Reaction Dynamics to launch from Koonibba Test Range in 2025
Canadian rocket manufacturer Reaction Dynamics will conduct the inaugural launch and flight of its RE-102 hybrid rocket engine and Aurora vehicle from Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range in South Australia in 2025. The Aurora suborbital mission will serve as the maiden flight qualification test for Reaction Dynamics’ rocket engine within the vacuum of space. This…
New defence precinct at Henderson to deliver continuous naval shipbuilding and nuclear-powered submarine maintenance
The Australian Government will establish a consolidated Commonwealth-owned Defence Precinct at Western Australia’s Henderson shipyard, near Fremantle, to underpin its investment in defence capabilities in the West over the next two decades and support up to 10,000 well-paid, high-skilled local jobs. The establishment of a consolidated Defence Precinct at Henderson is the critical next step…
Seven RAN enlisted Sailors graduate US Navy Nuclear Power School
The first seven RAN enlisted sailors have graduated from the United States Navy Nuclear Power School. The seven sailors, alongside a third group of RAN officers who also graduated, are the pioneers towards Australia establishing a sovereign conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) fleet in the early 2030s. The Chief of Navy, VADM Mark Hammond, AO, RAN…
‘Skipper’ to walk Kokoda Track in Parkinson’s fundraiser
Adelaide-based Navy veteran with Parkinson’s Disease, Mike ‘Skipper’ Aitchison, is preparing to walk Papua New Guinea’s iconic Kokoda Track for the second time. This time, however, he’s looking for veterans and others impacted by Parkinson’s to join him and unleash the Kokoda spirit that lies within them. “I’ve got Parkinson’s, but Parkinson’s hasn’t got me!”…
IN DETAIL: Defence’s new Innovation, Science & Technology Strategy
Unless you actually read it properly, it’s easy to dismiss Defence’s new Innovation Science and Technology strategy as a DSTG-only thing, and therefore of only marginal relevance to the ‘real world’. Read the Strategy carefully – it’s a genuine whole-of-Defence document and it marks the start of a permanent change process. Gregor Ferguson At the…
US clears export of AARGM to Australia
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Australia of the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $405 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale. The Australian Department of Defence announced…
