment.
Albanese Government invests in the safety of our Collins class submarines and a future made in Australia Australia DOD 26 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government has signed a four-year contract extension with James Fisher Defence (JFD) Australia, valued at over $90 million, to provide submarine escape and rescue services in support of the Collins class submarines.
Doorstop interview - Sunbury Prime Minister of Australia 26 Feb 2025
Doorstop interview - Sydney Prime Minister of Australia 25 Feb 2025
USS Minnesota (SSN 783) Advances AUKUS with Port Visit to HMAS Stirling US Navy 25 Feb 2025 -- USS Minnesota (SSN 783) arrived in Western Australia on February 25, 2025, kicking off the first of two planned U.S. fast-attack submarine visits to HMAS Stirling in 2025.
Update - People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating near Australia Australia DOD 25 Feb 2025 -- People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) Task Group 107, comprised of the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class Cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu, is operating approximately 160 nautical miles (296 kilometres) east of Hobart, inside of Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone.
Tankers band together Australia DOD 25 Feb 2025 -- Australian, Japanese and American refuelling aircraft have joined forces to feed thirsty fast jets in the skies above Guam.
New research grants awarded to bolster Defence capability Australia DOD 24 Feb 2025 -- Five cutting-edge research projects have received a funding boost to deliver real-world technologies to address some of Defence's most challenging problems.
Three years on, Australia stands with Ukraine Prime Minister of Australia 24 Feb 2025
Doorstop interview - Melbourne Prime Minister of Australia 24 Feb 2025
Chinese Naval Task Group New Zealand Defence Force 24 Feb 2025 -- The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), in conjunction with Australian authorities, are monitoring a People's Liberation Army - Navy (PLA-N) Task Group in the Tasman Sea, in international waters about 350 nautical miles northeast of Australia's Bass Strait.
China's Defense Ministry rejects Australia's 'lack of transparency' accusation on Chinese warships' live-fire drills Global Times 23 Feb 2025 -- In response to Australia's accusation of China's lack of transparency and the Australian air traffic control agency's notices for some airlines to adjust their flight plans amid the recent activities of three Chinese warships and live-fire drills in waters near Australia, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian stated in a statement on Sunday that the relevant remarks from the Australian side are completely inconsistent with the facts.
Countries should adapt to PLA's distant voyages: expert on China's live-fire drills near Australia, NZ Global Times 23 Feb 2025 -- The Chinese Defense Ministry on Sunday rejected Australia's accusation about the recent activities and drills of three Chinese warships, calling Australia's remarks completely inconsistent with the facts while stressing that China's actions are in full compliance with international law and practices and will not affect aviation safety.
Doorstop interview - Devonport Prime Minister of Australia 22 Feb 2025
Chinese Naval Task Group New Zealand Defence Force 22 Feb 2025 -- The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), in conjunction with Australian authorities, are monitoring a People's Liberation Army - Navy (PLA-N) Task Group in the Tasman Sea, in international waters about 350 nautical miles northeast of Australia's Bass Strait.
Return of China-Australia ties to heathy, stable track serves both sides' common interests, Chinese FM tells Wong Global Times 22 Feb 2025 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday (local time) met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Johannesburg, South Africa, upon request, according to a news release on the Chinese Foreign Ministry's official website on Saturday.
Flights between Australia, New Zealand diverted because of Chinese drills Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2025 -- Several commercial flights between Australia and New Zealand had to divert on Friday because of a live-fire exercise conducted by Chinese warships, according to media reports.
Chinese FM responds to Australian concerns over live-fire drills by Chinese warships off its east coast Global Times 21 Feb 2025 -- When asked to comment on concerns raised by Australia's Foreign Minister regarding live-fire drills conducted by three Chinese warships sailing off the country's east coast, as well as the Australia's Defense Department's monitoring of the Chinese navy vessels since they were spotted in international waters last week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that a Chinese fleet organized by the PLA Southern Theater Command is conducting far seas exercise. The drill was carried out in a safe, standard and professional manner and in accordance with relevant international law and international practice.
Doorstop interview - Wollongong Prime Minister of Australia 21 Feb 2025
Joint Statement on the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) Steering Committee Inaugural Meeting US Dept. of State 20 Feb 2025 -- The Governments of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America held the inaugural meeting of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) Steering Committee in Washington, DC on February 19, 2025 and released the following statement.
Doorstop interview - Whyalla Prime Minister of Australia 20 Feb 2025
High stakes in Exercise Red Flag over Las Vegas Australia DOD 19 Feb 2025 -- The Royal Australian Air Force has joined the United States military and Royal Air Force (RAF) in Exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, showcasing seamless multinational air operations.
Black Hawk fleet bolsters Australia's security Australia DOD 19 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government has again demonstrated it is rapidly getting crucial defence capability into the hands of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with the achievement of initial operating capability of the Australian Army's UH-60M Black Hawks, marking one of the fastest initial phases of a capability acquisition in recent times.
FM spokesperson responds to claim of three Chinese warships sailing in Australia's 'exclusive economic zone' Global Times 19 Feb 2025 -- In response to a media question about "three Chinese warships sailing in Australia's 'exclusive economic zone'," Guo Jiakun, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said at a regular press conference on Wednesday that he is not familiar with the situation
Doorstop interview - Sydney Prime Minister of Australia 19 Feb 2025
China, Australia hold defense dialogue; move important to avoid miscalculation, experts say Global Times 18 Feb 2025 -- China and Australia held the 23rd China-Australia Defense Strategic Dialogue in Beijing on Monday, with the two sides exchanging in-depth views on relations between the two countries, their militaries, regional security and other issues of common concern, according to a statement released by China's Ministry of National Defense.
2025 Australia-China Defence Strategic Dialogue Australia DOD 17 Feb 2025 -- The 23rd Australia-China Defence Strategic Dialogue was held today in Beijing, China.
Operation Okra proves worth of combined-arms training Australia DOD 17 Feb 2025 -- A decade ago, Daesh seized large territories across north-western Iraq and eastern Syria, taking advantage of the Syrian civil war and an overwhelmed, collapsing Iraqi Security Force.
HMAS Hobart joins Indonesian Navy fleet review and Exercise Komodo 25 Australia DOD 16 Feb 2025 -- HMAS Hobart has arrived at the Port of Benoa, Bali, for Indonesia's two most important maritime events for 2025.
Statement of like-minded Foreign Ministers of the FFP network Germany Federal Foreign Office 15 Feb 2025 -- "Today, we, the Foreign Ministers of Albania, Andorra, Australia, Germany, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Mongolia, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands reaffirm our readiness to support an inclusive and representative non-sectarian Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom, security and prosperity, hereby building on the basic objectives and principles of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254."
Press conference - Lake Illawarra Prime Minister of Australia 14 Feb 2025
Australia protests to China about 'unsafe' aircraft maneuver over Paracels Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2025 -- Australia and China traded blame over an incident above the disputed Paracel archipelago in the South China Sea, adding to an already volatile situation in the region.
Chinese fighter jet incident with Aussie plane in SCS concerns PH Philippine News Agency 14 Feb 2025 -- The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), on Friday expressed concern over the recent flare deployment of a Chinese fighter jet in front of an Australian military aircraft on patrol in the South China Sea.
PLA's expulsion of Australian warplane violating China's territorial airspace of Xisha Qundao 'justified, legitimate, professional' Global Times 14 Feb 2025 -- In response to Australian defense ministry's claim on Thursday that an Australian air force patrol aircraft experienced an "unsafe and unprofessional" interaction with a Chinese Air Force aircraft in the South China Sea on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Thursday that the Australian military aircraft deliberately intruded into China's territorial airspace of Xisha Qundao without China's permission, infringing on China's sovereignty and endangering China's national security, and China's measures to expel the aircraft were legitimate, professional and exercised with restraint.
China urges Australia not to act as follower in stirring up trouble in South China Sea: defense spokesperson Global Times 14 Feb 2025 -- In response to Australian defense department's recent claim that an Australian air force patrol aircraft experienced an "unsafe and unprofessional" interaction with a Chinese Air Force aircraft in the South China Sea, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said that Australia deliberately provoked and infringed upon China's rights in the South China Sea on February 11, and then falsely accused China, spreading misleading narratives. China firmly opposes this and has lodged serious protests with Australia.
Australian lawmakers form parliament group to raise awareness of Uyghur persecution Radio Free Asia 14 Feb 2025 -- Lawmakers in Australia have established a parliamentary group they say will give ethnic Uyghurs a platform from which to air concerns about attempts by Beijing to infiltrate their local community, as well as the persecution they face back home in western China's Xinjiang region.
Air Force completes training exercises in the United States Australia DOD 14 Feb 2025 -- Three weeks of high-intensity training between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom ended today at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.
Statement on unsafe and unprofessional interaction with People's Liberation Army-Air Force Australia DOD 13 Feb 2025 -- The Australian Government has expressed its concerns to the Chinese Government following an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a People's Liberation Army - Air Force (PLA-AF) aircraft.
Statement on People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating to the north of Australia Australia DOD 13 Feb 2025 -- Defence is aware of a People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) task group operating to the north east of Australia.
Doorstop interview - Merimbula Prime Minister of Australia 12 Feb 2025
Lightning crews drop bombshell in Guam Australia DOD 12 Feb 2025 -- The Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) 75 Squadron has launched into Exercise Cope North 25 with a bang, testing the skill of their armament technicians (ARMTECHs) and aircrew by dropping 64 GBU-39 small-diameter bombs off the coast of Guam.
Projects of Concern Summit supports future capability success Australia DOD 12 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government held its eighth Projects of Concern Summit in Canberra today to remediate the sustainment performance of Australia's Collins class submarines.
Investing in Australian-made radars to support Army's long-range fires capability Australia DOD 12 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government is investing an additional $272 million to support local defence industry and Australian jobs, through the procurement of up to 14 multi-mission phased array radars (MMPARs) for the Australian Army.
Further cyber sanctions in response to Medibank Private cyberattack Australia DOD 12 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government has imposed additional cyber sanctions in response to the 2022 cyberattack against Medibank Private.
Press conference - Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 11 Feb 2025
Sanctioning Key Infrastructure Enabling Russia-Based Ransomware Attacks US Dept. of State 11 Feb 2025 -- In coordination with Australia and the United Kingdom, the United States is today sanctioning Zservers, a Russia-based bulletproof hosting (BPH) services provider, and two Russian nationals serving as Zservers operators, for their roles in supporting LockBit ransomware attacks.
United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom Jointly Sanction Key Infrastructure that Enables Ransomware Attacks US Treasury 11 Feb 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the United Kingdom's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office are jointly designating Zservers, a Russia-based bulletproof hosting (BPH) services provider, for its role in supporting LockBit ransomware attacks.
New UK sanctions target Russian cybercrime network UK FCDO 11 Feb 2025 -- A key Russian cybercrime syndicate responsible for aiding merciless ransomware attacks around the world has been targeted by new UK sanctions.
US, Australia, and UK forces conduct joint combined operations US Navy 11 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. Navy (USN), Royal Australian Navy (RAN), and Royal Navy (RN) joined together to conduct a link exercise, a coordinated maneuvering exercise, and a variety of other combined operations in the South China Sea, Feb. 6-7.
Lightning strikes in Guam Australia DOD 11 Feb 2025 -- Hosted in the Indo-Pacific island of Guam, the last several iterations of Exercise Cope North have traditionally been an opportunity for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to demonstrate its humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities.
RAAF flies Red Flag over Nevada Australia DOD 11 Feb 2025 -- The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has taken to the skies for Exercise Red Flag Nellis 25-1 with its biggest contingent yet.
Exercise links RAAF and French Navy fliers in Darwin Australia DOD 11 Feb 2025 -- The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flew into the new year with strengthened collaboration alongside France's Carrier Strike Group, as French-led Exercise Rastaban 25 unfolded in Australia's northern region.
US, allied air forces, joint partners strengthen readiness in Bamboo Eagle 25-1 US Air Force 10 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. Air Force Warfare Center kicked off Bamboo Eagle 25-1—a combined exercise featuring the U.S. Air Force alongside the joint force and allied forces from the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and, for the first time, Royal Canadian Air Force designed to enhance cooperation, agility and combat readiness in order to improve interoperability.
Exercise Cope North 25 debuts trilateral F-35 training in Guam Australia DOD 10 Feb 2025 -- F-35 Lightning II aircraft from Japan, the United States and Australia have begun training together for the first time as part of Exercise Cope North 25.
Aviation assets support Ingham community Australia DOD 10 Feb 2025 -- Choppers have taken to the skies in North Queensland to provide vital aircraft support to the state-government led response to the flooding.
Australian defence industry reaping the benefits of AUKUS trade reforms Australia DOD 10 Feb 2025 -- Australian businesses are already seeing the benefits of the export licence-free environment the Albanese Government established with the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) on 1 September 2024.
Sustainable aviation fuel pilot program underway at RAAF Base East Sale Australia DOD 09 Feb 2025 -- A 12-month pilot program using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has recently commenced at RAAF Base East Sale.
Shared Challenges, AUKUS Partnership Top Topics as U.S., Australian Defense Leaders Meet for First Time DoD News 07 Feb 2025 -- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met today with his counterpart Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles during a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon to discuss shared defense roles, security priorities, and the challenges and opportunities both nations see in the Indo-Pacific.
US defense secretary hosts Australian counterpart VOA 07 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles to the Pentagon on Friday, after Australia made its first $500 million payment to the United States under the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal involving Washington, Canberra and London.
Press conference - Ollera Creek Prime Minister of Australia 06 Feb 2025
Successful MMCA highlights strong ties between participating nations Philippine News Agency 06 Feb 2025 -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Thursday said the successful conduct of the sixth multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) highlights the country's strong defense ties with Australia, Japan, and the United States.
Australia, Japan, Philippines, and United States Conducted Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity US Navy 06 Feb 2025 -- The combined defense and armed forces of Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, conducted a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, Feb. 5.
Multilateral maritime cooperative activity Australia DOD 06 Feb 2025 -- Naval and air force units from Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the United States conducted a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone on 5 February 2025.
Albanese Government backs future made in Australia with funding for local companies to develop critical Defence capabilities Australia DOD 06 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government is investing in local innovation and a future made in Australia by backing two Canberra companies to continue developing electronic warfare technology under a program set up to produce critical capabilities for all three AUKUS nations.
Press conference - Parliament House, Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 05 Feb 2025
China calls Australia's DeepSeek ban 'politicization of technological issues' Radio Free Asia 05 Feb 2025 -- China criticized Australia for banning the Chinese AI chatbot app DeepSeek on government devices, describing it as the "politicization of economic, trade and technological issues," which Beijing opposes.
PH holds 6th maritime cooperation activity with US, Japan, Australia Philippine News Agency 05 Feb 2025 -- Naval and air force units from the Philippines, Australia, Japan and the United States are conducting the 6th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) at the country's exclusive economic zone on Wednesday.
Defence Data Standards boost Navy capability Australia DOD 05 Feb 2025 -- Navy is using data and analytics to improve the lethality and survivability of the fleet, enabled by new Defence Data Standards making Defence's data more accessible and usable.
Doorstop - Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 04 Feb 2025
Military Assistance and Increased Pressure on Russia: the President Had a Phone Call with the Prime Minister of Australia President of Ukraine 04 Feb 2025
Cope North 25 Send Off US Air Force 03 Feb 2025 -- As Cope North 25 approaches, members of the 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron and Traffic Management Office are ensuring the seamless shipment of essential cargo to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The annual multinational exercise strengthens ties between the U.S., Australia and Japan, enhancing interoperability and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Reliant delivers in the Pacific Australia DOD 03 Feb 2025 -- Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant set sail from Brisbane in late December for her first deployment of the year, reaffirming Australia's commitment to strengthening ties and providing support to the Pacific region.
Doorstop - Melbourne Prime Minister of Australia 01 Feb 2025

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February 2025 - Australia Special Weapons News