March 2025 - Australia Special Weapons News

Australia urged to view normal maritime activities correctly, not engage in unfounded speculations: Chinese FM on Chinese research vessel off Australia's south coast Global Times 31 Mar 2025 -- In response to a media inquiry about a Chinese research vessel's recent appearance in waters near Australia's southern coast, with some Australian analysts claiming that the vessel has a dual purpose, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday, "For anything specific, I'd refer you to competent Chinese authorities."
AUKUS partners launch Innovation Challenge 2025 Australia DOD 31 Mar 2025 -- AUKUS partners have released the trilateral AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025, connecting our governments to the very best technology across our industrial and innovation sectors to deliver cutting-edge capabilities to our defence forces.
Australia supports Pacific partners to maintain security at sea Australia DOD 31 Mar 2025 -- The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has completed this year's first maritime and aerial surveillance activity for Operation Solania in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI).
Rotorcraft leaders tackle regional aviation sustainment Australia DOD 28 Mar 2025 -- Military aviation leaders and defence industry experts from across the Indo-Pacific convened at the Indo-Pacific Military Rotorcraft Symposium (IPMRS) to discuss the future of rotorcraft sustainment and integration in the region's evolving strategic environment.
Strengthening bilateral relationships Australia DOD 28 Mar 2025 -- The Australian International Air Show is a great place for regional friends to catch up.
Contract signed to establish Australia's first missile factory Australia DOD 28 Mar 2025 -- Defence has signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence Australia to establish Australia's first guided weapons production factory in Newcastle, NSW. This is the next step towards implementing the announcement made by the Australian Government on 22 August 2024.
New sales office to back Australian Defence industry Australia DOD 28 Mar 2025 -- Defence is taking the next step forward in unleashing Australian innovation, technology and manufacturing on the international stage by establishing a new office dedicated to selling sovereign Australian defence technology to our international partners.
Albanese Government continues export support for Defence industry Australia DOD 28 Mar 2025 -- The Albanese Government is continuing to back the defence industry, with the 2025 Australian Defence Export Catalogue featuring a record number of businesses showcasing their export-ready products.
Spartan supports fisheries patrol in Marshall Islands Australia DOD 27 Mar 2025 -- An Air Force C-27J Spartan and its crew have played a key role in the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency's first maritime surveillance operation of 2025, Operation Rai Balang, conducted under the broader Operation Solania framework.
Tonga, Micronesia get largest increases in Australia's Pacific aid budget Radio Free Asia 26 Mar 2025 -- Tonga and the Federated States of Micronesia will receive notable increases in Australian foreign aid this year, as analysts say there are indications that Canberra is stepping in to fill a regional void left by a U.S. freeze on development assistance.
Australian sustainment activities support international allied aircraft fleet Australia DOD 26 Mar 2025 -- In a significant boost to Australia's defence industry and sovereign capability, the United States Navy's MQ-4C Triton aircraft fleet will undergo comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul at RAAF Base Edinburgh. The New Zealand Defence Force has also confirmed a similar intent for their fleet of P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
Albanese Government grows and accelerates Defence spending Australia DOD 25 Mar 2025 -- "As the Government announced last year, we are investing an additional $50.3 billion into the Australian Defence Force (ADF), which will now see an additional $10.6 billion invested over the forward estimates. The value of this investment is now $57.6 billion over the decade and is accounted for in the budget. In the 2025-26 the Government is also bringing forward $1 billion of investment to enable Defence to acquire capabilities faster. "
HMAS Sydney's three-month journey through the region Australia DOD 25 Mar 2025 -- Sydney's next three months of training and cooperation include Exercise Bersama Shield, alongside the Five Power Defence Arrangements nations Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
ADF back to Solomons on survey mission Australia DOD 24 Mar 2025 -- Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant deployed to Solomon Islands recently for vital survey work, reinforcing Australia's longstanding commitment to the Pacific.
Philippines and Australia Strengthen Partnership in Defense and Foreign Affairs Strategic Dialogue Philippines DFA 24 Mar 2025 -- Senior officials from the Philippines and Australia convened on 20 March 2024 for the 7th iteration of the Philippines-Australia Strategic Dialogue, reaffirming both nations' commitment to deepening cooperation on regional security, defense collaboration, and emerging areas of mutual interest.
Satellite passes the ultimate test Australia DOD 24 Mar 2025 -- Buccaneer Main Mission is a fully operational Defence nanosatellite, also known as a CubeSat, which was recently launched into low Earth orbit.
Government delivers first Australian HIMARS Australia DOD 24 Mar 2025 -- From today, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is equipped with a world‑leading long‑range precision strike capability - a direct result of the Albanese Government's additional investments in Defence.
Press conference - Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 24 Mar 2025
Press conference - Sydney Prime Minister of Australia 24 Mar 2025
Joint Communiqué of the Seventh Annual Joint Heads of Pacific Security Australia DOD 21 Mar 2025 -- Defence, police customs and immigration leaders, as well as national security directors and advisers, from across the Pacific met in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for the seventh annual Joint Heads of Pacific Security (JHoPS) meeting from 18-20 March 2025.
Mission success for Long Range Anti-Ship Missile testing Australia DOD 21 Mar 2025 -- The Albanese Government has delivered on a commitment to significantly upgrade the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) maritime strike capability following a successful live firing of the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).
Australia bolsters submarine lethality under $200 million deal Australia DOD 21 Mar 2025 -- The Albanese Government is enhancing the lethality of Australia's submarine fleet under a $200 million agreement with the United States to acquire additional quantities of state-of-the-art torpedoes.
Guardian-class Patrol Boat RVS Takuare returned to Vanuatu Australia DOD 20 Mar 2025 -- Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles met with Minister for Internal Affairs, the Hon Andrew Napuat in Cairns to mark the return of Vanuatu's Guardian-class Patrol Boat, RVS Takuare.
Australia, India, Japan, Korea, and the U.S. Complete Multinational Exercise Sea Dragon 2025 US Navy 19 Mar 2025 -- Exercise Sea Dragon 2025 (SD25) successfully concluded at Andersen Air Force Base , Guam, marking the completion of two weeks of intensive multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, March 18, 2025.
Press conference - Brisbane Prime Minister of Australia 19 Mar 2025
Doorstop interview - Morayfield Prime Minister of Australia 19 Mar 2025
Defence nanosatellite launched into orbit Australia DOD 18 Mar 2025 -- A fully operational, Australian-made nanosatellite has been launched from the United States into low-Earth orbit.
Prime Minister Carney strengthens Canada's security and sovereignty Prime Minister of Canada 18 Mar 2025 -- First, Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada intends to partner with Australia to develop advanced Over-the-Horizon Radar technology. This partnership will include developing Canada's Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system, an investment of more than $6 billion that will provide early warning radar coverage from threats to the Arctic. A key component of Canada's NORAD modernization plan, the radar system's long-range surveillance and threat tracking capabilities will detect and deter threats across the North.
Albanese Government invests more than $400 million to maintain Navy vessels locally Australia DOD 18 Mar 2025 -- The Albanese Government has secured more work for Australians to maintain and sustain vessels for the Navy through a $400 million contract with Navantia Australia.
New lease of life for long-range submarine array Australia DOD 18 Mar 2025 -- Work is under way to overhaul a kilometres-wide and 300-metre-tall transmitter array in the remote West Australian town of Exmouth.
Director General Defence Intelligence Agency to embark on Australia Visit from March 19 India PIB 18 Mar 2025 -- Director General Defence Intelligence Agency (DG DIA) Lt General DS Rana is set to embark on an official visit to Australia from 19-21 March 2025
9th Australia-India Defence Policy Talks Australia DOD 18 Mar 2025 -- The 9th Australia-India Defence Policy Talks (DPTs) were held in New Delhi on 17 March. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad, while the Australian side was led by First Assistant Secretary International Policy Division, Department of Defence Australia Mr Bernard Philip. The eighth DPT was held in 2023.
Pacific security leaders gather to advance regional cooperation Australia DOD 18 Mar 2025 -- Pacific heads of military, law enforcement, customs and immigration will convene in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, for the seventh Joint Heads of Pacific Security (JHoPS) meeting from 18 to 20 March 2025.
Australia - Countermeasures, Chaff, and Impulse Cartridges DSCA 18 Mar 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of Countermeasures, Chaff, and Impulse Cartridges and related equipment for an estimated cost of $165 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
Quad Workshop on Pandemic Preparedness for the Indo-Pacific Region, New Delhi (March 17, 2025) India MEA 17 Mar 2025 -- India, under its presidency of the Quad, is hosting the "Quad Workshop on Pandemic Preparedness for the Indo-Pacific Region" from March 17-19, 2025.
9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks held in New Delhi India PIB 17 Mar 2025 -- The ninth edition of India-Australia Defence Policy Talks was held in New Delhi on March 17, 2025
Inquiry into the 'weaponisation' of the military justice system Australia DOD 17 Mar 2025 -- The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF), Mr James Gaynor CSC, has commenced an independent inquiry into allegations and perceptions that the military justice system has been, or has the potential to be, 'weaponised', such that it may cause harm.
United States Marines return to the Top End for 2025 Australia DOD 17 Mar 2025 -- Australia is proud to welcome the 14th rotation of the United States Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D), to the Northern Territory today.
First trainees and apprentices commence pathways programs to grow South Australia's skilled defence industry workforce Australia DOD 17 Mar 2025 -- Two new pathways programs established by the Albanese Government in partnership with the Malinauskas Government have commenced as part of a critical step towards delivering the nation's future defence industry workforce.
Albanese Government purchases more guided missiles as part of future made in Australia Australia DOD 17 Mar 2025 -- Australia will manufacture missiles at home from 2025, thanks to another step forward by the Albanese Government, with Australia and the United States signing two memoranda of understanding.
Bosnia and Herzegovina destabilisation of national institutions Australia DFAT 16 Mar 2025 -- The Australian Government is concerned by recent developments that destabilise Bosnia and Herzegovina's national institutions and inflame ethnic tensions.
Press conference - Melbourne Prime Minister of Australia 16 Mar 2025
Violence in Syria Prime Minister of Australia 16 Mar 2025 -- "The Australian Government condemns the recent horrific violence in Syria's coastal region."
Freedom of navigation mission protects Indo-Pacific Australia DOD 14 Mar 2025 -- Exercising Australia's freedom of navigation, the Royal Australian Air Force successfully completed maritime surveillance missions in the Indo-Pacific region under the first iteration of regional presence deployments for 2025.
Chair's Statement: Leaders call on Ukraine, 15 March 2025 Gov.UK 15 Mar 2025
Jobs boost for Brisbane as Albanese Government invests $200 million in Navy's communications system Australia DOD 13 Mar 2025 -- The Albanese Government is upgrading communication systems on Royal Australian Navy ships under a $200 million program with Boeing Defence Australia that will create dozens of jobs across the Brisbane region.
Statement on United States tariffs Prime Minister of Australia 12 Mar 2025 -- "The United States decision to impose tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium as part of a global decision is concerning. It has been foreshadowed that no country regardless of its relationship with the United States has been granted an exemption. Such a decision by the Trump Administration is entirely unjustified."
Press conference - Sydney Prime Minister of Australia 12 Mar 2025
U.S. tariffs "entirely unjustified:" Australian PM People's Daily 12 Mar 2025 -- Australia will not impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States, despite its failure to secure an exemption from Trump administration's import taxes on Australian steel and aluminium, said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who described the tariffs as "entirely unjustified."
Australia - Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Alternate Warhead Rounds DSCA 10 Mar 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Alternate Warhead Rounds and related equipment for an estimated cost of $91.2 million.
People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating near Australia Australia DOD 09 Mar 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 are operating in the Sunda Strait, between the Indonesian Islands of Java and Sumatra.
Press conference - Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 09 Mar 2025
PM call with Prime Minister Albanese of Australia: 8 March 2025 Gov.UK 08 Mar 2025
People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating near Australia Australia DOD 08 Mar 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 120 nautical miles (222 kilometres) south west of Christmas Island.
Chinese warships under close watch near Australian waters Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2025 -- The Australian navy deployed three vessels and surveillance aircraft to "keep a close eye" on a Chinese task group that has been operating "in the vicinity of Australia" since mid-February, the Australian defense minister said.
People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating near Australia Australia DOD 07 Mar 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 420 nautical miles (777 kilometres) south of Christmas Island.
$569 million contract locks in another decade of jobs in the Hunter Australia DOD 07 Mar 2025 -- The Albanese Government has ensured the future of the Royal Australian Air Force's E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft with a $569 million contract that also secures hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the country.
Chinese embassy urges Canada to cease defamation of using AI to conduct cyberattacks Global Times 07 Mar 2025 -- In response to reports made by Canadian authorities on Thursday accusing China of using AI to create false information and conduct cyberattacks within Canadian territory, a spokesperson for the Embassy of China in Canada stated that Canada, without factual basis, has fabricated false information and made unfounded accusations against China, tarnishing its reputation. China firmly opposes and will never accept such actions, the spokesperson said, according to the Embassy of China in Canada on Friday.
Rapid Response Mechanism Canada detects second 'Spamouflage' campaign targeting Canada-based Chinese-language commentators and their families Canada 06 Mar 2025 -- "Rapid Response Mechanism Canada (RRM Canada) continues to monitor a new "Spamouflage" campaign targeting several individuals based in Canada. The operation is a more extensive version of the campaign that Global Affairs Canada reported in 2023."
Mission ready for Bamboo Eagle Australia DOD 06 Mar 2025 -- Exercise Bamboo Eagle 25-1, held at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, strengthened RAAF and its coalition partners' capabilities to execute complex missions in contested environments.
Press conference - Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 06 Mar 2025
Television interview - Sky News Newsday Prime Minister of Australia 06 Mar 2025
Nuclear safeguards: AUKUS statement to the IAEA Board of Governors, March 2025 UK FCDO 06 Mar 2025 -- UK Ambassador Corinne Kitsell's statement on behalf of Australia, the UK and the US to the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors meeting on IAEA safeguards and AUKUS
India's Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan's first visit to Australia Australia DOD 06 Mar 2025 -- Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston AC RAN hosted General Anil Chauhan, India's Chief of Defence Staff, in Canberra on 5 March 2025.
People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating near Australia Australia DOD 06 Mar 2025
Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot Program supporting local business Australia DOD 06 Mar 2025 -- More local Australian businesses will have the opportunity to build our nation's defence future, as the Albanese Government continues to expand opportunities for industry to support AUKUS through a new Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot.
Last truck load delivered Australia DOD 05 Mar 2025 -- The Land 121 medium heavy truck program, which has been running for more than a decade, has delivered its final batch of Rheinmetall MAN military vehicles.
Air-to-air refuellers keep Operation Okra flying Australia DOD 05 Mar 2025 -- Flying a Classic Hornet loaded with bombs over Iraq in 2016, Air Commodore Philip Gordon had a problem.
Places to go, counterparts to see Australia DOD 05 Mar 2025 -- The first regional presence deployment (RPD) for 2025 has opened HMAS Hobartto a number of training opportunities with counterparts from across the Indo-Pacific region.
People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating near Australia Australia DOD 05 Mar 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 300 nautical miles (556 kilometres) north west of Perth.
Major milestone for South Australia's skills and training academy Australia DOD 05 Mar 2025 -- The Albanese Government is investing $480 million in our naval shipbuilding and submarine construction workforce with the build of the Skills and Training Academy at Osborne in South Australia.
Trench assault readies troops for the frontline Australia DOD 04 Mar 2025 -- Gunfire rattled through the brisk English morning, punctuated by the muted crack of simulated grenades and terse shouts of Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) soldiers.
Lightning strikes thrice in trilateral exercise Australia DOD 04 Mar 2025 -- For the first time, the RAAF, United States Air Force (USAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) have jointly exercised trilateral fifth-generation air warfare capabilities.
Doorstop interview - Sydney Prime Minister of Australia 04 Mar 2025
People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating near Australia Australia DOD 04 Mar 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 170 nautical miles (314 kilometres) south-southwest of Perth.
PH, allies enhance defense capabilities in high-level meeting Philippine News Agency 03 Mar 2025 -- The Philippine Army's officials met with representatives from Australia, Japan and the United States over the weekend to discuss reinforcing collective defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific Region.
Cabinet Remarks - Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 03 Mar 2025
People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating near Australia Australia DOD 03 Mar 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 305 nautical miles (approx. 550 kilometres) Southeast of Perth.
Expert urges Taiwan, Philippines, Australia to team up on security CNA 02 Mar 2025 -- A Taipei-based defense expert has warned that China is increasingly seeking to project its power in the southern flank of the first island chain and urged Taiwan to beef up cooperation with the Philippines and Australia to defend it.
People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating near Australia Australia DOD 02 Mar 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 570 nautical miles (1055 kilometres) southeast of Perth.
Doorstop interview - Sydney Prime Minister of Australia 02 Mar 2025
Doorstop interview - Sydney Prime Minister of Australia 01 Mar 2025
China's drills reflect 'gunboat diplomacy' to counter U.S.: Scholars CNA 01 Mar 2025 -- The Chinese military is engaging in "gunboat diplomacy" by holding unannounced live-fire drills near Taiwan as well as Australia and New Zealand to demonstrate its intent on counterbalancing the United States, scholars told CNA.
People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating near Australia Australia DOD 01 Mar 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 480 nautical miles (890 kilometres) southwest of Adelaide.

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March 2025 - Australia Special Weapons News