AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT MAR 2021 VOL.47 NO.2

RAAF 100TH BIRTHDAY EDITION MEL HUPFELD INTERVIEW

ARMY'S NEXT GEN KEEPING RAAF FLYING SATELLITE TECH WATERCRAFT AN THE ROLE OF THE PATHWAY TO A INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITY LOCAL INDUSTRY SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY B:245 mm T:235 mm S:225 mm B:285 mm S:265 mm T:275 mm HONOURING 100 YEARS OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

Founded in values of service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has been defending the people of for the last century. Since 1927, and the RAAF have partnered to create next-generation products and push the boundaries of air defence. Boeing also proudly welcomes RAAF veterans into our workforce, where they continue to support Australia’s defence. As enduring partners, we recognize the centenary of the RAAF and we look forward to many more years of partnership, innovation and protection.

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Print Post Approved PP349181/00104 12 DEFENCE INVESTMENT IN SPACE TECHNOLOGIES Managing Director/Publisher As much as $20 billion over two decades Marilyn Tangye Butler AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT MAR 2021 Phone: +61 (0) 410 529 324 VOL.47 NO.2 Email: [email protected] 14 HOW AUSTRALIA CAN DEVELOP A SPACE Editor CAPABILITY Kym Bergmann Others have done it – and so can we Phone: +61(0)412 539 106 Email: [email protected] 18 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SPACE DOMAIN Contributors Vladimir Karnozov Vital – and becoming even more so Arie Egozi Mark Farrer Mike Yeo 20 AUSTRALIA TO DESIGN AND BUILD ARMY Geoff Slocombe WATERCRAFT George Galdorisi RAAF 100TH BIRTHDAY EDITION A great opportunity for local industry Australia AIR MARSHAL MEL HUPFELD INTERVIEW Ventura Media Asia-Pacific Pty Lt RAAF 100TH BIRTHDAY PO Box 88, Miranda ARMY'S NEXT GEN KEEPING RAAF FLYING SATELLITE TECH 24 WATERCRAFT AN THE ROLE OF THE PATHWAY TO A NSW 1490 Australia INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITY LOCAL INDUSTRY SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY Interview with Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal ABN 76 095 476 065 Mel Hupfeld Subscriptions A trio of F-35A Lightning II aircraft in formation over the Pacifi Rose Jeffree with a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport during Exercise Phone: + 61 (0)2 9526 7188 Lightning Ferry 21-1. Credit CoA / Nathan Dull 28 Fax: + 61 (0)2 9526 1779 Email: [email protected] 29 BAE SYSTEMS ADVERTISING OFFICES: REGULARS Australia, NZ & Asia Pacific 30 BOEING DEFENCE AUSTRALIA USA, Canada & South America 04 EDITOR'S LETTER Graham Joss The worsening situation in Myanmar Sales Director 32 LOCKHEED MARTIN AUSTRALIA Phone +61 2 9526 7188 Fax +61 2 9526 1779 Mobile +61 (0) 419 492 836 NEWS 34 NORTHROP GRUMMAN AUSTRALIA Email: [email protected] 06 Loyal Wingman 1st fligh Europe 37 RAYTHEON AUSTRALIA Diana Scogna Mobile: +33 6 6252 2547 Kleos complete satellite milestone Fax: +33 1 7079 0534 38 TAE Email: [email protected] 07 LAND 400 Phase 3 test vehicles arrive

Israel ST Asa Talbar 08 Government commitment to Operation Argos 40 1 PERSON INTERVIEW Talbar Media Quickstep CEO Mark Burgess Phone: +972-77-562-1900 NATO ground surveillance IOC Fax: +972-77-562-1903 Email: [email protected] Australian consortium leverages quantum 43 FIX THE QUARANTINE CRISIS Use RAAF Base Woomera Printer technologies Times Printers ISSN 1446-6880 10 Continued strengthening of UK defence links 45 RUSSIAN AIR COMBAT TECHNOLOGY Design Stealth or speed? Maybe both Stun Media Lockheed Martin LRASM contracts Email: [email protected] 48 NEWS FROM ACROSS THE TASMAN Our regular feature

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Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 3 EDITORIAL SECURITY SITUATION IN MYANMAR DETERIORATING

loot the country through a multitude of legal and and the country became more normal – though of illegal mechanisms including – but not limited to – course still blighted by ethnic conflicts and in logging, gems and drugs. particular the expulsion of hundreds of thousands The election of November 8 saw a further of Rohingya in 2017. Foreign investment has swing to the LND estimated to be in the vicinity poured in from countries such as , of 83% of the total vote. Having said that, voting Japan, South Korea and China. The military was blocked for security reasons – legitimate or has probably made the calculation that even if not – in Rakhine state and partially blocked in sanctions are re-imposed they will not be as strict Shan, Kachin and a few others. However, if it had and that in any case so much wealth has come into KYM BERGMANN // CANBERRA been permitted the results would most probably the country that it is unlikely to move rapidly in the have favoured the NLD even more heavily, given other direction, no matter what. he daily death toll amongst protestors in the anti-military sentiment resulting on the brutal The least-worst alternative for Australia is to Myanmar is continuing to rise while the crackdown on the Rohingya as well as other ethnic keep the door open for dialogue. The best way T response of the Australian government has minorities. to do this is through military-to-military contacts been ambivalent. The impoverished nation of 60 Another related factor was the political and because whether we like it or not these are the million people is remote from Australia and our economic prize of the Presidency, sought after people who have access beyond that which can economic links are relatively minor, but strategically by coup leader Ming Aung Hlaig. The political be achieved by diplomats. There is the counter it is a key part of Asia. The country has also become dominance of the NLD might also have snatched argument that we must do something to stop part of a broader struggle for influence between the office away from him – and in any case the the Tatmadaw killing their own people in large the West on one hand, China on the other – and sheer scale of the vote has been widely interpreted numbers and that cancelling all military links is the ASEAN somewhere in the middle. as being an anti-military slap in the face. In short, best way of delivering that message. The military seized power on February 1, despite what seems to have precipitated the coup was not To which we say if the West and ASEAN break numerous international warnings to them not to that the LND won the election, but that they did so off contact, that will strengthen the position of do so. The flimsy pretext was that the election in such an emphatic way. Russia and especially China. Beijing now has the of November 8 last year was fraudulent – which Turning now to what, if anything, Australia should economic clout to prop up Myanmar if needed – it most certainly was not. What appears to have do – the dynamics of Myanmar have been affected, and in any case can use its position in the United prompted the coup was, if anything, the magnitude like everything in Asia, by the rise of China. Even Nations to veto sanctions. It also has a very large of the win of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League 20 years ago the Tatmadaw could be influenced stick to keep the Tatmadaw in line – if it wishes for Democracy. This placed her and her party by the opinions of the West – and they were to apply pressure it only needs to start funnelling close to having a sufficient majority in Parliament certainly aware of the consequences of the tough cash and weapons to any of the insurgent groups to be withing striking distance of the 75% of seats international sanctions in place. As the author can inside Myanmar. needed to amend the constitution – something that verify, visiting the country back then as a private That is a fairly bleak assessment – and the would have set alarm bells ringing in the Tatmadaw, citizen, life was fairly tough. The country had a Tatmadaw has probably made itself counter- the cover-all name of the country’s military. cash economy because no credit cards worked, coup proof by moving the capital from sprawling A very quick bit of background: the transition ATMs were disconnected, there was only the most populous Yangon to the small, isolated and easily to democracy after 60 years of strict military rule minimal, heavily censored internet on a good day, defended Naypyidaw from 2002 onwards. What Engineered for success. started with the election of 2011 and was then any conversations about local politics were carried looked like a totally weird decision at the time now At Babcock, we believe in creating partnerships and solutions that are enduring. cemented in place by the one of 2015 – or so many on in hushed tones, one-on-one out of fear of makes some sort of military sense. When seizing people thought. The military had a fairly sweet discussions being overheard and reported – and power on February 1, the military committed itself We work with you from contract to delivery and beyond, putting your priorities first. deal – they were guaranteed 25% of the seats in so on. Most people craved a return to something to free and fair elections in a year. The chances Our approach sets us apart in providing an efficient, high-quality service. Parliament and on top of that, three key Ministries: like normal – and the West was trying to exert of them adhering to this are exceedingly slim – We are a partner you can trust. Defence; Home Affairs; and Border Security. With influence to achieve that. unless they can somehow rig the vote as to be this sort of power, the Tatmadaw could continue to The situation greatly improved from 2011 onward overwhelmingly in their favour.

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4 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 Engineered for success. At Babcock, we believe in creating partnerships and solutions that are enduring. We work with you from contract to delivery and beyond, putting your priorities first. Our approach sets us apart in providing an efficient, high-quality service. We are a partner you can trust.

Marine I Land I Aviation babcock.com.au GENERAL NEWS

in the COVID-19 recovery. “Through our $1 billion recovery package we are boosting Australia’s defence industry and supporting thousands of jobs across the country,” Minister Price said. “This new stage of development will deliver an increase in the advanced mission capabilities of the aircraft. “Here is another high-flying example of how we are backing our local defence industry base, supporting and creating jobs in a range of high technology areas. “We are very excited about the export potential of the Loyal Wingman.” Air Force and Boeing will continue testing the Loyal Wingman to examine its unique capabilities which are designed to support a range of Defence aircraft in various roles. KLEOS COMPLETES SATELLITE DEVELOPMENT MILESTONE FOR The , Airpower Teaming System – ‘Loyal Wingman’ conducts its first flight at Woomera Range Complex, South Australia. Credit: CoA / Craig Barrett MID-YEAR SPACEX LAUNCH Highlights: LOYAL WINGMAN AIRCRAFT The flight marks the first time an Australian- • Polar Vigilance Mission (KSF1) 4 satellites TAKES FIRST FLIGHT designed military combat aircraft has performed an have passed a hardware critical design review 2 March 2021 inaugural flight in Australia in over 50 years. milestone with satellite builder ISISPACE The Morrison Government will invest a further $115 The Morrison Government has already invested • Satellites now enter Assembly Phase with ISISPACE for a mid-2021 launch onboard a million in the Boeing Loyal Wingman program to up to $40 million in the program, which is helping SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle continue developing the Australian-designed and built Defence understand the interplay of piloted and • Kleos’ Scouting Mission satellites (KSM1) in aircraft. remotely piloted air team systems and how they can commission and test phase This will see Australia acquire three additional contribute to Australia’s defence and national security aircraft to help develop teaming tactics with our objectives. Kleos Space S.A. (ASX: KSS, Frankfurt: KS1,) a crewed platforms. “Today’s additional investment is part of the space-powered Radio Frequency Reconnaissance It comes as the first Loyal Wingman completed Morrison Government’s unprecedented $270 billion data-as-a-service (DaaS) company, confirms its its inaugural flight over the weekend, taking off and investment in defence capability over the next second 4 satellite cluster, the Polar Vigilance Mission landing at the Woomera Range Complex, South decade,” Minister Payne said. (KSF1), has successfully completed a hardware Australia. “Our experience with the Loyal Wingman program critical design review milestone for a launch mid-year The Acting Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon so far has allowed this Government to confidently onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. Marise Payne said the Loyal Wingman program support the next stage of development. Conducted, in the Netherlands, by satellite is testament to the ingenuity of Australia’s defence “This program is Australian innovation at its developer ISISPACE, passing the milestone ensures industry. finest and presents Australia and our partners with that Kleos’ Polar Vigilance Mission satellites can “Air Force and Boeing are delivering world leading, opportunities for critical capabilities to fight emerging enter the assembly and verification phase – an cutting edge capability that will help protect and global threat systems.” exciting stage leads to final integration, testing and support Australia’s most valuable Defence aircraft, The Loyal Wingman has a range of more than delivery of the satellites for launch. and the pilots who fly them,” Minister Payne said. 3,700 kilometres, helping to project power forward The KSF1 Polar Vigilance Mission satellites “At the same time, the program is supporting while keeping crewed capabilities out of harm’s way. are scheduled for a mid-2021 launch onboard a Australian jobs and boosting Australia’s Defence The additional investment will ensure ongoing SpaceX Falcon 9, under a rideshare contract with Industry. support of the current workforce and increased Spaceflight Inc. The satellites will be launched into a “Through this Government’s investment in the footprint in areas including advanced mission system 500-600km Sun Synchronous Orbit, complementing Loyal Wingman program, we have helped secure software development, high technology aircraft Kleos’ Scouting Mission 37o orbit, which over 100 Australian jobs. manufacturing and uncrewed aircraft flight testing. successfully launched in early November 2020 and “This includes 33 highly skilled aviation engineering Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price are in the commission and test phase. jobs in that would otherwise have been made said the investment is part of the Morrison Kleos’ satellites will detect and geolocate radio redundant in the midst of COVID-19.” Government’s plan to accelerate Defence initiatives frequency transmissions to provide global activity-

6 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 GENERAL NEWS based intelligence, enhancing the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of governments and commercial entities when tracking systems are defeated, imagery unclear or targets out of patrol range. Kleos Space CEO Andy Bowyer said: “We are excited to be progressing our second satellite cluster with ISISPACE – a leader in the small satellite market. Entering the assembly and verification phase of the satellites is a crucial developmental milestone and ensures we are on schedule to launch in mid-2021. The KSF1 satellite cluster will complement our Scouting Mission satellites, improving the value of our geolocation maritime intelligence data.” ISISPACE’s CEO Jeroen Rotteveel states: "We are pleased to design and build this second satellite cluster for Kleos, to be completed on a fast-track schedule made possible by building on our extensive nanosatellite expertise and heritage. Despite the challenging timeline given the current global Hanwha Redback; Credit CoA. situation, we are keen to enter this next crucial phase of satellite assembly and validation and bringing our design to reality.” As a strategic partner, ISISPACE mobility of the platforms,” Minister Reynolds said. “When delivered, the Infantry Fighting Vehicle will further supports Kleos with its knowledge and “The Risk Mitigation Activity will undertake allow Army to successfully sustain mounted close experience to provide review and inputs for Kleos’ important analysis on each vehicle’s ability to combat operations against emerging and future future needs and capabilities. integrate with other key ADF land, sea and air threats as part of the joint force,” Minister Reynolds capabilities, including amphibious lift. said. NEW MILESTONE FOR MORRISON “The Infantry Fighting Vehicle will be a state-of- “The delivery of these vehicles is part of the GOVERNMENT’S MULTI-BILLION the-art tracked armoured vehicle, capable of carrying Morrison Government’s unprecedented $270 billion DOLLAR INFANTRY FIGHTING six soldiers in addition to a crew of three. These investment over the next decade to upgrade the advanced vehicles will provide increased protection, capability and potency of the ADF.” VEHICLE PROGRAM mobility, and firepower for the ADF.” The Risk Mitigation Activity will include detailed 13 February 2021 The project will acquire up to 450 Infantry Fighting testing and evaluation of the tendered vehicles and The Morrison Government’s multi-billion dollar Vehicles and a Manoeuvre Support Vehicle capability provide Defence with the objective quality evidence to investment in Army’s close combat vehicles has comprising up to 17 vehicles. inform a Government decision in 2022. reached a significant milestone with the delivery of six prototype test and evaluation vehicles from the project’s two shortlisted tenderers. The $18.1 - 27.1 billion LAND 400 Phase 3 Program will provide the Army with an advanced, cutting edge Infantry Fighting Vehicle capability. Hanwha Defense Australia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia have each delivered three prototype vehicles – two for test and evaluation activities and one for blast testing – as part of the two-year Risk Mitigation Activity. Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the delivery of the prototype vehicles is a crucial step in the project, allowing Defence to assess the shortlisted tenderers’ performance claims focusing on the highest areas of technical risk. “These significant activities include Australian soldiers participating in user evaluation and testing, with a particular focus on the armour, firepower and Rheinmetall Lynx; Credit CoA

Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 7 GENERAL NEWS

is contingent on the testing requirements of the from across NATO member nations, including jurisdictions in which they isolate. Leonardo, Airbus and Kongsberg, comprise the This will be the eighth time the Australian Defence Northrop Grumman-led industry team that developed Force has deployed a maritime patrol aircraft to the NATO AGS capability. Operation ARGOS since the operation commenced in The wide area surveillance of the RQ-4D Global 2018. The ADF has also deployed a naval frigate on Hawk and the fixed, mobile and transportable four occasions for Operation ARGOS. ground stations will support a full range of missions, including protection of ground troops and civilian A Royal Australian Air Force No 11 Squadron P-8A NATO ALLIANCE GROUND populations, border control, crisis management and Poseidon. Credit: CoA / Craig Barrett SURVEILLANCE FORCE ACHIEVES humanitarian assistance in natural disasters. The INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY platform’s high-altitude, long-endurance capability DEFENCE’S CONTINUED delivers sustained, uninterrupted in-theater operations COMMITMENT TO OPERATION SAN DIEGO – Feb. 18, 2021 – providing an unprecedented amount of ISR data to ARGOS Northrop Grumman Corporation’s RQ-4D Phoenix the Alliance. With the state-of-the-art main operating Global Hawk has recently enabled NATO Alliance base at the Italian Air Base, Sigonella, Italy, data can 24 February 2021 Ground Surveillance (AGS) Force to achieve a be rapidly disseminated to allied forces, providing an Australia is deploying a Royal Australian Air declaration of initial operating capability (IOC) from unmatched advantage. Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft Supreme Allied Commander Europe, giving NATO Northrop Grumman’s family of autonomous in support of the international community’s commanders the ability to perform uninterrupted HALE systems, including Global Hawk, are a critical goal of the complete, verifiable and irreversible component of networked, global ISR collection for denuclearisation of North Korea. allied nations and mutual defense organizations The aircraft will deploy on Operation ARGOS, around the world. Global Hawk collects ISR data marking the first (ADF) that enables decision makers to act with the right contribution to the operation for 2021. information at the right time. Operating out of Kadena Airbase in Japan, the Poseidon aircraft will conduct airborne surveillance by AUSTRALIAN SPACE CONSORTIUM monitoring and deterring illegal ship-to-ship transfers. TO LEVERAGE QUANTUM-BASED Acting Defence Minister and Minister for Foreign TECHNOLOGIES Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne said Operation ARGOS demonstrated Developed by Q-CTRL, quantum sensing and Australia’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and navigation technologies will be applied to space the global rules-based order. exploration starting with lunar missions “Australia is committed to the stability and security RQ-4D Phoenix Global Hawk 4 March 2021 Credit: Northrop Grumman Quickstep has the certifications, skills and of our region and will continue to support sanctions BUSINESS WIREQ-CTRL, a startup that on North Korea until it takes concrete steps towards applies the principles of control engineering to power capability to provide you with the highest denuclearisation,” Minister Payne said. in-theater operations 24/7/365. The RQ-4D Phoenix quantum technology, today announced it will provide standard of aviation MRO support and Chief of Joint Operations Command, Lieutenant Global Hawk variant provides cutting-edge intelligence, the first quantum sensing and navigation technologies upgrade. We provide services to military, General AM, CSC said our maritime surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) in support of for space exploration beginning with uncrewed lunar PROVIDING WORLD CLASS patrols support the international sanctions global security. missions by the SEVEN SISTERS space industry commercial and business customers in both enforcement program to address illicit trade and “NATO AGS will help the Alliance with persistent consortium in Australia. fixed and rotary wing applications. sanctions evasion which in-turn supports a secure regional defense and deterrence,” said Jane Bishop, Commencing in 2023, the missions are designed MAINTENANCE East Asia and Indo-Pacific. vice president and general manager, autonomous to find accessible water and other resources in “Operation ARGOS is part of a multinational force systems, Northrop Grumman. “The commitment of the support of NASA’s Artemis program to land the REPAIR with contributions from countries including Canada, entire AGS team partnership – both government and first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024 France, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and industry – has shown incredible dedication, working and create a sustainable human presence for later the United States,” Lieutenant General Bilton said. across cultures, time zones and languages, all aiming crewed Martian exploration. OVERHAUL “The Poseidon aircraft and its crew will deploy toward one goal – providing the Alliance with this Q-CTRL will develop these quantum technologies from the Royal Australian Air Force’s 92 Wing and will critical capability.” in coordination with Fleet Space Technologies, a MODIFICATION REALLYGREATSITE.COM undertake quarantine at Kadena Air Base in line with The NATO AGS system is comprised of five aircraft, nanosatellite startup and founder of the SEVEN Japan’s COVID-19 entry requirements.” ground and support segments, along with advanced SISTERS consortium. The consortium is composed 29 JETS COURT To ensure the safety of the Australian community, sensor technologies. The Phoenix aircraft has met of Australian firms and academic institutions AIRPORT +61 3 9095 0600 all ADF personnel returning from overseas the rigorous standards required for the first large developing advanced exploration technologies for WWW.QUICKSTEP.COM.AU/QAS operations are required to complete mandatory unmanned aerial vehicle – military type certification Earth, the Moon and Mars. Q-CTRL will contribute state or territory quarantine, in line with other and approved by the Italian Directorate of Aeronautical new high-performance remote sensing payloads in returning Australians. Their release from quarantine Armaments and Airworthiness (DAAA). Companies upcoming lunar missions and beyond.

8 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 Key applications will include remote detection of of space exploration,” said Fleet Space CEO Flavia and In-Q-Tel. Q-CTRL has international headquarters in liquid water and mineral deposits through quantum- Tata Nardini. “They have the proven expertise to Sydney, Los Angeles, and Berlin. based gravity detection and magnetic field sensors. deliver advanced quantum technology solutions that Quantum-enhanced precision navigation and timing will enable our missions to achieve goals that would About Fleet Space Technologies (PNT) will also be deployed to provide guidance for otherwise have been unattainable.” Fleet Space Technologies is an Australian satellite long-endurance missions with limited telemetry contact. Q-CTRL plans to leverage its work with the space company building a global digital nervous system “This groundbreaking application of autonomous consortium to offer new commercial applications to power the next industrial revolution. Backed by quantum sensors in space exploration will be of geospatial intelligence for defense, finance, and Blackbird Ventures, Horizons Ventures and Mike invaluable in leveraging extraterrestrial resources to climate change mitigation. Cannon-Brookes, the company was founded in South establish permanent human bases on the Moon, Mars Australia in 2015 and made history by launching and beyond,” said the Premier of South Australia Mr. About Q-CTRL Australia’s first commercial nanosatellites in 2018, Steven Marshall. “It demonstrates Australia’s growing Q-CTRL builds quantum control infrastructure the beginning of a planned constellation of 140 LEO global leadership in both the quantum and space software for quantum technology end-users and R&D nanosatellites that will connect billions of digital sensors industries, establishing a solid foundation for future professionals across all applications. Its focus on already transforming industries across the globe. economic growth.” developing the most advanced tools and techniques “Our focus on quantum control engineering is in quantum control provides a unique capability About Seven Sisters enabling new applications in quantum sensing that underpinning new quantum-control-defined quantum SEVEN SISTERS is the Australian Lunar Exploration were previously impossible. Quantum control is sensor hardware. Q-CTRL recently announced a Mission to send nanosatellites and exploration sensors enabling small form factors, enhanced robustness, partnership with Advanced Navigation focused on the to the Moon to search for abundant, accessible water and the necessary autonomy to meet the strict development of quantum-enabled navigation systems. and resources in 2023, supporting NASA’s Artemis requirements of uncrewed space applications,” Q-CTRL has assembled the world’s foremost team of Program. Led by a world-class consortium of space, said Q-CTRL CEO Michael J. Biercuk. “Quantum- expert quantum-control engineers, providing solutions industry and research leaders, SEVEN SISTERS is control-defined sensors give us the ability to provide to many of the most advanced quantum computing and a purpose-driven mission of discovery, which will valuable new geospatial intelligence services – sensing teams globally. Q-CTRL is funded by SquarePeg leverage the existing private investment in Australian whether on Earth or on celestial bodies.” Capital, Sierra Ventures, Sequoia Capital China, Data space technology, as well as Australia’s core strengths “We wish to welcome Q-CTRL to the exciting world Collective, Horizons Ventures, Main Sequence Ventures in remote operations, communications and exploration.

Quickstep has the certifications, skills and capability to provide you with the highest standard of aviation MRO support and upgrade. We provide services to military, PROVIDING WORLD CLASS commercial and business customers in both MAINTENANCE fixed and rotary wing applications. REPAIR OVERHAUL MODIFICATION REALLYGREATSITE.COM

29 JETS COURT +61 3 9095 0600 WWW.QUICKSTEP.COM.AU/QAS GENERAL NEWS

MQ-9B Sky Guardian (GA-ASI image) maintenance, repair and operation facility at The combined Lot 4/5 contract continues RAAF Base Williamtown, as well as our Naval production of the air-launched variant of LRASM, Shipbuilding programs to deliver the Type 26 and now operational on the U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F and Hunter Class frigates. U.S. Air Force B-1B. “This is the largest defence acquisition “This contract reflects LRASM’s increasing Australia has undertaken in partnership with the significance to our customers’ missions. Focused UK,” Minister Price said. teamwork around a shared vision with our “I reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to customers and our dedicated supply partners this program and reinforced the substantial remains key to this program’s success,” said opportunities for Australian industry.” David Helsel, LRASM director at Lockheed Martin “I also welcomed the recent signing of the Missiles and Fire Control. “We look forward to Memorandum of Understanding by Australia’s continuing our important work and growing our Minister for Defence and the UK’s Secretary of capabilities and platforms.” State for Defence to cooperate on building and LRASM is designed to detect and destroy delivering the next generation of cutting-edge specific targets within groups of ships by frigates. employing advanced technologies that reduce “We are both looking forward to further dependence on intelligence, surveillance and discussions and we hope to reconvene the reconnaissance platforms, network links and GPS Australia-UK Defence Industry Dialogue this year, navigation in electronic warfare environments. which we will co-chair.” LRASM will play a significant role in ensuring military access to operate in open ocean, owing LOCKHEED MARTIN to its enhanced ability to discriminate and CONTINUING TO STRENGTHEN AWARDED FOURTH AND FIFTH conduct tactical engagements from extended PRODUCTION LOTS FOR LONG ranges. DEFENCE INDUSTRY TIES WITH LRASM is a precision-guided, anti-ship THE UNITED KINGDOM RANGE ANTI-SHIP MISSILES standoff missile based on the successful Joint 18 February 2021 ORLANDO, Fla., 12 Feb 2021 Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price has Lockheed Martin was awarded a $414 million (JASSM-ER). It is designed to meet the needs stressed the ongoing importance of defence contract from the U.S. Navy and Air Force of U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force warfighters in industrial base cooperation between Australia and for Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) contested environments. LRASM provides an the United Kingdom during key talks with her UK production. This is the largest LRASM production operational capability for the U.S. Navy’s offensive counterpart. contract in the history of the program. anti-surface warfare Increment I requirement. Minister Price spoke with UK Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin MP last night PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 25, 2021) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, from the "Fighting Redcocks" of Strike Fighter and said the discussion reinforced the depth of Squadron (VFA) 22, flies past the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cheyenne Geletka) the relationship between the two countries when it came to defence matters. “Australia’s 2020 Defence Strategic Update and Force Structure Plan and the UK’s ongoing reviews of national defence policies highlight the importance of like-minded cooperation on shared defence industry challenges and opportunities,” Minister Price said. “I spoke to Minister Quin with pride about how the Morrison Government has supported Australian businesses within the defence sector throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “The recently announced $1 billion in economic recovery initiatives to support defence industry demonstrates the Government’s flexible and quick response.” Minister Price said the pair had also discussed common programs such as Australia’s Bushmaster vehicles, the UK’s MQ-9B Sky Guardians, opening of Australia’s new F-35

10 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021

SPACE

GEOFF SLOCOMBE // VICTORIA DEFENCE’S KEY FUTURE SPACE INVESTMENTS 2020-2040 Defence depends on fast, reliable and secure communications not only within the Department but also by ADF forces at home or deployed overseas. The same criteria apply to ADF communications with international partners. But increasingly all this connectivity is threatened by state and non-state malicious actors who will try to attack information networks including those that depend on satellite or high frequency radio links.

roject JP 9102 is key to ensuring that communications continuity and security is P maintained by Australia developing its own sovereign capability with a constellation of small satellites accessible from a geographic range of ground stations across Australia. Australia will not only need defensive measures against network attacks, but there will be times when offensive capabilities in Australia or accompanying a deployed force will be required to take down or nullify the attacker’s efforts. These can be thought of as electronic warfare capabilities. Because so much current and future communications infrastructure involves the space domain, together with extra personnel and systems, the 2020 Force Structure Plan (the ‘Plan’) has signalled seven areas where major investments will be made over the period 2020 to 2040. Four of these investment areas are specific to the space domain while the remaining three are classified as being of wider applicability and are referred to as Enterprise Program Investments. In total the seven major investments could cost as much as $20.56 billion from now until 2040.

The Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and A Falcon 9 rocket launches at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The launch, supported by th USAF 45th Space Wing, Reconnaissance part of the Enterprise Program includes upgrades to the Starlink broadband network. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zoe Thacker) Investments covers those major capabilities that continue to build Australia’s self reliant geospatial- ‘The Government has previously committed to are used by the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence information and intelligence capability, both to significant ongoing investment in signals intelligence Organisation to deliver geospatial intelligence, data support strategic intelligence requirements and systems and cyber operations to respond to the and services (collectively known as ‘GEOINT’) to support precision guided weapons. This will include growing role these play in meeting requirements for the ADF, the National Intelligence Community and acquisition of a sovereign space-based imagery national intelligence. With the significant expansion broader whole-of-Government partners. GEOINT capability to enhance coverage of the Indo-Pacific and use of platform sensors and systems by military can range from a simple map through to complex, region. forces, the ability to utilise this information environment highly-accurate three dimensional models of an urban ‘In addition to having secure communications will strengthen Defence’s warfighting capability. This area that assist in the deployment of precision-guided of its own, it is equally important that Defence can includes capabilities that will improve Australia’s weapons. degrade the electronic systems of adversaries. The capacity to collect, exploit, and analyse foreign ‘The Defence GEOINT capability has been the Government is already investing in joint electronic electronic signals. The Government plans further subject of significant investment by Government, warfare battle management and analysis, which investment in expanding and upgrading systems for as a component of improving Defence’s sovereign will be further enhanced through investment in delivering top secret information and communications capacity to maintain awareness of a rapidly-changing capability to enable operations and activities in the within Defence and across the broader national strategic environment. The Government will also electromagnetic spectrum. security community.’

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KEY SPACE DOMAIN and key. Such keys are known as transmission 1. The sovereign communication satellite component. INVESTMENTS 2020-2038 security keys. Brand names for modern US and NATO Australia’s own high-capacity satellites controlled TRANSEC-equipped radios include SINCGARS through our own ground system. Satellite-based capability is critical for Australia’s and HAVE QUICK. Transmissions using a spread 2. Rest-of-the-world military coverage, which is decision-making based on digital data and spectrum modulation method are often referred to achieved via various international agreements – of electronically transmitted information. This is being as using wave form technology. which Australia has several. These provide shared challenged by low Earth orbits becoming congested access to satellites today. This component will be as more and more satellites are launched each year. KEY DEFENCE ENTERPRISE looking at next generation military constellations These remain in orbit even when they cease to PROGRAM INVESTMENTS 2020- that might be part of a future mix, such as the U.S. operate, until finally those orbits degrade and the 2040 Advanced Extremely High Frequency Network spent satellites burn up when entering to the Earth’s made up of six geostationary satellites. It is atmosphere. The Plan states ‘In a strategic environment that is possible that the Australian sovereign network of The Space Domain’s major investment areas are: more complex and contested than in the past, it will the future will be able to share capacity with allied 1. Satellite Communications 2020-2030 be more important for Defence to have the ability to systems. ($4.6 - $6.9 billion) sustain a wider range of missions for longer periods 3. Supplementing and complementing the above, is 2. Space Situational Awareness 2020-2033 of time. It is also important to manage the risk of the use of commercial SATCOM. Australia already ($0.3 - $2.0 billion) relying on highly efficient global supply chains for has quite a lot of capacity provided by commercial 3. Terrestrial Operations in Contested Space critical capabilities that would be in high demand in partners, for example Optus whose three satellites 2027-2038 times of crisis. carry military as well as civilian payloads. This will ($1.4 - $2.0 billion) 4. Satellite Communications Assurance Project JP 9102 is key to ensuring that communications continuity 2028-2038 ($1.7 - $2.5 billion) Each of these areas is worth an article on its own, and security is maintained by Australia developing its own sovereign but that must wait for future editions. For now, let us capability with a constellation of small satellites accessible from a look briefly at two of these areas. Space situational awareness is mainly based geographic range of ground stations across Australia. on a space surveillance telescope at the Harold E Holt naval base, Exmouth WA. This tracks space ‘The Government will invest around $15 billion always be an important component in overall debris which could disable military and civilian over the next decade in Defence capabilities capability because investment in commercial satellites. Since the ADF is now heavily dependent critical to the generation of military power. This R&D is orders of magnitude greater that what on its Wideband Global SATCOM satellites for does not include the investments in Enterprise Governments are spending. command and control, plus communication with its Information and Communications Technology; forces around the world, loss of one or more military Estate and Infrastructure; or Innovation, Science IN CONCLUSION satellites would have a great impact. and Technology.’ Australian academics and local companies, But in combination with an Australian space radar Nowhere will this investment be more important supported by multinationals, will be intimately also at Exmouth, an undeclared purpose is to track than in the number of satellites and systems involved in the delivery of projects within the seven missile launches in the Asian region as well as producing high resolution space-based imaging investment areas. The Australian Space Agency maintaining surveillance of satellites in both low (up covering areas of interest. This is the intent of these has strategies and practical programs to ensure to 1,000 km) and geostationary (36,000 km) orbits. three investment areas: academia and locally-owned companies will have As important is communications within terrestrial 1. Sovereign Imaging Capability (Access) 2020- the best chance of succeeding with their space operations which rely on satellite and high frequency 2032 ($0.4 - $0.5 billion) industry endeavours. radio communications. As well as offensive actions 2. Sovereign Satellite Imagery Capability 2020- Although this article has been concerned with to stop an adversary from denying full access 2035 ($3.2 - $4.8 billion) planned Defence expenditure, we should remember to Australia’s satellites, there is communications 3. Additional Sovereign Satellites 2032-2040 ($1.2 Clausewitz’s often quoted warning ‘There can be technology which can ensure that information - $1.86 billion) no question of a pure military evaluation of a great continues to flow rapidly and securely between ADF This author is fortunate because Kym Bergmann, strategic issue, nor a purely military scheme to solve maritime, land and air forces, headquarters and APDR‘s Editor, wrote an excellent article on these it.’ involved allied forces. areas in the December 2020/January 2021 edition Maintaining the ADF’s continuing secure The key characteristics of communications entitled ‘Australia on track for a Defence Sovereign access to space communications will also require security are restricted availability and access Satellite’ on pages 37 to 39. intelligence analysts, politicians, diplomats, legal control, authentication, confidentiality and integrity. However, if you are unable to access a printed experts, engineers, people with policy and planning Methods used to achieve transmission security copy or read the article through the Back Issues backgrounds and sovereign launch facilities. include frequency hopping and spread spectrum section of APDR’s website, this extract is the formal Similar capabilities and roles in other countries where the required pseudorandom sequence guidance being used by Defence to direct future will be required if we are to preserve viable space generation is controlled by a cryptographic algorithm activities. communications.

Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 13 SPACE

KYM BERGMANN // CANBERRA HOW AUSTRALIA CAN DEVELOP A SOVEREIGN SPACE CAPABILITY In the mid-1980s a famous and very senior West German industrialist, who must remain nameless, visited Australia for the first time on a fact-finding mission to see if his company had an opportunity to become involved in what became the multi-billion-dollar Collins submarine program. At the end of his tour, he called on Senator John Button the influential Industry Minister, who with his inquiring mind asked the German what his impressions were of Australia. After pausing for a few seconds to gather his thoughts and find the correct words, his assessment was: “Let me put it this way: you have the arms and the legs, but what you lack is the brain.”

enator Button would later wryly relate this in confidence as an example of how not to go S about winning friends and influencing people in the Australian government – but of course what the well-meaning visitor meant was not that we lacked intelligence; on the contrary. What he meant was that the country had all of the necessary individual elements to undertake a highly complex, risky and demanding engineering exercise at a national level. However, because we had never previously built a submarine, his view that what was lacking was the experience and the focus necessary to make it happen – which was a reasonable observation. Fast forward 30 years and a casual observer might say the same sort of thing about the desire of the Government to create a sovereign Defence satellite capability. There is a huge amount of activity taking place in the Australian space sector, as we have covered in previous editions of APDR and is the subject of an additional two articles in this issue by Geoff Slocombe. In a broad sense, budget does not seem to be the issue – nor the talent, with a large number of highly skilled world leading local companies working in the domain. What seems to be missing is a formal roadmap of how to get from where we are now to being in a Ofek 16 launch (IAI photo) position next decade to build, launch and operate sovereign Australian military communications and Jason Held, the CEO of Saber Astronautics, https:// Australian government spends up to $4 billion per observation satellites. Furthermore, those orbiting saberastro.com/, who is supporting Australian start- year on space technology, with almost all of it going platforms need to be controlled, monitored, hopefully ups based on his own considerable experience both overseas largely on military programs. He sees no updated via software upgrades – and for all of the here and in the US. This will be done through an fundamental reasons why that money could not be traffic and data to be managed and disseminated. innovation centre called the Wolfpack Space Hub: spent locally with much better effect. Other countries with modest resources have done https://wolfpackspacehub.com/aboutus. His logic is that once an integrated space it and shortly we will look at two case studies: Israel His positive views are similar to those of Dr technology sector is established partly on the basis and South Korea. Stephane Marouani from Mathworks, who we of government programs, it will then be in a far On February 17 the dynamic former Defence spoke with in the December-January edition https:// stronger position to take advantage of commercial Minister Christopher Pyne made a welcome return venturaapdr.partica.online/apdr/apdr-dec-jan-2021/ opportunities. Just as an example, he points out that to Canberra to host Space Round Table to discuss flipbook/34/. Dr Held points out that Australia is in the “NewSpace” small satellite market https://www. opportunities and to encourage more networking the Top 10 OECD countries for spending on space newspace.im/ went from nothing to $2 billion per between the Government, industry and academic research – but we are dead last for investing in annum – and growing – in less than a decade. Many sectors. The centrepiece was a presentation by Dr the results of that research. He estimates that the companies working in this sector, including from

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Australia, did not exist five years ago. technology, in about 40 years Israel has gone from we would do it ourselves – so this is how the budget Asked whether Australian companies have the having no capability at all to now having a world class was invested in developing our own technologies and necessary skills to develop: a) a launch vehicle for low industry able to produce everything from launch also the academic institutions necessary to support earth orbit; b) a launch vehicle to reach geostationary vehicles and satellites though to all of the critical the goal.” orbit; c) a communications satellite; d) a surveillance ground infrastructure necessary for mission planning, Mr Sudri emphasised the importance of having satellite; e) the ground infrastructure to receive, data collection, interpretation and sharing. the right people involved and said that within his interpret and disseminate the data, he replied: A vital ingredient for Israel’s national security is division he has a mixture of high-end engineering “I think we'll have two companies with launch awareness of threats from elsewhere in the region and technical expertise combined with young and vehicles in LEO within 2-3 years. GEO is about 5 – be they from terrorist groups, hostile nations or a enthusiastic soldiers and students – fairly much years away. We can do smaller communications combination of both. The country was once caught everyone in Israel is either in uniform or in the satellite today and have significant strength in napping just before the October 1973 Yom Kippur reserves – and that they constitute a vital ingredient surveillance sensors to say that the products from War, when without warning it was attacked from in the process. He described IAI as not only the prime Australian imagery satellites have the potential to multiple directions and for a few perilous days, contractor for space missions but also as a complete compete even with the USA if we were to focus on survival was a matter of touch and go. That conflict “one stop shop” for the entire sector. manufacturing them here. The ground infrastructure ultimately led to the 1978 Camp David accords, As well as being the prime contractor supplying the sector has always been strong - we've been a which were followed a year later by the historic Israel- state of Israel with satellites, IAI is also an exporter of place for SATCOM dishes for decades. Most of Egypt Peace Treaty. the technology. Mr Sudri explained that after analysing the algorithms that overseas entities are using An essential part of the agreement – which remains the requirements of a customer, the company is able were developed in Australia as well - think of data in place today – was that Israel return most of the to supply the complete system: the space segment fusion, machine learning, and similar techniques for Sinai Peninsula that it had occupied during the 1967 in the form of the satellite; the ground infrastructure data processing. We are a powerhouse. Google Six Day War, to Egypt. In doing so, Israel handed necessary to use the huge amount of data coming in Earth is originally Australian. over territory containing valuable intelligence listening – including the use of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence “In a way, our strength in data and SATCOM have posts – and needed to come up with an alternative to and Machine Learning – and launch capability. Israel held us back a bit. The overseas lobby has always been "Sorry Australia, you can't do the hard space Rather than adopting a scattergun approach, a single entity stuff so just set up a dish for us and we'll share our data". was chosen for developing this sector, namely the company “That worked great in the 1990s and early 2000s Israel Industries, better known internationally by its when the space market was stable. But now that it's a $420 billion market - tripling in the next decade – acronym IAI. we have the opportunity to control the road that sets the toll for the next 20+ years.” safeguard national security. This was the genesis of is considered only one of seven nations able to offer Asked to identify obstacles to the way forward, Israel’s space program, basically substituting ground- this full suite of capabilities. he nominated two main areas. The first is the risk based surveillance with a network of satellites. Just six months ago, IAI launched the 16th satellite averse attitude of private sector investors, who are Rather than adopting a scattergun approach, a in the Ofeq series that was yet another demonstration often wary about committing funds to activities with single entity was chosen for developing this sector, of what can be achieved with a focussed approach: which they are not familiar. The second obstacle is namely the company Israel Aerospace Industries, an Israeli launch rocket in the Shavit series; the institutional – a mindset that has developed over better known internationally by its acronym IAI. In payload system qualification; and the mission time that thinks only in terms of imported solutions. addition, the government created the Israel Space planning and control system – all developed in This includes the Department of Defence, which up Agency in the Israeli science ministry in 1982 to country by a single prime contractor. Each Ofeq is until quite recently only seemed to think about which coordinate activities along with an official directory an evolutionary development taking advantage of the US network we could next pay a fortune to access. in the Israeli ministry of defence office. This led to an latest technology – and all of the satellites can have Thankfully JP 9102 has the potential to change that. extremely rapid development of the sector, with the their software updated while they are in orbit. If the government is looking for a way to supercharge first Ofeq earth observation satellite launched in 1988 The current Ofeq is considered to be the third the sector, they should make Christopher Pyne the and then in very rapid succession a communication generation of the series OPTSAT3000 and is new Satellite Tsar. As Defence Minister he was able satellite only a year later. characterised by having a high performance to weigh to give a tremendous boost to Australian sovereign For a detailed perspective on how this was ratio. Israel has always needed to develop lightweight capability – and while no longer a politician he achieved, we spoke to IAI’s Shlomi Sudri, General satellites because of a unique characteristic of the understands how government works and he knows Manager of the space division, who explained the launch, where they have to be fired in a westerly how to get things done. background: direction against the rotation of the earth. This is “I can tell you that to launch communications because to the east of Israel there are a number of CASE STUDY 1 – ISRAEL and observation satellites within a year is a very countries such as Iran that could misinterpret an Israeli Israel is a tiny country with both a population and big challenge. Back in those days that was a major launch as a hostile act and behave accordingly. Given an economy about one third the size of Australia’s. success for Israeli leaders. When the decision was that for economic reasons Israeli rockets are relatively Yet in the critical national security domain of space taken to develop a space industry part of that was that small, the payloads have to be correspondingly

Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 15 SPACE compact and very high performance. CASE STUDY 2 – THE REPUBLIC built and launched an array of communications, earth A typical IAI observation satellite is in the 400kg OF KOREA observation and navigation satellites with the first – class, which is less than half of the weight of a KITSAT 1 – launched in 1992. The country plans to competitor with similar resolution. Not only does this Just like Israel, South Korea has also developed a launch a moon orbiter in 2022 and a moon lander give an advantage when being launched but also thriving space sector from scratch – and has done by 2030 – again a level of technology similar to that allows the satellite to be much more manoeuvrable so largely from within its own resources. There are of Israel and way ahead of many larger countries. A in space, in turn giving it a wider area of coverage. additional similarities in the reasons why: the country number of domestic launch vehicles have also been These low earth orbiting satellites use both radar and faces an existential military threat from the north and developed - the latest of which is the Korea Space electro-optic sensors to provide intelligence data. despite being a US ally, thought that investing in its Launch Vehicle II. This is made by KARI and first In addition to these, IAI also supplies own space program would greatly enhance national launch is scheduled for October with the aim of communications satellites in the Amos family, security. Another factor was that the government putting a 1.5 tonne satellite in low earth orbit. which will be supplemented by the Israel’s national made the calculation that the commercialisation So far, Korea has launched 30 satellites with some communications satellites Dror series. The latter of space would open up tremendous financial of them carrying confidential military payloads. These is quite large at around 4 tonnes. To lift these opportunities and it wanted to position the country include satellites for customers in Europe, the Middle satellites into geostationary orbit at 36,000km larger to take advantage of those – an example of long-term East and Asia. It is worth remembering that the launchers are needed and IAI has used rockets and planning in the public interest that Australians can only economy of the RoK is almost exactly the same size as launch sites from Russia, Europe and the U.S. dream about. that of Australia’s. We have also benefitted from earth Israel’s space sector has developed so rapidly A pivotal event was the decision to set up the Korea observation data supplied to us by Korean satellites, with Dr Andrew Johnson the head of the Bureau of Meteorology telling the Senate in July last year that The company is especially proud of its technology transfer the assistance from the government of Korea has record – and while a relatively new entity itself has been been “absolutely fantastic” and noting Australia lacks a space-based earth observation capability. instrumental in helping the United Arab Emirates develop their Much of this has taken place through the company own space sector with an effort that started in 2007. Satrec Initiative, also established in 1989 as part of a research centre and that was spun off in 1999 as a commercial company. It now has 400 employees, that the country – population 9 million – attempted Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) in 1989 under the is listed on the Korean stock exchange and has to land a lunar lander on the moon in 2019 with Ministry of Science, Information and Communications an international reputation for developing small and the NGO SpaceIL. The task – attempted by only a Technology. Via video link, APDR spoke with KARI’s: medium size high quality earth observation satellites. handful of far larger nations – had been a success Dr. Jong-Bum Kim, Director of Policy & Cooperation Satrec can also supply ground stations, imaging until the final few seconds of descent a malfunction Division; Dr. Yongsik Chun, Principal Researcher of services and data analysis. caused it to crash into the surface. Nevertheless, Satellite Research Planning Coordination Section; The company is especially proud of its technology even getting that far was a stunning success and Mr. Mike Ahn, Senior Administrator of International transfer record – and while a relatively new entity relied on the geometry of the moon’s orbit to Cooperation Team; and from the private sector, Dr. itself has been instrumental in helping the United “capture” the probe using gravity while it was still Eugen Kim, Vice President of Business Development, Arab Emirates develop their own space sector with relatively close to the earth. Undeterred, SpaceIL Satrec Initiative. an effort that started in 2007. Just 11 years later the along with IAI will try again in 2024, this time using UAE was able to design their own satellite – and a few two landers carried by a single mother ship – which KARI has four principle aims: weeks ago reached a major milestone on a mission to will continue to orbit the moon and transmit scientific 1. Research of aircraft, satellites and launch vehicle Mars with the probe entering orbit around the planet. data for around two years. systems; This has made the UAE the first Arab nation able to Even the attempt to reach the moon has had a 2. Support for national aerospace policies and the undertake an interplanetary mission. galvanising effect on young people in Israel, with distribution of technical information; Of particular interest for Australian readers is that the program having a significant positive impact on 3. Development of certification and technology for the Hanwha conglomerate acquired a 30% share the number of students wishing to study Science, assuring safety and quality; in Satrec Initiative for around US $100 million. This Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) 4. Joint utilisation of testing and evaluation facilities; will give Satrec access to additional technologies subjects. The program has also been a significant dissemination of research and development results. and resources in fields such as radar – as well as incubator of ideas and innovation in academia and From humble origins the organisation now has a benefitting from Hanwha’s global reach. Hanwha is industry, creating a national benefit out of proportion staff of about 1,000 people and an annual budget of very active in Australia having been selected to supply to the money spent. $600 million. This supports numerous testing centres, the Army with Self Propelled Howitzers and potentially Turning to JP 9102, Mr Sudri confirmed that IAI is research establishments, a launch site, a mission new generation Infantry Fighting Vehicles. ready and able to help Australia develop a sovereign centre and tracking radars. As well as domestic space capability. He indicated that there are ongoing facilities, the RoK also has tracking and telemetry (APDR would like to thank the Embassy of the discussions with a number of Australian companies stations in Norway; Germany; Palau and the Antarctic. Republic of Korea for facilitating discussions with regarding possible involvement. In a remarkably short time, Korea has designed, KARI and Satrec Initiative)

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GEOFF SLOCOMBE // VICTORIA DEVELOPING DEFENCE’S FUTURE CAPABILITIES IN SPACE Defence’s Force Structure Plan 2020 included this statement ‘Australia is increasingly reliant on satellite-based capabilitiy and services, particularly where digital data and information drives decision-making. At the same time, low Earth orbits are becoming congested with increasing numbers of satellites being launched around the world every year. The combination of greater reliance on space capabilities with the capacity limitations of Australia’s heritage systems must be addressed.’

Eris hybrid launch vehicle (Gilmour Space Technologies image)

efence has also stated that ‘The 2020 Force depending on system type or operational status. continue to work effectively in a contested environment. Structure Plan provides Australian industry “In 2019, Defence created a ‘Space Domain’ Defence’s plans include a rolling upgrade program to D with insight into future Defence procurement in response to the need for coordination across assure position, navigation and timing information in plans. A close partnership between Defence and Defence space stakeholders and to build efficiency that contested environment. Defence is also exploring industry is required across the full spectrum of and effectiveness in the warfighting domain of space. cutting edge research into additional precision timing capability requirements.’ “Following the appointment of Chief of Air Force as systems. Currently the ADF are extensive users of space the Space Domain Lead, Defence has mapped out APDR was interested in how Defence identifies, systems for satellite communications and position, plans to develop and enhance the Space Domain. prioritises and chooses from the wide range of systems navigation and timing data, which are essential for “The Space Domain will be advanced from its it could specify and develop, We asked “Which command and control of deployed forces. These current state into an enterprise with the ability to groups in the Defence organisation have involvement systems enable the sharing of real-time operational operate in an integrated and networked manner in a with planning developments in space-based system and logistical information and for the placement, complex and contested space environment. likely to be used in future by the ADF?” navigation and synchronisation of Defence assets. “There are a number of Capability Managers Defence’s spokesperson told us that: In addition, geospatial-intelligence capabilities are within Defence that are responsible for the delivery “Externally, Defence works with allies and partners, embedded in several Enterprise Programs. of capability for future requirements. The Vice Chief other government agencies and industry. Within When APDR asked Defence “Who has overall of the Defence Force as the Joint Force Authority is Defence, all groups have an important part to play responsibility for Defence’s current access to space ultimately responsible to deliver the capability required as stakeholders across the spectrum of space-based systems, the specification and acquisition of future for the future Joint Force.” system planning, research, development, acquisition, requirements?,” their spokesperson responded: But as technology evolves amongst coalition sustainment and use.” “Defence is evolving its approach to space. Space partners and potential adversaries, it is not possible to Launch sites are located in northern Australia, to get capability is managed across multiple Defence areas rely on existing satellite and communication systems to a boost from the Earth’s rotation and in South Australia

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where launches into polar orbit mean that as the planet in in 2013, it employs over 60 staff in Earth Orbit, the relay system will optimise access rotates, its whole surface can be scanned by multiple their Gold Coast rocket manufacturing facility. Their to imagery from Earth observation satellites and satellites many times a day. intention is to provide affordable small satellite space will provide continuous communications for human Local rocket launches from Australia will inevitably launches into low Earth orbits, and the company has spaceflight. It will provide a secure connection for the be focused on placing small satellites, usually under already secured Australian customer payloads for their defence and intelligence communities and fast data 250 kg and most as small as hi-tech shoe boxes, first Eris rocket launch in 2022. transfer for space agencies. into low Earth orbit to meet urgent demands for They have embraced the potential of low-cost information, surveillance and communications. The 'Dedicated' launches to deliver small payloads into IN CONCLUSION ADF is likely to be a future user of constellations of custom orbits, and ’Rideshare’ to carry payloads from Defence’s public documents and responses to APDR these small satellites. multiple companies in a single launch, reducing the have provided the following information. Leading the research effort in company with costs for each customer. ‘Defence is working closely with the United States defence industry and academia, the Defence Science However, Defence’s position relayed to APDR is and other Combined Space Operations Initiative and Technology Group (DSTG) 2020 strategy clearly that: partners, the Australian Space Agency and industry identified eight topics in their StaRSHOT program. “As of December 2020, cubesats have been to transform the way the ADF operates in space, One of these was ‘Resilient multi-mission space’ considered within the StaRSHOT programs and for including in relation to satellite communications, space which would address these areas: the Space Domain Awareness programs. Defence domain awareness, precision navigation and timing, 1. Advanced space-based surveillance capabilities to Capability Managers will not decide solutions ahead of and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. provide comprehensive situational awareness for extensive planned research. Space launch capabilities ‘Our space services and space control programs, superior decision-making are not currently outlined in the 2020 Force Structure along with the Geospatial Information and Intelligence 2. Secure and resilient communications delivered from Plan, however Defence is constantly reviewing program, contribute to Defence operations by space for a highly networked force capability needs as the strategic environment evolves.” providing assured access to space capabilities, 3. Resilient satellite services providing accurate Since launching Australia’s first privately developed enabling situational awareness and delivering real-time position and timing information to enable precision hybrid test rocket and proprietary fuel in 2016, the communications and position, navigation and timing effects in contested environments company has attracted over $25 million in venture information. 4. Advanced space domain awareness and control of capital and won numerous awards for enterprise. ‘Continued investment and development of space sovereign space operations They have also received support from Defence’s capabilities will be required to further improve 5. Autonomous space systems and processing Cooperative Research Centre and Sovereign Industrial Defence’s resilience and enhance a large number of capabilities to dynamically reconfigure and deliver Capability Program and are working with DSTG on a space-dependant capabilities across the Joint Force. space cloud services at speed and scale direct to number of activities including testing of structures and Investment of around $7 billion in space capabilities the war-fighter materials. over the next decade, which includes investment in 6. Space systems hardened against anti-satellite and In November 2020 Gilmour Space and Momentus sovereign-controlled satellites, will provide assured denial-of-service measures Inc, a U.S. commercial space company, announced access to these services when needed.’ Building Defence’s capabilities in space involves a new agreement for launch and orbital transport Australia holds a useful geographical position to the ADF, DSTG, academia and the defence industry services. contribute significantly to collective space domain from within Australia and from other trusted partner That month, Gilmour Space signed a Memorandum awareness with our allies and partners. This enables countries. of Understanding with Northrop Grumman to better tracking and identification of space objects and Not all academics and members of local industries collaborate on space capabilities. Gilmour Space threats, such as space debris, as well as predicting working on space projects are directly involved with Technologies CEO Adam Gilmour said he was excited and avoiding potential collisions. Defence at present, although the work that they are to work with Northrop Grumman: Defence currently hosts a United States C-Band doing will usually be capable of military application. “It is great to gain the support of Northrop Grumman Radar and Space Surveillance Telescope and will Adelaide company Fleet Space Technologies (FST) who, through this investment, has further demonstrated continue to build our space domain awareness first four commercial nano-satellites, were launched their commitment to grow Australian space capability. capabilities with the United States and other key into low Earth orbit in November 2018 by Rocket “The Government’s focus on building sovereign partners into the future. To ensure that we can take Lab from their New Zealand launch site. Two further capability is critically important and welcome. We full advantage of the large volumes of information that nano-satellites for FST and another Adelaide company, were visited by RAAF Air Commodore Philip Gordon will be developed, the Government is also investing Myriota, are scheduled for mid-March launch also by and Group Captain Andrew Gilman, and by our new in growing the intelligence and supporting workforce. Rocket Lab. Australian Space Agency Head, Enrico Palermo last In addition, Defence will need capabilities that Another company, Equatorial Launch Australia has week. Their interest suggests that sovereign space directly contribute to war fighting outcomes in the been established to offer Equator boost launches from and launch are coming into focus for Defence and our space domain using terrestrial and/or space based Arnhem Land. The site being developed is outside government.” systems. The Government’s plans include the the township of Nhulunbuy, approximately 12 degrees As a subsidiary of Canberra-based Electro development of options to enhance ADF space control south of the Equator on the land of the Yolngu people. Optic Systems of Australia, Spacelink’s business through capabilities to counter emerging space threats The company with the most advanced space launch strategy for a satellite relay service benefits from their to Australia’s free use of the space domain and plans for their own-developed rockets and vehicles parent company’s financing, support and advanced that assure our continued access to space-based appears to be Gilmour Space Technologies. Founded technology. With significant spectrum rights in Middle intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 19 LAND 8710 PHASE 1

KYM BERGMANN // CANBERRA AUSTRALIA TO DESIGN AND BUILD INNOVATIVE ARMY WATERCRAFT The 2020 Strategic Update has clarified that Australia’s primary area of strategic interest is to our north and north west – a zone characterised by a lot of water and a vast number of islands. With this in mind, Army is improving its ability to conduct amphibious operations by – finally – replacing its fleet of LARC vehicles and LCM-8 landing craft. Having decided that nothing is available off the shelf, Defence is turning to Australian industry requesting innovative proposals for their replacement.

last summer during Operation Bushfire Assist when LARCs played a vital role in evacuations such as from Mallacoota, transferring people from shore to HMAS Choules. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said: “These new vessels, introduced from 2026, will be larger, faster, and better protected to support ADF operations. “They will allow Defence to quickly and effectively deploy both domestically and to our near region, as well as remain engaged with regional security partners and support humanitarian assistance to our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific. A small but important detail is that the LARCs must be able to legally drive on Australian roads, so they need to be registered appropriately. This looks likely to be one of the design challenges coming up – how to produce something with the hull of a boat, wheels, carrying capacity, endurance and so on while still being able to drive down the Hume highway without being stopped and arrested. This means that they will need headlights, indicators, a horn and all of the other things that a normal heavy commercial vehicle An Lighter, Amphibious Resupply Cargo (LARC-V) lands with soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, Royal needs to have, as well as brakes, airbags and all that Australian Regiment, during the amphibious assault at Fog Bay, in the Northern Territory, on 11 July during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015. Credit: CoA / Mark Doran stuff. Defence conducted a survey and concluded that nothing like them is currently available anywhere efence is prepared to spend up to $800 million just on the first phase of LAND The LARCs and LCM-8s are ancient – both entering service in D 8710 and the project is already attracting significant interest from Australian industry and the early 1960s and it is remarkable that they are still going. overseas designers. This is because the LARC replacements are likely to be under 10 tonnes – and replacement. These include the BMT Caiman 90 and in the world. therefore could be built anywhere, not in a traditional a design from the French company CNIM and it is This represents a potentially huge opportunity for shipyard. The current LCM-8s are around 60 tonnes expected that a number of other options will emerge. the successful bidder. Australia is after 12 vehicles and their replacement will need to be about 40% The situation with the LARCs – Light, Amphibious, – 9 for Army and 3 for the Antarctic Division – larger – which still means that any competent marine Resupply, Cargo – is quite different because they which in itself is a reasonable order for a specialist engineering company with some waterfront could are unique. This is because they can operate equally medium sized manufacturer. However, almost 1,000 build them. happily on land, driving down roads on their four were originally manufactured and they were used The LARCs and LCM-8s are ancient – both large wheels at 50kph or in the water at 15kph. With by the militaries not only of Australia but also the entering service in the early 1960s and it is remarkable a crew of two, they can carry 5 tonnes of cargo or US, Argentina, Germany, Iceland, the Philippines, that they are still going. There are some existing about 20 people for 400km. While the Army has Portugal and Singapore. While most have been designs that might be the basis of the landing craft always been aware of their utility, this was on display retired a few remain in service – and it is estimated

20 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021

LAND 8710 PHASE 1

data networks, but that is fairly simple. They will also need some ballistic protection that might be in the form of lightweight Kevlar armour. Some additional equipment might be included such as a small crane. The new landing craft are a slightly different story and must be able to carry more than 70 tonnes of cargo or a fully equipped platoon of soldiers in excess of 1,000 nautical miles / 1,800 km. This compares with around 50 tonnes for a current LCM-8, which is insufficient to carry Army’s 60 tonne M1A1 Main Battle Tanks. Readers are reminded of an earlier disastrous attempt at replacing the LCM-8s with Australian designed and built LCM2000s. Six of these were built for a project cost of $40 million – and all had

Army is still happy with Evacuees from Mallacoota onboard HMAS Choules' Landing craft (LCM-8) arriving at HMAS Cerberus, Victoria. Credit: CoA / Nina Fogliani the basic operational that around 100 of them have been sold to tourism of war one would expect a blind eye to be turned to characteristics of LARCs, operators. This is because they are a durable design environmental regulations, the same is not the case and relatively easy to support, being powered by a for peacetime use. so the new vehicles are single turbocharged Cummins V8-300 diesel engine, Army is still happy with the basic operational expected to be roughly the which if well maintained will last forever. characteristics of LARCs, so the new vehicles are However, despite their durability they are starting expected to be roughly the same size – and in same size – and in particular to show their age – especially as environmental particular their width will need to be no larger their width will need to be standards for pollution become stricter. One has to because of the aforementioned requirement to be keep in mind that they will potentially need to operate able to drive legally on Australian roads. They will no larger because of the in countries other than Australia – and while in times need new radios and the ability to plug into ADF aforementioned requirement to be able to drive legally on Australian roads. Girt by Sea. to be disposed of because after being delivered to As the world’s largest island, it makes sense for Australia to have a Army it was discovered that the original specification modern, locally developed and sustained amphibious defence capability. was wrong and that they were too large to fit on the amphibious ships meant to carry them – HMAS New amphibious vehicles and vessels designed, constructed and sustained in Australia, Manoora and HMAS Kanimbla. The Minister at the will not only enhance Australian Defence Force operations, but further strengthen our time, Stephen Smith, observed that Defence had not sovereign defence industry capability. covered itself in glory, which seems something of an understatement. Australia has 15 LCM-8s in service and so Australian industry has a wealth of experience and world-leading skills in defence replacing them looks to be an attractive commercial technology and development, manufacturing and sustainment - employing thousands of proposition. Hopefully this time Defence will get the people across the country. measurements correct because while they will not be embarked on a ship, they will have to connect with Austal welcomes future opportunities to collaborate with Australia’s leading defence them – particularly the Canberra class LHDs – to take contractors, suppliers and small businesses, to offer an effective new amphibious on troops and equipment and return them. They will capability for our nation, girt by sea. also have to be able to self-deploy and so will need reasonable seakeeping characteristics – not easy for something shaped like a floating brick – Defence says Australian Army soldiers from the 10th Force Support Battalion drive a Light Amphibious Resupply Cargo 5 onto the island of Galoa, near Vanua Levu, in Fiji to drop off supplies required to repair buildings affected by Cyclone Yasa. that these types of operations are rare and the most Credit: CoA / Dustin Anderson likely scenarios is that they will work as part of a task

22 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 Contact us at [email protected] group conducting ship-to-shore missions. Because of their larger size the crew will also need to be increased from the current five to at least eight – and they will require accommodation and facilities that go with the need to remain at sea for several days. To enable them to keep up with an amphibious task group they will need to be able to cruise at 20 knots / 37kmh. The acquisition strategies for both the amphibious vessels and the landing craft are roughly similar. An Invitation to Register for the LARC replacement was opened on January 29, with Defence saying that there had been a large number of responses. The larger LCM-8 replacement will be handled in the form of a Request for Tender to be released in the 3rd quarter of this year. This is expected to lead to a recommendation to Government in late 2022. The two activities are being run in parallel, but Defence has no particular view on whether the award will be to a single bidder or whether there will be two separate contracts. The latter seems more Australian Army Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) is transported to Cowley Beach Training Area in an likely as there does not look like there is a lot of Army LCM-8 from the ship HMAS Adelaide during Exercise Sea Wader 2020 Credit: CoA / Taylor Lynch engineering commonality between the two classes. On the other hand, there are always savings in project The challenge now for Australian industry is to for the venerable LARCs can be designed and management overheads if a single prime contractor come up with innovative designs – particularly for the built in Australia there might be significant export produces both types of vessels. 10 tonne amphibious vessels. If a viable replacement opportunities – and that is always a good story.

Girt by Sea. As the world’s largest island, it makes sense for Australia to have a modern, locally developed and sustained amphibious defence capability.

New amphibious vehicles and vessels designed, constructed and sustained in Australia, will not only enhance Australian Defence Force operations, but further strengthen our sovereign defence industry capability.

Australian industry has a wealth of experience and world-leading skills in defence technology and development, manufacturing and sustainment - employing thousands of people across the country.

Austal welcomes future opportunities to collaborate with Australia’s leading defence contractors, suppliers and small businesses, to offer an effective new amphibious capability for our nation, girt by sea.

Contact us at [email protected] RAAF CENTENARY

KYM BERGMANN // CANBERRA CHIEF OF AIR FORCE, MEL HUPFELD, OUTLINES FUTURE DIRECTIONS The Royal Australian Air Force celebrates its 100th birthday on March 31. Australian military aviation actually started in 1912 with the establishment of a flying school at Point Cook outside Melbourne, but this was as part of the Army. It took many countries some time to attach sufficient importance to air power to recognise it as an individual service – and Australia was a relatively early adopter in making this important move in 1921. For example, the US Air Force did not become a separate entity until 1947.

From the outside the Air Force of 10 years away will not necessarily look different. We will have more aircraft, different aircraft, agile bases, multiple redundant networks, and we’ll be active in space. Utilisation of our weapon systems, air bases and people will be transformed from the traditional air power of our past 100 years to the generation of a broader range of air and space power effects. We will have a workforce that is strategically aware. Sound in the knowledge, that they know their place in the joint force, know what their responsibilities are to the Government, and appreciate the strategic effects they achieve every day. We will have a force that is agile in its thinking and seizes opportunities when they present themselves. I am building joint force leaders, rather than just Air Force leaders.

Q: What are your thoughts on the spectrum of uninhabited systems vs remotely piloted systems? Can Artificial Intelligence finally take the pilot out of the loop completely? Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC, during the announcement of the Joint Strike Fighter – Industry A: Defence is currently in the process of procuring a Support Program at Parliament House, Canberra. Credit: CoA / Jay Cronan number of uninhabited, or remotely piloted systems, ith four operational squadrons and an whom 5,000 are reservists. They operate more including the MQ-4 Triton for maritime patrol and additional four for training, the original than 300 modern aircraft, making the RAAF a very other surveillance tasks, and the MQ-9B Sky W Australian Aviation Corps saw service respectable medium-power air force. Guardian for overland and littoral surveillance and during the First World War in the Middle East and armed overwatch. Western Europe. While its role was minor – in Kym Bergmann: Air Force now has, or will These two systems fall across a spectrum of proportion to its size and the technology – air power soon have, all of the flying platforms that you autonomy - however both require a human in the clearly had enormous potential. After a brief hiatus need – so the challenge looks to be getting loop for operations. at the end of hostilities in 1918, the Australian Air them to all work together. What will the RAAF Future unmanned systems, such as the Loyal Corps was formed in 1920, which morphed in the look like 10 years from now? Wingman program, may require less direct control following year into the Royal Australian Air Force. Air Marshal Hupfeld: You will see an Air Force that from humans, however, the extent of autonomy that As fascinating as the history of the service is, is a full partner in the Joint Force, organisationally Artificial Intelligence (AI) may provide is not yet fully APDR has decided to mark the birthday by asking structured and operationally postured to shape, known. the current Chief, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld to look deter and respond across the entire spectrum of The application of AI within a military context is a forward, rather than back. As the 30th person operations. vexed issue being faced by many nations. Especially to hold the position – though in earlier days they In releasing the Air Force Strategy late last year, when involving the application of lethal force. were known as the Chief of the Air Staff – he I am asking Air Force to make the next step to the As a signatory to the Geneva Convention, Australia runs an organisation of around 20,000 people, of future. is required to demonstrate all weapons systems

24 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 RAAF CENTENARY

allow us to comply with the Laws of Armed Conflict Defence is developing a range of capabilities to Q: The F-35s have reached IOC – can you (International Humanitarian Law). This would be no modernise, monitor and, if necessary, protect the explain what that means. When will a decision different for weapon systems incorporating AI. range of space-based systems upon which we rely. be made on the additional F-35s that are part I continue to work with Space Capability Managers of long-term planning? Q: When it comes to developing sovereign across all domains to ensure alignment across A: Reaching Initial Operation Capability indicates capability, are there areas of interest for Space Programs and assure access to modern that Australia’s F-35 capability now has sufficient RAAF given that all of the platforms are space technologies for the joint force. aircraft, systems, trained personnel and support manufactured overseas? elements to facilitate our aircraft deploying / A: New investments outlined in the 2020 Force Q: A project attracting interest from industry operating in support of our national interests. This Structure Plan demonstrate a commitment to is AIR 6500. Could you summarise its could be done either independently or as part of a increase involvement of Australian industry, including importance to both RAAF and the ADF, given coalition. investments in cyber, autonomous systems, artificial that it overlaps an Army air defence project. The capability is not yet able to undertake the full intelligence, radar, communications, and space- A: The ADF boasts a credible air defence capability ranges of roles or missions, however, these will be based capabilities and sensors. today. However the threat is rapidly evolving hence developed in the lead up to a mature capability in Involvement in global programs such as the F-35 the need to modernise our capabilities 2023. provides opportunities for Australian companies – AIR6500 Phase1 Joint Air Battle Management Government has approved the purchase of 72 over 50 are already benefitting. New opportunities System or JABMS, will deliver the core of the ADF’s F-35A aircraft. Defence continually reviews the include the acquisition of teaming air vehicles, and Integrated Air and Missile Defence architecture. contemporary environment and makes capability the strengthening of air mobility. The JABMS will underpin the ADF’s IAMD decisions based on this assessment. Boeing Airpower Teaming System – The Complex Development Program - Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle ‘Loyal Wingman’ is a good example. The weapons system is being developed in Australia by Boeing with global customers in mind. We estimate that Australian content in the program is at 70%. We are heading down the path to produce Australian Air Power capabilities to complement systems manufactured overseas.

Q: The responsibilities of the RAAF include space – could you summarise what is happening in that domain A: On the 20th of July 2020, the Minister for Defence announced I would lead the ADF Space Domain “to ensure a coordinated and targeted approach to capability and policy decisions”. Access to space is essential for everyday living. From banking, car navigation, remote communications to satellite television, modern day society relies on services provided from space.

Similarly, the ADF relies on unimpeded access F-35A Lightning II aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown fly off the coast of Newcastle. Credit: CoA / Brett Sherriff to space for positioning, navigation and timing. From observation and communications to precise capabilities to provide robust layered defence Defence maintains the F-35 is the best weapons delivery to minimise or even remove the against the ever-increasing air and missile threats aircraft available to satisfy Australia’s air combat potential for collateral damage. and be interoperable with our partners within the requirements into the foreseeable future. The responsible use of space for military purposes INDOPACOM region. That we have not yet committed to any further assists to improve precision and minimise risks for Capabilities like the Enhanced NASAMS under F-35s provides an opportunity for Defence to our people and capabilities. project LAND 19 Phase 7B will form key components evaluate the emerging capabilities and determine if We are leading a review into Defence requirements of the IAMD layered defence, along with Naval and the future force may benefit from a different platform. for the space domain that will take until at least the other land-based surface-to-air missile systems and This does not indicate any reduction in confidence end of the year to provide a report. fighter aircraft such as the F-35A and F/A-18F. for the F-35 aircraft, rather seeks to determine We are engaging widely across Government, The 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 if emerging capabilities can provide additional academia, industry and our allies to ensure we get a Force Structure Plan reinforced the requirement to advantage. range of views for consideration. deliver an effective IAMD capability.

Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 25 RAAF CENTENARY

Q: People: are you able to recruit and retain Air Force sponsors a variety of programs to These emerging workforces are in high demand people with the necessary skills and reach support recruitment. For example, Air Force by industry and other government agencies. Air your personnel objectives? sponsors university studies to draw talent from Force is already planning for this competition by A: On recruitment: disciplines where Air Force does not have the ability enhancing its approach to workforce planning and Air Force continues to be largely successful in to train ‘in-house’ (such as Medicine or Law). shaping, plus considering a range of future training meeting its recruiting needs – over the past six years Air Force has a very successful Gap Year Program and retention initiatives to meet these challenges. Air Force has achieved an average of 97.4% of its with about 220 entrants each year. Young Australians I am confident Air Force can continue to shape a targets. join for a year and gain an introduction to a number compelling employment offer to develop and retain Air Force, as an integral part of ‘One Defence’, of employment areas such as security, administration, the necessary Future Force skills. is working with the Defence People Group to logistics and aviation technical trades. Many Gap Year On the Enhanced Career Management increase Air Force’s recruiting competitiveness as participants then apply to remain in the permanent Air program: an employer of choice. Force or choose to become Reservists at the end of In September 2020 Air Force introduced the Air Force, along with Navy and Army, is very their year’s experience. Enhanced Career Management Strategy. Enhanced Career Management is part of our plan to develop and retain a skilled and intelligent workforce to deliver air and space power within the joint force. Today’s workforce want to feel valued, be developed, have access to collaborative career planning and transparent and impartial career management. By outlining the development opportunities available, our people can work with their career manager create a plan to align with their desired career goals. Enhanced Career Management also recognises individuals who have niche skills by applying differentiated career management to ensure we build expertise within specialised or emerging workforces. Succession planning is another key aspect of the strategy, ensuring Air Force has a sufficient quantity of skilled people at all levels to meet future ‘Loyal Wingman’ Airpower Teaming System taxi test (Boeing photo) capability demands. The Enhanced Career Management system will actively supporting Defence Force Recruiting in On retention: help Air Force to better identify, develop and retain Defence People Group to best position us for Air Force values its people – permanent, reserves, a contemporary workforce with the right skills, to recruitment success in the external labour market. public servants, and contractors - as the core be placed in the right position, at the right time, to Air Force is also actively broadening recruitment foundation for delivery of Air and Space power. deliver the right effects avenues under the Total Workforce System to The second line of effort in the Air Force Strategy Air Force introduced the Enhanced Career attract highly skilled personnel. Air Force is very will drive further development of an intelligent and Management strategy in September 2020 to actively promoting opportunities to serve in the skilled workforce into the future. We will achieve this ensure Air Force continues to grow sufficient Reserves (SERCAT 3-5), join as a ‘Commercial through education and training, posting members individuals with the requisite knowledge, skills Lateral Entrant’ (with no prior military experience), for influence and effect, and forging increased and experience at each level to meet capability or rejoin the Permanent Air Force (SERCAT 7) – resilience; in turn, this focus is expected to positively demand. The strategy contributes to retention by avenues that complement ab initio recruitment. influence retention. providing individuals with a greater understanding Air Force, and the wider ADF, is a registered The Air Force five-year average, aggregate of career options in the medium to long term, training organisation and has ‘in-house’ capacity separation rate is 6.6%, with a current FY separation including opportunities for education and training. to train its personnel across scores of common rate of 7.2%. This aggregate separation rate is a It also recognises individuals who may have technical and non-technical trades as well as deliver crude indicator and will soon be replaced with a specialist skill sets, particularly those supporting undergraduate and post-graduate degrees through behavioural modelling approach to improve targeted emerging capabilities, by offering differentiated partnership with the University of . retention for development of the Future Force. career management to build the breadth and depth Air Force also has the ability to train personnel in Air Force is on a growth trajectory for the of operational, niche and leadership expertise specialist aviation roles, including Air Traffic Control, foreseeable future, particularly in areas such as needed to operate effectively in complex integrated Mission Aircrew and Pilot. Space, Cyber, Engineering and Air Base operations. environments.

26 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021

AIRBUS

KYM BERGMANN // CANBERRA AIRBUS IN AUSTRALIA AND THE REGION Airbus has been present in Australia and the region for more than 40 years. With over 1,500 employees across 21 locations in Australia and New Zealand, Airbus supports 47 MRH90 (NH90 variant) Taipan multi-role helicopters for the Australian Army and Navy and 22 ARH Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters for the Australian Army.

he company is also a market leader in civilian environments. Team Nightjar harnesses the strong of Australian Industry Capability, including for and para-public helicopter sales in the region capabilities of its local SME partners to maximise the nation’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander T and supports more than 500 civil helicopters the local content and enhance building of capability Traditional Owners. directly and through a network of loyalty partners. In – which also increases Sovereign resilience. With over five decades of advancing Australia’s addition, Airbus has to date secured orders for 300 Airbus is committed to supporting the ARH Tiger Defence and commercial aircraft segments, Airbus passenger aircraft for the Australia Pacific region until its mid-decade retirement. The Tiger remains has injected more than A$950 million of activities with , Jetstar, Tiger Airways, Air NZ, and Air Australia’s armed reconnaissance helicopter and is into the Australian industry over the last three years, Caledonia. amongst the most advanced in the global fleet. generating economic benefits of over A$1.7 billion The A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) In 2020, Airbus celebrated its Reconciliation for Australia. The company has directly invested is in service with the Royal Australian Air Force, Action Plan (RAP), coinciding with Australia’s more than A$100 million into ARH Tiger and providing tactical air-to-air refuelling, transport NAIDOC week celebrations. MRH90 projects. and long-range deployment support. Airbus also The RAP affirms Airbus’ commitment to provides maintenance support to the RAAF’s fixed creating and enhancing meaningful and respectful AUSTRALIAN FIRSTS wing aircraft fleet. relationships with Australia’s Aboriginal and In New Zealand, the company has a strategic Torres Strait Islander peoples’ businesses and • Airbus has delivered a range of aircraft and support contract with the New Zealand Defence communities. satellite firsts in Australia. These include: Force to support the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s The strength of Airbus in the Australia Pacific • Australia’s CareFlight has become the country’s NH90s and fixed wing fleets. region is supported by the deep connections the first operator of the emergency medical services In the space segment, Airbus has also been company enjoys with its local communities and (EMS) version of the Airbus H145 light twin supplying Earth observation satellite imagery to industry partners. The launch of its first Reconciliation helicopter. The aircraft will be used by the the Australian market for over 25 years, and the Action Plan solidifies the company’s good intentions aeromedical services provider for rapid response company’s fully integrated optical and radar satellite into innovative and sustainable actions. missions in the Greater Sydney area – February constellation enables daily acquisitions at high Airbus recognises the importance of cultural 2021 resolutions. awareness and respect for cultural identity. The • The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) In 2016, Airbus opened a brand new purpose RAP fosters strong leadership and knowledge conducts its first air-to-air refuelling from its built satellite ground station in Adelaide, Southern on Indigenous topics, ensuring new and existing A330 MRTT to the RAAF’s KC-30A in Darwin. Australia, to land the company’s Skynet secure employees, customers and partners understand and These realistic and high-end training reflects the military satellite communications. More recently, respect our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander confidence and interoperability between both Airbus won a contract for a fully reconfigurable commitments in Australia. It also provides a culturally militaries – End 2020 telecommunications satellite from Australia’s second safe working environment for all of its employees • First A321P2F converted freighter enters into largest telecommunications company and leading across our numerous Australian sites. service with Qantas for Australian Post – October satellite operator Optus. Airbus is focussing its efforts on supply chain 2020 Airbus has achieved a Defence Commendation diversity and positively working with Indigenous- • Airbus forms ‘Team Maier’ to increase Australia's for our Air Mobility team in the C130J program; its owned businesses and communities. Already, sovereign industrial capability, with keen interest MRH90 program doubled the aircraft availability, Airbus’ global position in the aerospace industry to participate in the JP9102 military satellite while its Civil Helicopters Team continued to lead is providing real opportunities for Indigenous communications tender – October 2020 the market with the number of aircraft bookings and Australian businesses and communities, such as • Airbus secures contract for a fully reconfigurable deliveries. the Tagi Management Consultants. telecommunications satellite from Australia’s Airbus responded to the Land 2097 tender with Airbus’ RAP reflects the company’s long-term second largest telecommunications company the H145M helicopter under Team Nightjar. This commitment to Australia and the products it supports and leading satellite operator Optus – July 2020 offer provides a simple, commercial off the shelf, in-country. With more than 1,500 employees and a • The Western Australian Police Force orders one proven, reliable, high performance and low risk vast network of business partners and suppliers H145 helicopter to enhance police operations in solution to support Australia’s Special Forces. The working across Australia on products including the Western Australia, making it the first Australian H145M is currently used around the world in ARH Tiger and MRH90 Taipan, Airbus provides customer to operate the five bladed H145 – July a range of comparable configurations, roles and real and lasting opportunities for the development 2020

28 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 BAE SYSTEMS

ANDREW CHAPMAN // DIRECTOR AIRCRAFT SUSTAINMENT AND TRAINING BAE SYSTEMS CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF THE RAAF: PARTNERING TO DELIVER SOVEREIGN AIR CAPABILITY

was asked recently to describe what it’s like to supporting rotary aircraft, including Chinook, Black on the global fleet. partner with the RAAF. Hawk and Seahawk helicopters. There is a growing realisation of the impact of I The event was the recent induction of the first And, of course, today when it comes to the most defence programs in their ability to be a catalyst for F-35 aircraft into our facilities at Williamtown. modern and lethal aircraft in the world today, the jobs and economic growth. For me, it’s so much more than a job. It’s an F-35, BAE Systems is a long standing Australian Major defence projects such as this have benefits immense privilege to support the RAAF as I have now partner in the world’s biggest aircraft manufacturing that extend well into the region, the state and the for many years and the company has for decades. program. nation. My view is no different to the more than 590 BAE The vertical tail and other components on each and We have built an important foundation that Systems employees at Williamtown, Wagga or RAAF every aircraft have been made in Australia for almost a will make us more competitive so that we will be Base Pearce. From some of the longest serving, who decade and will continue for another 10 years. better positioned for additional, future aerospace were instrumental in the first Australian-built Hawk’s Over many decades, our role has changed and opportunities. maiden flight in May 2000, to our newest technicians evolved to better reflect the partnership that we have F-35 sustainment at Williamtown will generate who have joined in recent weeks to work on the F-35. developed with the RAAF. It’s so much closer now hundreds of highly skilled jobs, many of which will be Being co-located with the RAAF at Williamtown, and more reflective of a genuine partnership with based here in the Hunter Valley. I only have to look skyward for a reminder of why shared ambitions. Some 750 direct and indirect jobs will be created our work matters as some of the nation’s elite pilots nationally, contributing $70 million in GDP to the put the aircraft that we maintain through their paces Over many years, our highly Australia economy by 2025. This comes at a time overhead every day. when every job, and every dollar spent counts to Much of today’s focus is on Hawk and F-35 but the skilled trainers – many restoring growth to our national economy – this is a company has for several decades supported rotary of them ex-RAAF pilots – significant contribution from Defence industry, and and fixed wing aircraft and advanced military training from the region. services at sites across the nation and provided provided basic flying training. Some 360 new, direct jobs in our business will be training for hundreds of pilots and technicians. created over the next 10 years. These will be jobs for For many pilots flying fast jets today, their first steps Leading BAE Systems Aircraft Training and the long term. The program will provide opportunities to earning their wings took place at Tamworth in the Sustainment business, I am really excited by the for many years - the technicians sustaining the F-35 much-loved CT-4 aircraft. enormous work agenda we have ahead of us to fleet in the final years of this program are yet to be Over many years, our highly skilled trainers – many support the RAAF in the decades ahead. born. of them ex-RAAF pilots – provided basic flying Inducting the first aircraft into our site is just the Our team of F-35 technicians grew considerably training. beginning of what is an extraordinary opportunity for at the end of last year when 25 former Jetstar In the class room and over the skies of rural NSW, the region, the state and the nation. technicians, who lost their jobs due to the impact of those junior pilots took their first steps to realising Since the arrival of the first F-35 in Australia, COVID-19 on the commercial aviation industry joined their ambitions to fly. our technicians have trained in the US and worked the team. At RAAF Base Wagga, also in rural NSW, BAE adjacent to RAAF Base Williamtown, alongside their And in terms of industrial capability, by 2025, Systems provides specialised aviation technical air force colleagues as the local fleet has grown. we will have developed a specialist supply chain of training to ADF aircraft technicians. The investment in our facilities and preparation for around 76 SMEs to support us – in the Hunter Valley Since 2013, we have delivered more than 55,000 the start of work on this site has continued at pace. and across the nation. hours of aviation technical training to ADF aircraft Williamtown will be a significant aircraft sustainment This is a program that will significantly boost technicians at RAAF Base Wagga, with more than hub in the region that will anchor and support export Australia’s sovereign air capability at a time when we 80 courses delivered to more than 1000 students in markets and generate new jobs. reflect on the important role the RAAF has played in 2020 alone. We will support both the Australian F-35 fleet and our nation’s history. Our high quality facility provides students with F-35 aircraft operated in this region by our allies. Many congratulations to the RAAF on its 100th access to aircraft and state of the art simulators, and Over time we will grow our capacity to support the birthday. We look forward to partnering with you and is recognised for delivering highly skilled technicians. entire Australian F-35 fleet, as well as 300 aircraft in supporting Australian air capability for many decades And we have a long and successful history in the Asia Pacific region and attract specialised work to come.

Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 29 BOEING

SCOTT CARPENDALE // VICE PRESIDENT & MANAGING DIRECTOR, BOEING DEFENCE AUSTRALIA BOEING DEFENCE AUSTRALIA – A LONG TERM PARTNER On 9 September 1920, Australia’s Prime Minister Billy Hughes announced to the House of Representatives his intent to establish an Australian Air Force: “We believe … that in the air we may hope to create a force which will be of incomparable service in defending us against an enemy.”

and sustained, from the Classic Hornets and C-17 Globemasters, through to the F/A-18F Super Hornets and EA/18G Growlers, E-7A Wedgetails, and P-8A Poseidons. The foundations of Boeing’s Australian sustainment capability were built by the women and men who supported the F-111 Weapon System Business Unit contract, signed in 2001. At the time, it was the largest and most far-reaching contract ever awarded by Defence. Over the subsequent decade, Boeing partnered with the RAAF and local industry to transform the F-111 into one of the world’s most formidable frontline strike aircraft that competed on an equal footing with its adversaries. More recently, there are few more potent examples of Boeing’s enduring partnership with the RAAF and our commitment to delivering transformational capability than the Loyal Wingman. Together we are E-7A Wedgetail A30-003 flies overhead as part of the dedication ceremony for the Len Waters Building at RAAF Base building the first aircraft in Australia in 50 years and Williamtown. The service contribution of the only known Indigenous fighter pilot of World War II who served in the Air Force was honoured with the official naming of a new five-storey office accommodation complex at RAAF Base an unmanned system that will extend and expand the Williamtown – now known as the Len Waters Building. Credit: CoA / Mick Bott capabilities of some of the world’s most elite airpower systems. n the preceding years, hundreds of Australian past century. In 1927, just six years after the creation of But our partnership with Air Force goes beyond Flying Corps airmen had flown in the Middle the RAAF, Australia opened for business platforms. The BDA-developed Wakulda ground- I East and the Western Front during World War in Melbourne. By the mid-1930s the Commonwealth based command and control system and Defence One, establishing a reputation for being fierce, Aircraft Corporation (CAC) was established, followed High Frequency Communication System, along with courageous and skilful in combat. In the process, they by Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) just prior the WGS satellite, are mission-critical information and demonstrated unequivocally the benefits of air power to the outbreak of World War Two. These three communication systems delivering a major capability to modern warfare. companies formed the foundation of Boeing Australia. edge for the RAAF and the broader ADF. Just six months after the Prime Minister’s The beginnings of our enduring partnership with These programs are being delivered in Australia proclamation, on 31 March 1921, the RAAF was the RAAF were forged in June 1938 when CAC by Australians, drawing on the global strength of officially established to very little fanfare. With just 21 was awarded an initial order to build 40 Wirraway the world’s largest aerospace enterprise. Our 2500- officers, 130 airmen and 164 aircraft – 128 of which two-seat general purpose training aircraft. Over the plus Australian defence team, including one of the were gift aircraft -- it was a humble beginning. ensuing decades, CAC, GAF and the Department largest and most capable technical workforces in our Over the past century, the men and women of of Aircraft Production, another heritage Boeing industry, work alongside our Defence customer at Australia’s Air Force have, without question, delivered company, produced some of the RAAF’s most iconic sites in almost every state and territory. incomparable service to Australia and its allies aircraft, from Tiger Moths and Boomerangs through In delivering capability for the RAAF, we understand through wartime, peace and humanitarian missions. to Mustangs, Sabres, Canberra bombers and F/A-18 that partnering with Australian industry brings The pioneering spirit, determination and innovation A/B Hornets. tremendous strength, and we continue to grow our that led to its establishment has shaped it into the Today, Boeing’s partnership with the RAAF has network of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, veteran revolutionary, world-leading Air Force it is today. never been stronger or more important. The majority and women-owned businesses. Through our second Boeing has proudly served the RAAF for much of the of their frontline aircraft are Boeing designed, built Reconciliation Action Plan and our partnerships

30 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 BOEING

A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet taxis from the ordnance loading area during Exercise Gauntlet Strike 20 at RAAF Base Tindal, NT. Credit: Peter Thompson with Supply Nation and the Indigenous Defence the Ukraine and the Middle East on C-17s and Super frontline personnel need drives a relentless focus to and Infrastructure Consortium, we’re helping build Hornets. Today, he’s a senior technical officer on our go above and beyond. Australia's sovereign capability. Over the past nine Super Hornet and Growler program and remains a That intense drive and dedication isn’t restricted to years, we’ve spent more than $16 million with C-17 reservist. veterans. Many, like myself, who have never donned Indigenous suppliers, and we’re continuing to grow that support. Our platforms and systems are only part of what In delivering capability for the RAAF, we understand that has enabled Boeing to effectively support the RAAF partnering with Australian industry brings tremendous strength, over much of the past century. Our people have designed, developed and delivered cutting-edge and we continue to grow our network of Aboriginal & Torres Strait capability, solved complex challenges and pushed Islander, veteran and women-owned businesses. the boundaries of technology. And many of them are Air Force veterans. And Gordon Ross’s combined 46 years with the a uniform are deeply committed to helping protect More than 20 percent of BDA’s workforce are RAAF and Boeing has seen him support the breadth those who protect us. We are proud Australians veterans, and the majority served in the RAAF, of modern RAAF platforms, from the F-111, Canberra, working for a proud Australian company and we’re inextricably linking them to our customer’s purpose, CH-47 and P-3C through to the F-35, E-7A and P-8A, honoured to support the RAAF’s mission. values and history. Their passion for the people and here in Australia as well as in Israel and the US. His On the RAAF’s centenary, we pay tribute to the platforms of the Air Force is what gives us an edge. entire career has been in support of the Air Force, service and sacrifice of the many thousands of airmen Kirsty Cross, the RAAF’s first female E-7A and both in uniform and as a civilian. and women who have taken to the skies to protect BBJ pilot, now helps develop the E-7A capability as These are just some of our remarkable people who and serve Australia. Across our country and around a BDA instructor pilot. David Wilson’s 12-year career proudly served their country and continue to do so the world, we stand alongside you. Then, now and in the Air Force saw him deployed to Afghanistan, as Boeing employees. Their understanding of what always.

Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 31 LOCKHEED MARTIN

F-35A Lightning II A35-025 flies of the coast of Newcastle. Credit: CoA / Brett Sherriff

JOE NORTH // CHIEF EXECUTIVE, LOCKHEED MARTIN AUSTRALIA A PROUD HISTORY TOGETHER, A SECURE FUTURE FOR AUSTRALIA Over the last century, Australia has faced many and varied threats to its national interests.

hether defending our freedoms and amongst their ranks that paid the ultimate price for Over the World War Two period more than one way of life in conflicts across the globe, our country. thousand Hudson, Vengeance, Ventura, Lodestar, W or helping those affected by disaster Lockheed Martin Australia is deeply grateful to Catalina and Liberator aircraft took to the skies in our region and at home, the servicemen and RAAF service personnel past and present and in the service of the RAAF, predominantly in the servicewomen of the Royal Australian Air Force acknowledges their sacrifices in defence of our Pacific Theatre. The stalwart B-24 Liberator bomber (RAAF) have always answered the call. country and all it stands for. commenced the longstanding association between We are honoured that Lockheed Martin Forged in the World War Two era, our relationship the RAAF and our current manufacturing plant in Fort technologies have helped the RAAF to perform its with the RAAF is one of our closest and most Worth that continues to this day. duties on behalf of Australia and its allies. enduring partnerships. In the post-World War Two era, Lockheed This year’s RAAF centenary is a remarkable For over 80 years, the Lockheed Martin family of Martin’s group of companies has been pivotal in the milestone that offers us a chance to celebrate predecessor companies has provided a range of production of more than one third of the RAAF’s the dedication and professionalism of air service aircraft which have formed the backbone of RAAF front-line aircraft. personnel but also to reflect and remember the many capabilities. Lockheed P-2 Neptunes and P-3 Orions were the

32 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 LOCKHEED MARTIN

mainstay of the RAAF’s Maritime Patrol capability for more than 60 years. The RAAF became the first export operator of the venerable C-130 Hercules in 1958, beginning an ongoing relationship that has seen the platform established as the workhorse of RAAF Air Mobility continuously across C-130A, E, H and J model aircraft. In the 1960s and 70s, our current facility at Fort Worth produced the F-111 which served as the primary RAAF strike capability for almost 40 years. In more recent times, Lockheed Martin Australia was chosen as a key capability partner in the RAAF transition to become a 5th-generation air force and arguably the most capable medium-sized air force in the world. The declaration in December that the RAAF’s F-35 Lightning II fleet had achieved Initial Operational No. 37 Squadron C-130J Hercules A97-448 and A97-467 on the RAAF Base Richmond flightline. Both aircraft have Capability marked a new era of Australian air power, been fitted with Ka-Band Satellite Communications antennas. Credit: CoA / David Said delivering transformational and game-changing capabilities. We are now in the process of extending these To date, more than 50 Australian companies have In this, the RAAF’s 100th anniversary year, services further afield by establishing a satellite F-35 benefited from $2.7 billion in contracts for the Lockheed Martin Australia is proud to be the prime sustainment capability at RAAF Base Tindal in the development, production and sustainment of contractor and capability partner for two of the Northern Territory. the aircraft, creating more than 2,400 high-tech manufacturing jobs for Australian industry. Every F-35 produced will carry Australian-made In more recent times, Lockheed Martin Australia was chosen as components. At the peak of the program, it is a key capability partner in the RAAF transition to become a 5th- estimated that more than 6,000 Australians will be contributing to production, with thousands of generation air force and arguably the most capable medium-sized additional Australian job roles in sustaining the air force in the world. RAAF F-35 fleet. The global challenges of the last 12 months have brought into focus the critical importance to national RAAF’s largest operating fleets, the F-35 and As the lead F-35 sustainment partner, we recognise security of establishing resilience through sovereign the PC-21, as well as enjoying a close ongoing we have a responsibility to ensure Australia has the capability development, high-value job creation and partnership in the support of RAAF C-130J and the local expertise and experience necessary to support workforce skilling, as well as investment in research Tactical Air Defence Radar System. the RAAF F-35 fleet over the full life of the program. and development. The support of key frontline RAAF capabilities To achieve this long-term goal, Lockheed Martin As a technology and sustainment partner for over have seen our regional presence grow markedly as Australia has taken an enterprise approach to job 80 years, Lockheed Martin Australia congratulates we work hand-in-glove with service personnel every creation and skilling around the Hunter region. the RAAF on a century of exemplary service to day. Partnering with Regional Development Australia Australia and its allies. We have an established presence in East Sale, Hunter, we invest in engineering training initiatives We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder Victoria, home to the RAAF’s AIR 5428 Pilot Training and partnerships with Newcastle vocational and with the RAAF as Australia’s strategic environment System and at RAAF Base Richmond with the tertiary providers. evolves and, with it, new threats to our national C-130J Hercules. As the original equipment manufacturer, there is interests emerge. Further north, supported by our local industry also a deep sense of pride that the F-35 program has Lockheed Martin Australia will continue to invest partners, we have more than 200 employees opened the door to a significant amount of Australian in our local industry and research partners to ensure and sub-contractors at RAAF Base Williamtown industry participation. the RAAF has the sovereign capabilities necessary to providing critical sustainment services to the F-35 The F-35 program has enabled local companies meet those challenges, including through enhanced fleet. to directly contribute to the RAAF’s most potent and integration and interoperability with the US and other Our Williamtown presence represents a combined advanced weapons system and in doing so establish allies in the region. world-class sovereign capability that includes pilot it as an exemplar for growing Australian sovereign We look forward to continuing our partnership into instructors, maintenance instructors, courseware industrial capability. the next 100 years as we help maintain the RAAF’s developers, training device technicians and IT It has been a proven catalyst for the transformation position as one of the most advanced air forces in support. of Australia’s robust and resilient defence industry. the world.

Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 33 NORTHROP GRUMMAN

No. 35 Squadron C-27J Spartan A34-007 prepares to taxi for take-off after delivering stores to No. 383 Contingency Response Squadron personnel at Benning Airfield during Exercise Ready Spartan Prove. Credit: CoA / Colin Dadd

NORTHROP GRUMMAN AUSTRALIA – PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE RAAF For more than 20 years, Northrop Grumman has proudly supported critical in-country defence and civil programs; working with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to ensure border and Pacific-region security and joint operations mission success.

significant part of Northrop Grumman Global Support Solution. the RAAF and another great example of the value Australia’s business is the sustainment and Northrop Grumman Australia is the prime of collaboration between Defence and industry Amodernisation of the Royal Australian Air contractor for KC-30A MRTT Through-Life Support partners. The C-27J plays a key role in supporting Force (RAAF) fixed wing and the (TLS), an outstanding example of collaboration the Government’s Pacific Step-up strategy and deeper maintenance of components. between Defence and industry. The KC-30A provides a unique capability for Defence to support Northrop Grumman Australia has teams across TLS Enterprise supports a fleet of seven aircraft, our regional allies in the Pacific. the country working side-by-side with the RAAF including the long haul variant for the Prime Minister Northrop Grumman Australia also provides and industry partners on the KC-30A Multi-Role and Government Officials. The KC-30A MRTT is a through-life support to the Commonwealth’s special Tanker Transport (MRTT), C-27J Spartan, F/18A critical force multiplier for the RAAF and is regularly purpose aircraft (SPA) VIP fleet operated by No. 34 Super Hornet and EA- 18G Growler fleets. Northrop deployed supporting ADF operations, most recently Squadron in Fairbairn, Canberra. This encompasses Grumman also provides important maintenance, the annual trilateral Exercise Cope North in Guam. logistics, maintenance, engineering and training repair, overhaul and upgrade work under the F-35 The C-27J Spartan is a critical airlift capability for services.

34 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

In recent years, Northrop Grumman Australia has but adapting and delivering locally in collaboration sovereign capability. established and grown an Electronic Sustainment with Defence and industry partners. Northrop Northrop Grumman Australia currently employs capability, currently located at Richmond, which Grumman Australia will now be accountable for over 800 people across more than 10 sites in provides an avionic test and repair service centre managing these pursuits and for performance. These the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, for a range of electronic components, for example, changes are indicative of Northrop Grumman’s long- Queensland, South Australia and Victoria, with reach the C27-J APN-241 Radar Receiver Transmitter term commitment to Australia. back to more than 90,000 global colleagues. The Processor. This capability is projected to grow over Northrop Grumman Australia’s core mission team has significant experience across a broad range time, including the support for maintenance, repair is to solve its customer’s most difficult problems of capabilities, including engineering, manufacturing, and overhaul of Joint Strike Fighter components. and its engagement in both the next-gen Joint Air cyber security, business management, and Looking to the future, Australia’s investment in Battle Management System (JABMS), under Project information technology and project management. Northrop Grumman’s MQ-4C Tritons and associated AIR6500, and Advanced Satellite Communications, As the company continues to grow, Northrop ground mission control stations provides significant under Joint Project 9102 is testament to this Grumman is focused on developing its people and opportunities. The MQ-4C Triton is sourcing skilled staff for the future through a cooperative development program workforce planning initiatives. These between the RAAF and the US Navy, include building talent pipelines to attract and provides a round-the-clock maritime and retain employees through science, wide-area intelligence, surveillance and technology, engineering and mathematics reconnaissance (ISR) capability. Initial (STEM) initiatives, scholarships, work development of the MQ-4C Triton Network experience, apprenticeship and graduate Integration Test Environment (NITE) programs, and parallel industries. During was completed in late 2020, meaning the COVID-19 pandemic this included the Chief Information Officer Group can supporting local industry and the begin to mitigate risks associated with the Australian aviation sector; on-boarding 50 development of the Triton network design former personnel from Qantas and Virgin for Australia and start testing basic Triton in a range of engineering and aircraft network configuration settings. mechanical roles. In 2020, Northrop Grumman Australia Northrop Grumman Australia is also delivered outstanding results while committed to providing meaningful navigating bushfires, smoke hazards and skilling and employment opportunities for a global pandemic and supporting its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people, customer and community. During peoples. Since launching its Reconciliation the extreme bushfires last summer, its Action Plan in 2018, Northrop Grumman teams worked side-by-side with Defence Australia has established relationships to and industry partners, ensuring fleets were assist in sourcing talent from the ATSI ready to support the ADF in assisting community and supported a number of residents. Despite COVID-19, the ATSI education opportunities. These team ensured KC-30A MRTT ongoing include sponsoring the Australian National aircraft availability to meet RAAF tasking. University Indigenous Summer School and Similarly, SPA supported multiple short entering into a relationship with the Yalari notice domestic and international missions organisation, whose belief is that education and managed to complete the heavy is the key to generational change and a maintenance program for RAAF’s Boeing MQ-4C Triton (Northrop Grumman image) brighter future for . 737 BBJ aircraft in Queensland despite Of course, Veterans remain an integral closed borders. commitment. These programs will aim to leverage part of Northrop Grumman Australia’s workforce and In January 2021, Northrop Grumman Australia the deep knowledge and technology inherent across valued for the specialised skill sets and perspectives introduced a new operating model to ensure the Northrop Grumman’s US sectors but adapted they bring to the team. Northrop Grumman Australia organisation is best positioned to meet the growth and developed in Australia to meet the ADF’s supports Legacy, and in October 2020 signed the opportunities inherent in Defence’s 2020 Force sovereign need. Critical to delivering and sustaining Soldier On Pledge demonstrate its commitment Structure Plan and continue offering world-class these complex sovereign programs will be working to enabling veterans and their families to thrive, by solutions to its Australian customers. Following the collaboratively with Australian Industry partners. providing critical support to families and employment appointment of Christine Zeitz as General Manager, The Government’s imperative to grow Australia’s opportunities. Asia Pacific region, Australia’s organisational industrial capability, especially small to medium Northrop Grumman Australia will continue to structure has been optimised to help solve its businesses, is fully understood and Northrop work proudly and collaboratively with the ADF and customer’s most difficult problems by leveraging Grumman Australia is committed to playing a role its Australian industry partners to provide ongoing Northrop Grumman’s leading multi-sector capability in nurturing and growing this critical and strategic support for Australia's critical mission requirements.

36 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 RAYTHEON AUSTRALIA

RAYTHEON AUSTRALIA – PARTNERING WITH THE RAAF

ince our establishment in 1999, Raytheon velocity targets at extreme ranges. Raytheon of ADF personnel. Australia has been supporting the Royal Australia also provides support to the Woomera Through the ACTSS contract, Raytheon S Australian Air Force (RAAF). capability. Australia provides innovative leading-edge training Across two decades Raytheon Australia has Recently Raytheon Australia provided support services to the RAAF. Our team of engineers, cemented its place as a key and trusted partner to the Department of Defence and Japan technicians and teamed instructors prepare of the RAAF delivering advanced test and training Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) tracking future RAAF pilots at RAAF Bases Amberley, capabilities, state-of-the-art range capabilities, the Hayabusa2 capsule re-entry. The company Williamtown and Tindal. highly capable precision munitions and providing and its major subcontractor CEA Technologies Raytheon Australia also supports the customer key elements of the air combat training continuum. were responsible for the deployment of radars in the delivery of intensive live and virtual training In addition, the RAAF are collaborating with and communications controls during re-entry and environments during major ADF exercises the US Navy and its prime contractor Raytheon landing. The team were also responsible for the ranging from squadron level activities, to annual Intelligence & Space on the EA-18G Growler capture of infrared imagery through the target multinational exercises, such as Talisman Sabre. fighter’s Next-Generation Jammer Mid-Band deployable camera system, and range control and Raytheon Australia is proud of this record electronic attack technology. communication, allowing for range safety and data of successful delivery for the Royal Australian Raytheon Australia is also meeting the RAAF’s collection during capsule recovery. Airforce and we congratulate the service on their demand for advanced electronic warfare testing Raytheon Australia provides much of the momentous birthday. and training capabilities as the prime contractor RAAF inventory of precision munitions. AIM-9X for the Joint Advance Test & Training Services Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-154 Joint RAYTHEON AUSTRALIA BUSINESS UPDATE (JATTS) program. Established in 2020, JAATS Stand Off Weapon, and GBU-24 Paveway III brings together operational training against are among the cadre of the company’s weapons • The Raytheon Australia team is made up of live aerial opposing forces, airborne electronic currently used by the RAAF. More broadly 1,500 employees nationally. warfare (EW) and aerial targets. Previously these Raytheon Australia’s parent company Raytheon capabilities were delivered under three contracts, Technologies also provides an overwhelming • As a Capability Partner to Defence, our but this combined approach is allowing the ADF’s majority of the ADF’s guided weapons inventory. workforce is squarely focused on delivering future force requirements to be addressed in an Raytheon Australia is also an integral part world-class solutions to the Australian agile and flexible manner. of the RAAF’s air combat training continuum, Defence Force. JATTS supports a number of platforms, including delivering airborne electronic attack adversarial • Raytheon Australia is headquartered in the RAAF’s Joint Strike Fighter, Super Hornet, training services for F/A-18F Super Hornet and Canberra, ACT with a major presence Growler and Wedgetail airborne early warning EA-18G Growler aircrew through the Mobile in Adelaide, South Australia; , and control capabilities and ground-based aircraft Threat Training Emitter System (MTTES) program Queensland; Sydney and Nowra, New South control units, and the Royal Australian Navy’s since 2019 and Air Combat Training Services Wales; and Perth and Exmouth, Western Helicopter Frigate and Guided Missile Destroyer Support (ACTSS) contract. Australia. class ships. MTTES provides realistic EW simulations • Our workforce includes more than 700 highly- In 2016, Raytheon Australia commenced work that allow pilots to detect, identify and locate skilled engineers and technicians, supported to remediate the Woomera Test Range (Woomera) threats that represent those they may encounter by a team of program managers, integrated in South Australia. Not only is it one of Australia’s when deployed on operations. This training logistics support professionals, sustainment most critical national security assets, Woomera is effect is achieved via ground-based systems and training experts, technical governance also the world’s largest overland test environment. that are deployed throughout designated training specialists and corporate professionals. Under AIR3024 Phase 1, Raytheon Australia has areas. The MTTES mission system includes delivered an integrated range solution that make mobile emitters, targetable and non-targetable • Raytheon Australia is committed to the Woomera one of the world’s most advanced test, communications and a Battle Management professional development of its employees. Over a decade ago, the company established experimentation and training environments. System, with EW ranges and facilities located the Leadership Continuum, a professional The integrated solution fielded at Woomera in the Western Training Area in Queensland development program that fosters a pipeline incorporates a suite of mission system equipment and the Delamere Air Weapons Range in the of talented leaders at every level of the including a state-of-the-art Range Control Centre, Northern Territory. Through the MTTES program, organisation. Since 2010, the program has sensors, including tracking radars and optical the company is providing complex threat training, trained more than 700 graduates. trackers. The system is capable of tracking high enabling the development of the next generation

Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 37 TAE AEROSPACE

KYM BERGMANN // CANBERRA TAE AEROSPACE EXPANDS ITS SOVEREIGN INDUSTRIAL CAPABILITIES ACROSS DEFENCE PLATFORMS Australian-owned TAE Aerospace has supported the Royal Australian Air Force for 21 years and the Australian Army for 15 years.

he company commenced operation in 2000 US in Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Missouri and Texas. “We’ve stayed operational from March 2020. We when Andrew Sanderson and a team of six The company’s Brisbane-based wheel and brake were considered an essential service, both here and T started a contract for electroplating and repair MRO team supports the C-27J, C-130J and KC-30A in the US. We didn’t need to close the doors or turn activities on the F-111. multirole tanker transports for Air Force, while its anything off so there was no significant impact on the Since then, it has grown to employ 390 people at Melbourne team delivers fire protection services for defence side,” Andrew said. 10 locations in Australia and the US. Approximately the F-18, E-7A AEW&C and the C-130J. “Some parts of our commercial operation were 60% of its global business is defence support, and In the future, TAE Aerospace looks forward to affected. We found that people didn’t necessarily 40% is commercial aircraft services. providing TPE331 engine MRO on the MQ9B have discretionary spending to go on a helicopter ride CEO Andrew Sanderson said the company’s core SkyGuardian. TAE is currently the world’s largest or go skydiving. competency is engine sustainment. provider of TPE331 engine and component services. “We support helicopter operators with fuel controls “Engine and component maintenance, repair, While best known for aircraft engine MRO, and maintain engines for most of the country’s overhaul and test makes up 80% of activity for TAE Aerospace has successfully transferred its skydiving operators, so we saw that impact. defence and commercial customers around the gas-turbine engine expertise to land platforms. “For us it was countered by freighters carrying all world. Another 10% is manufacturing, around The team in Queensland manages engine and fuel the parcels that people are buying online, as well as 5% is wheel and brake MRO and 5% is fire control MRO, engine health and usage monitoring, the fire spotters that have been working hard through extinguishing systems.” and an engine test facility for the AGT1500 gas-turbine several seasons here and in the US. “We currently support 11 air platforms and 4 land engine in the M1A1 Abrams tank. “Globally, our turboprop engine business is as platforms for the Australian Defence Force across all Andrew said the company is also expanding its busy as it’s ever been.” of our main business lines,” Andrew said. capabilities in fire protection services for Army. Andrew said the most significant impact was on Much of the company’s work for Defence is carried Through its Melbourne operation, TAE has the company’s commercial aircraft wheel and brake out at its new Turbine Engine Maintenance Facility maintained the Automated Fire Extinguishing operation. in Ipswich. Here a team of 200 engine technicians, Systems (AFES) on several programs since 2006. “The wide body RPT business suffered the most. engineers, supply chain specialists and project It currently provides AFES MRO services for the We support wheels and brakes for the A380s that managers work primarily in engine sustainment and Hawkei, Bushmaster and M1A1 Abrams, with an are now parked, potentially for several years. advanced manufacturing. expectation of future support for the Boxer CRV. “We have been very fortunate overall and the “Our focus is on ensuring the availability and TAE manufactures some fire protection equipment government policies to help businesses during reliability of engines and components, increasing in-house, as well as sourcing from local supply COVID were appreciated.” the percentage of work performed in-country, and chains, and this capability has been built to scale Outside of Australia, TAE Aerospace is looking developing new capabilities.” up as required. The Melbourne team also maintains to expand its maintenance and engine management Andrew said this includes increasing the number rescue hoists and winches for Army helicopters. services in Asia-Pacific, as well as its support to US of engine types it supports in partnership with Looking forward, Andrew said he sees many forces in the Indo-Pacific. global OEMs. opportunities for future support as Defence evolves “We currently support the US Navy at a F414 For Air Force, TAE Aerospace currently to meet Australia’s strategic requirements. engine component level, and we want to progress provides engine MRO and test services on the “We now have the largest and most capable engine that to the engine level. Essentially, we want to take F-35, F-18F, F/A-18A, EA-18G, and Hawk 127, and MRO company in-region and we’ll leverage our the great reputation with Defence that we have here engine compressor washing for the C-17. It also current skills and capability, including our purpose- and replicate that in the US,” Andrew said. manufactures liquid cooled chassis for several of the designed Turbine Engine Maintenance Facility in “We have employed 140 people in the last 3 years complex avionics systems in the global F-35 Joint Queensland, towards meeting the Sovereign and we’ll continue to create more positions in the Strike Fighter fleet. Industrial Capability outcome for propulsion deeper months ahead. Diversity will be front of mind as we Outside of its Ipswich headquarters, TAE employs a maintenance in Australia.” do. We are aiming to improve diversity across the further 100 people in Brisbane, Adelaide, Newcastle The company has continued to grow despite business and get the best from everyone interested and Melbourne. It also has 90 employees across the COVID-19. in STEM,” Andrew said.

38 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 years and stronger than ever

TAE Aerospace would like to congratulate the Royal Australian Air Force on 100 years of outstanding service.

Its record over that time has been exemplary We are privileged to partner with and all Australians owe the men and women one of this country’s great institutions. who have served with the RAAF a great debt of gratitude.

For TAE Aerospace, it has been an honour to help keep the RAAF flying for 21 of the last 100 years.

Images courtesy Department of Defence 1ST PERSON

QUICKSTEP CEO MARK BURGESS IN CONVERSATION WITH APDR EDITOR KYM BERGMANN FOR RAAF’S 100TH BIRTHDAY

in service with the US Marine Corps. If you include Quickstep Aerospace Services – that’s the MRO facility I referred to – that facility has done work on Classic F-18s as well as Boeing’s family of military derivatives of commercial aircraft, such as 737 BBJ; Wedgetail AEW&C and P-8A Poseidon. We hope to be doing more work in that area, as well as CH-47 Chinook helicopters. The facility is qualified to do work on Airbus A-330s – both commercial and the RAAF’s KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports. Historically, when Boeing owned the business they were Boeing- centric – and that was coupled with an unwillingness of other OEMs to work with them, because of the suspicion and rivalry that tends to exist between big manufacturers. This was part of our rationale for taking over the business – we are genuinely platform agnostic and can open up a wider range of business opportunities. We are currently speaking with Northrop Grumman about doing some work on C-27J aircraft, which have some sustainment issues. Quickstep CEO Mark Burgess (Quickstep photo) To return to F-35s – as well as manufacturing new components, we also expect to stand up APAC depot capability at that MRO facility. Kym Bergmann: It’s very appropriate to have aircraft. While only 25 new aircraft are being built To this we can add work coming up in the entire this interview for this particular edition, per year, there are hundreds of them in service unmanned and remotely piloted space. For example, so let’s start with a rundown of the RAAF around the world. We expect not only to be repairing we are teamed with General Atomics for the RAAF platforms that you are involved with. flaps but potentially other parts of the aircraft as well MQ-9B program – and we would like to be the Mark Burgess: Obviously the F-35 program – not only for the RAAF but also potentially some of regional composite support organisation for that represents a significant chunk of our production – in the regional operators. platform. We have been asked to engage with fact at the moment it’s about 65% of what we make. On top of that, we have had a growing relationship Northrop Grumman about the possibility of doing As well as F-35 production we can also now add with Boeing on the manufacturing side – and we some work on MQ-4C Tritons – an aircraft that sustainment. The build of F-35s might continue for now provide composite parts for F-15s and F-18s. makes extensive use of composites. another 15 years – but supporting that fleet will be Many of these are legacy out of production parts, As well as that, we also have something called 21J an activity for us that will last more than 40 years. which are increasingly difficult to source in the US approval, which allows us to design our own repair Having acquired a composites MRO capability because the industrial base has moved on. However, schemes and upgrade and modification packages. from Boeing Defence Australia in November last for us it’s an opportunity to earn our spurs and show One of the very encouraging things in Australia is year – located at Tullamarine – that gives us a multi- Boeing what we are capable of, as well as earning that the ADF is prepared to qualify and approve their generational repair and support business. It’s our a dollar. own modifications and upgrades – and that opens intention to offer depot level composite repair from Regarding Hornets, we supply parts to both the the way to more repair and modification work. that facility for several types of aircraft. Classic and Super Hornet fleets. When you combine In turn, that allows Quickstep to supply back in For C-130Js, we are the global sole source this with the new F-15X it looks like a healthy pool of to the US as a trusted ally and from a country with supplier of the trailing edge wing flaps on those work. We have even been involved with older AV-8Bs zero political risk to offer to support their aircraft in

40 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 1ST PERSON

this region and in the US. There is also a chance that we will be able to export products for USN Classic and Super Hornets. To that we can add the possibility of US CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache helicopters, where there is a large backlog of repair work. The Australian government is helping us offer those services to the US to provide them with surge capability. The US Department of Defense seems interested in that concept because it adds to operational availability through using the services of close allies to provide sustainment services that are either in short supply or are no longer available. We have just acquired an amazing capability at Tullamarine that can do that sort of work on Boeing and non-Boeing platforms alike.

Q: On the issue of replacing old parts made out of metal with new ones from composites, how do you go about clearing the various regulatory hurdles? A: This is the area where there are really interesting opportunities from the Australian perspective. Under our Department of Defence regulations, we can design the modification and then in another part of the process have it approved as being airworthy. A good example is the work that has been done installing the Ka-band SATCOM on RAAF C-130Js. It’s a great example where Australia has done its own thing – a pioneer nation in certifying a Ka-band solution on a C-130J anywhere in the world. The work has been done independently and at a very reasonable cost. This looks to be an approach that the RAAF is interested in for other areas because sometimes it’s easier working locally than with the OEM or the US DoD. I see another range of opportunities there as well and what that opens up for further growth and the development of Australian sovereign capability.

Q: Composites have a good reputation for durability, so how much support and repair work is there? A: The strategy that Quickstep is following is that Australia has relatively modest sized fleets of aircraft. They have a high level of capability, but small numbers of aircraft. For example, if we perform work on a Super Hornet, it is only if the business case makes sense – but that business case changes completely if you look at not only the 36 RAAF jets but include the USN, which has more than 600 of them. The same applies for military derivatives of commercial aircraft. We plan to do a lot of work A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft return to base after completing a mission during Exercise for both Qantas and Virgin on their Lightning Storm at RAAF Base Williamtown. Credit: CoA / Melina Young

Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 41 1ST PERSON

F/A-18A Hornets A21-39, A21-23 and A21-07 from No 77 Squadron conduct air-to-air formation flying with a C-130J Hercules from No. 37 Squadron off the coast of Newcastle. Credit: CoA / David Gibbs aircraft – thrust reversers, engine nacelles, landing hoping to make inroads into military helicopters. industrial bases. What’s your sales pitch to gear doors – and those items are almost identical We have had discussions with both Sikorsky and them to let Quickstep do the work rather to those found on BBJ, Wedgetail and Poseidon. Airbus that are very productive. There is massive than them find a local entity? Similarly, for the F-35s – we have been assigned latent demand, either because it wasn’t put into A: There are several levels to that. Firstly, if the not only to support the RAAF aircraft but generally Australia in the first place or has gradually eroded JPO has already assigned the work to an Australian all of them in the APAC region. This means we away. company it means in essence that they want all may also cover US deployed forces, Japan, South We have to turn that latent demand into actual work to go to that company. Now, that’s not the Korea and Singapore – which of course is a much purchase orders and the like – but we have the same as the Japanese, Koreans and Singaporeans larger fleet and gives us a significant aggregation fixed infrastructure, which is a vital ingredient. With automatically agreeing – but Quickstep can offer of demand. the facility, the equipment and the people already a much faster turnaround time and a lower cost There will always be cases were things have to here, the incremental cost of acquiring the licenses solution based on the aggregation of demand go back to the OEM and in other cases there is only and specific tooling is relatively modest. It’s not like factor. sufficient work to support one location globally. building new parts from scratch where large capital Our infrastructure is already paid for, so it’s not Having said that, what we are seeing is that there is investments need to be made. In our case, these necessary for another government to replicate a lot of work going offshore that could realistically additional investments might be in the hundreds of the existing investment. On top of that, there are be done in Australia – at the same, or lower, cost. thousands of dollars, which can be amortised over various national relationships involved such as the 20 years of maintenance activities. Quad, the Five Power Defence Agreement and so Q: Regarding regional F-35 support work – We have a strong appetite to invest in the on that support the concept of working together as has any of that started or is it in the future? business and we see it as an engine of growth. trusted allies rather than individually. A: We are partnered with Northrop Grumman It was a very small part of an extremely large Of course, we have to offer compelling prices for what is called Repair Group C – which is Boeing organisation and we have already saved and delivery schedules. Also we treat all our basically all of the composites. The international it from closure by acquiring it. It is an integral and customers as being equal, so everyone receives the Joint Program Office have assigned that work to high profile part of our business that would never same treatment in terms of priority and timeliness. Northrop and Quickstep – but that’s an assignment, have been possible under the previous ownership For us a contractual commitment is exactly that not a contract. We are probably at least 18 months structure. – and we will meet it without any favouritism. For away from any work at the depot level. some technologies and services countries might In the near term the focus is on supporting the Q: Looking again at F-35s in the region wish to retain sovereign control, but in our field of Hornets – including the Growlers – and we are – many countries have high technology composites I don’t see this as being a big issue.

42 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 QUARANTINE

KYM BERGMANN // CANBERRA FIX THE QUARANTINE CRISIS NOW – USE RAAF BASE WOOMERA At considerable expense to Australian taxpayers, five hours drive north of Adelaide is a high standard quarantine facility currently able to safely accommodate 500 people at a time – with up to 7,000 possible. Better known as Woomera, this is basically a government owned town that has good quality housing, medical facilities, an airport and all of the other infrastructure necessary to handle incoming visitors. After the mandatory two-week period people could be flown to other parts of Australia – or even put on a bus to a larger centre.

oomera is largely a ghost town at planners and politicians alike. The first even more the moment, but has been kept in powerful hydrogen bomb was demonstrated in W good condition as it receives a steady 1951 with the US once again taking the lead. Not trickle of people because of the associated test to be outdone, Britain exploded its first nuclear range, which is one of the largest in the world. A bomb in 1952 – on Australian soil in the form of the normal number of residents is around 150, made Monte Bello Islands. up mainly of Defence personnel, scientists and Back to Woomera: it is hardly surprising that industry people. The standard of accommodation the town was built well and with features such as is perfect for quarantine – individual rooms have a swimming pool, school, outdoor playgrounds The standard of accommodation is perfect for quarantine – individual rooms have air conditioning and their own bathroom and kitchenette. Accommodation blocks are widely spaced.

air conditioning and their own bathroom and and so on because it needed to house a lot of kitchenette. Accommodation blocks are widely Defence scientists and their families in a degree spaced. Life there is quite comfortable – and I of comfort as they participated in the nuclear know because I spent a week there as part of a arms race – which in the 1950s was a very high flight test group involving an instrumented F/A-18 priority for western governments. Britain went on and the support crew of more than 50 people that to test another eight nuclear weapons at Maralinga, went with that effort. which is also part of the Woomera Prohibited Woomera village has a relatively recent history Area. For a stylised semi-fictional account of this with construction starting in 1947, prompted by activity, the ABC’s mini-series Operation Buffalo Australia’s support for British military tests during is worth watching: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/ the Cold War. One of the most important of operation-buffalo these was the Blue Streak project to develop Dotted around Woomera are several enormous an intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) concrete rocket launching pads to support Blue capable of nuking Moscow and other important Streak, which morphed into Black Knight – with parts of the USSR. The use by Germany of the eight of these 24 metre monsters being launched. V-2 toward the end of the Second World War - the We should write that they used to be there because world’s first genuine exo-atmospheric missile – had they have been progressively blown up by Special demonstrated the potential of the technology to Forces personnel on training missions. For reasons wreak destruction over vast distances. of cost, Blue Streak was abruptly cancelled in Coupled with the development of nuclear 1960 – but the technology was transferred into weapons – the U.S. exploded their first device on the European Launcher Development Organisation July 16, 1945 and the Soviets four years later – the (ELDO) that had the objective of putting satellites

Launch of rocket to test hypersonic speed at more prospect of being able to wipe out another country into orbit rather than delivering nuclear warheads. than five times the speed of sound, Woomera, thousands of kilometres away at the press of a Britain was responsible for the first stage with a May 2016. (Dept of Defence photo) button was both terrifying and appealing for military modified Blue Streak; France and Germany the

Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 43 QUARANTINE

population of Woomera stayed at around 4,500. The operations of Nurrungar ended in 1999 and the facility was transferred to full Australian control. It remains active, but for what exact purpose no one can say. Also in sight of the village is the Woomera Immigration Reception and Processing Centre, which was shut down in 2003. Ownership was transferred to the Department of Defence and it is now considered to be part of the test facility – though its condition and function is unclear. The bottom line to this is that Woomera ticks all of the boxes: good quality infrastructure is in place, it has an airport, it is remote – and it is owned by the Commonwealth. Just to put an end to the ceaseless bickering between the States and the Federal Government about quarantining people would be a merciful relief. More people will need to be brought in – particularly medical staff – but there is plenty of room for them. Why build new facilities at vast expense when one already exists?

One of the many accommodation blocks at Woomera. Credit: CoA / Aaron Curran

For reasons of cost, Blue Streak was abruptly cancelled in 1960 – but the technology was transferred into the European Launcher Development Organisation (ELDO) that had the objective of putting satellites into orbit rather than delivering nuclear warheads. Britain was responsible for the first stage with a modified Blue Streak; France and Germany the second and third stages – and Australia was an associate member via our contribution of the launch site and all the related infrastructure.

second and third stages – and Australia was day. The RAAF uses the base regularly for various an associate member via our contribution of the flight test programs. launch site and all the related infrastructure. Italy, Even today in Woomera Village is the ELDO the Netherlands and Belgium were also involved. hotel, which supplies a decent meal at big city After a further ten launches of a rocket code prices. named Europa, it was decided in 1966 that Australia In the late 1960s Woomera might have been was not a suitable location for placing satellites in down, but certainly was not out because just geosynchronous orbit – that is 38,000km above as the major rocket launch part of the equation Earth – and the entire activity was shifted to was ending, the nearby Nurrungar spy base – Kourou in French Guiana. That marked the end of formally known as the USAF/ADF Joint Defence the halcyon days for Woomera – though smaller Communications Facility - was ramping up. Just rocket launches, including test firings of hypersonic 18km from the town, the base had a full time staff An exhibit at the Woomera Support Base. missiles – have continued spasmodically to this of 1,000 and when families were included the Credit: CoA / Nick Wiseman

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Tu-160 strategic bomber (V Karnozov photo)

VLADIMIR KARNOZOV // MOSCOW AIR COMBAT AND THE CHOICE BETWEEN STEALTH AND SPEED It is taken for granted that future combat jets must be stealthy to survive in the modern warfare environment. All in-service fifth generation fighter designs – the Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, Chengdu J-20 and Sukhoi Su-57 – feature a reduced radar cross section (RCS) thanks to purposely designed and built airframes and engines, special coatings and weapons carriage in internal bays.

he Northrop B-2, Tupolev’s future strategic represent yet another air launched weapon in the There is no official statement on the quality of the bomber known as the PAK DA and China’s already awesome arsenal carried by the Xian H-6N aircraft to be produced. But it is clearly said that T prospective bomber the Xian H-20 – all strategic bomber. Apart from this role, the WZ-8 the MiG-41 shall replace the MiG-31, which gives featuring “flying wing” aerodynamic shape – are may also serve as a technology demonstrator for a hint of the possible production run. Today, VKS also a stealth aircraft. So, it seems to be a kind of larger air vehicles, including manned aircraft. operates about 250 MiG-31s. mainstream trend all over the world. And yet, it is Russia’s similar programs are the Tu-160M2 Unlike the Tu-160M2 effort, PAK DP has not not the only direction being explored. supersonic strategic bomber from Tupolev and received much publicity. First mention of the Apart from low-observable aircraft, China and the “nearly hypersonic” next-gen interceptor from MiG-41 came five years ago from Sergei Korotkov, Russia are also working on new jets that place Russian Aircraft Corporation “MiG” (RAC MiG). then General Director and General Designer speed above stealth in a belief that they will Both types are to be numerous enough to at RAC MiG. Today, he serves as the General also play an important role in future wars. Let’s occupy an important place in the future fleet of Designer at the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), stress: it is not about a lack or shortage of stealth Russia’s VKS, the acronym for Air and Space an umbrella structure covering all national design technologies that drive these projects. It is about Force. Defence minister Sergei Shoigu announced houses and plants specialising in aviation. the understanding that “future war is speed” and plans to procure fifty Tu-160M2s from the Kazan The next time the topic hit the headlines was in that speed is often at odds with stealth so that the Aircraft Production Association (KAPO). If the August 2017, when RAC MiG head Ilya Tarasenko designers had better not compromise. promise materialises, Tu-160M2s would form at spoke to the media. In an interview with Russia Among the fearful new weapons the People’s least half of the VKS’ aviation component in the Today at the ARMY-2017 International military- Liberation Army demonstrated during the 2019 Kremlin’s nuclear deterrent inventory. technical forum, he gave target speeds for the Military Parade in Beijing were some high-speed The second project in question is officially MiG-41. The aircraft shall accelerate to Mach ones, including the WZ-8. Reportedly, this rocket referred to as the prospective aviation complex for 4-4.3, he stated. To achieve such a high speed, powered UAV made its first flight in 2015. It may long-range interception, local acronym PAK DP. a mainly new power plant is required. Also, the

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advanced hypersonic missile. These new weapons pose a fresh challenge for Moscow – and the Kremlin is going to reply by equipping the VKS with defensive systems able to counter these new threats. A MiG-41 fleet would supplement an array of S-300/400/500 surface-to-air missiles. It would extend the reach and, hence move “the line of interception” further off the Russian borderline. An important feature of the MiG-31 that set it apart from all other fighters developed during the Cold War was the ability to maintain supersonic speed for a long time. Furthermore, it came with beyond-visual-range R-33 air-to-air missiles with an advertised range of 110-120km guided by the very powerful Zaslon radar with an electronically scanned passive phased array. These features attributed the design to the fourth generation of Russian supersonic fighters. The MiG-31 took to the air for the first time in 1975 and became operational in 1981. Since then, scientific and technical progress has come a long way. Modern technologies enable so-called The MiG-31 was originally conceived as a high altitude interceptor (V Karnozov photo) super cruise, or the ability for a combat jet to fly supersonically on military power, while the Apart from low-observable aircraft, China and Russia are also MiG-31 crews have to engage afterburning for that working on new jets that place speed above stealth in a belief purpose. It is believed that the MiG-41 would not only be that they will also play an important role in future wars. able to super cruise, but also maintain this regime in a wider flight envelope. The aircraft would airframe will be made of heat resistant materials technologies and much engineering work from the loiter within an assigned area, ready to intercept with better qualities than the welded stainless steel RAC MiG’s Engineering Centre – which is how the incoming threats if called upon. Aviation experts found in the MiG-31. MiG design house is called today. The resources suggest that, on a routine mission, MiG-41s will Because of this, “the MiG-41 is not going to be needed will be enormous. stay airborne at altitudes between 12 and 45 km – just a new version of the MiG-31, but a brand-new There are some indications that the program is somewhere just under the troposphere. airplane designed from scratch”. It would have already running slower than initially expected. On The PAK DP program would bring about a next a greater degree of automation and, possibly, January 25, the RIA Novosti news agency reported, logical step in the evolution of the MiG products. provide a platform for an unmanned version. quoting an unnamed source in Rostec: Established in 1940, the company is a famous Two years later, he gave the following explanation “The project of the prospective aviation complex “fighter house”, to such an extent that the term as to why Russia should invest in the effort: for long-range interception, which proceeds under “MiG” is often used as a synonym for a "Russian “We believe that such an airplane is a must- reference designation MiG-41, is now at the phase fighter”. Technically, all company designs fall into have for our country. It would represent a leap in of development”. two big categories. The largest ones are so-called strengthening our defence posture, and the ability This means that the effort took five years to cover “frontline fighters”. of the nation to protect our vast borderline. In the path from initial research and concept studies These can be described as highly manoeuvrable this context, people often speak of the Arctic and to the development phase, whereas initially this (agile) tactical aircraft primary intended for the Far East, but it is not only that. We work on a was expected to take three years. dogfighting. Models falling into this category come comprehensive “global defence” system to protect The need for Russia to have a next-gen interceptor with digital indexes 1, 3, 9, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 29 Russia’s territory. We do so in a belief that the PAK is explained by the ongoing programs in the West and 35. Also, there is the MiG-27, a dedicated DP will supersede the MiG-31 and replace it when on advanced offensive systems including next-gen ground strike aircraft on the MiG-23 platform. the latter’s lifetime resources expire. The aircraft strike aircraft armed with cruise missiles. Their The MiG-41 has little to do with the frontline will be able to carry new types of air-launched evolution continues chiefly in the direction of more fighters and is in the second category. The latter is weapons and to make use of new technologies stealth and longer ranges to conduct launches made up of high-speed, high-altitude interceptors including those to do with stealth. It will be able to well out of the reach of Russian and Chinese air armed with beyond-visual range missiles. With carry a required number of weapons and intercept defence systems. gross weights at 41 and 47 tonnes respectively, targets at very long ranges”. Also, at the end of his presidency, Donald the MiG-25 and MiG-31 are much heavier than Surely, these design targets require advanced Trump made statements on the U.S. developing an the members of the larger group, and therefore

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not good at dogfighting. Instead, they rely on long- aircraft attributed to the fourth generation. First strike group able to provide effective protection of range guided missiles and the sensor suite to guide flown in 1975 and operational since 1981, it does Russian shores from an attack from the sea. them. not have a recce version. Instead, the developers The core capability is to be formed by Tupolev To attain high speeds, the traditional construction focused solely on interception of high value targets supersonic bombers, while the MiG-31K would materials - most notably aluminium alloys - give way such as strategic bombers and cruise missiles serve as a kind of regional supplement in such to others more heat resistant. The MiG-25 and flying both high and low. areas as the Black Sea, Extreme North and the MiG-31 airframes are made primarily of steel (50%) The Sokol ceased series production in 1994. Far East. The high kinetics of the MiG interceptors and titanium (16%). Thus, they can sustain higher Recently, the Russian defence ministry ordered make possible their employment as airborne launch temperatures arising from so called “aerodynamic the modernisation of 114 MiG-31s into the BM platforms not only for anti-ship and land-strike heating”. version. This features improved avionics and an missiles, but also anti-satellite weapons. Following These interceptors can accelerate to and extended weapons arsenal to turn the interceptor successful launches of the ASAT from an F-15A maintain Mach 2.83, and, for a short period of time, into a multirole fighter able to destroy both aerial Eagle in the U.S., Russia tested its analogue, the can accelerate to over Mach 3. By comparison, the and ground targets. The ongoing modernisation Kontakt, from a modified MiG-31. Even though the classic fighters made of aluminium make do with effort also calls for lifetime extension measuring tests went well, none of these systems became top speeds between Mach 1.6 and 2.4. in several thousand extra flight hours, and an operational. Historically, all fast and high flying MiGs came out of the Sokol Plant in Nizhny Novgorod, part of RAC MiG, which itself reports to United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). This factory has completed about 1,700 steel framed aircraft. The line opened with the MiG-25 (NATO codename Foxbed) developed to intercept such high-speed targets as the Lockheed A-12 and SR-71 reconnaissance jets, Convair B-58 Hustler bomber and North American A-5 Vigilante carrier-borne attack aircraft. Later, corrections to an initial design were made to enable it to counter the North American B-70 Valkyrie- even though the latter never saw operational service. For its time, the MiG-25 was a very advanced aircraft. In the guise of the E-266M experimental aircraft, it set 39 world records officially registered with FAI, Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. These include the world’s absolute record for altitude, at 37,650 meters, set in August 1977 by the company’s senior test pilot Alexander Fedotov. On another occasion, he accelerated to nearly A pair of MiG-31s (V Karnozov photo) 3,000 km/h. Out of a thousand MiG-25s, assembled from additional ten years of calendar service. According Kazakhstan, the only foreign country to operate 1967 through to 1984, few remain in service. to UAC president Yuri Slyusar, the whole of the a MiG-31 fleet outside Russia, once offered a The Russian Air Force retired the type in 2013. MiG-31 fleet will be upgraded before 2023. commercial application of the Kontakt. Renamed Incidentally, the last to quit service was the RB Apart from the BM version, a number of aircraft the Ishim, the missile would serve as an air-launched armed reconnaissance version. In the Asia-Pacific, are undergoing a refit to the MiG-31K standard. space rocket to place 120-160 kg satellites into only India operated the MiG-25R. It won fame by These serve as launching platforms for the Kh-47 300-600 km orbit. On several occasions, scale shaking Pakistan with sonic booms when overflying Kinzhal hypersonic missile following an “aero- models of the Ishim system went on display at the the neighbouring country in times of tension. ballistic” trajectory. Here, the airplane acts as a Singapore Air Show. Should the PAK DP project MiG-25P interceptors were exported to a number booster, to accelerate the weapon to a certain bear fruit, the resulting airplane’s kinetics would of Arab countries and took part in several wars. speed when its own power plant becomes effective. be far greater than that of the predecessor, thus The last time they were used in anger was during Serial MiG-31s did not come with a central under- enabling some space launch applications. the Syrian civil war. Today, only the Algerian air fuselage hard point. Therefore, the conversion of a In conclusion, it is important to stress that stealth force keeps them in service. Syria and Algeria have dedicated interceptor into a launching platform for is not the only way for a modern combat aviation to reportedly asked for a suitable replacement, but so a heavy and bulky anti-ship missile requires much go. Sometimes, speed seems more operationally far Russia has not obliged. work on beefing up the airplane’s load-bearing important. There are some people in Moscow and Next after the MiG-25 to be produced at the structure. The need for it arises from the Kremlin’s Beijing who believe that, with speed, they will open Sokol was the MiG-31, Russia’s first supersonic desire to expedite the formation of an aviation new horizons.

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NEW ZEALAND

GEOFF SLOCOMBE // NEW ZEALAND NEWS FROM ACROSS THE TASMAN

CDF ISSUES DEFENCE FORCE to the lunar surface. It will feature living quarters for launch opportunities every year to deliver unmatched ORDER ON CIVILIAN CASUALTIES astronauts, a lab for science and research and ports flexibility for rapid, responsive launch to support Claims that NZSAS soldiers deployed to Afghanistan for visiting spacecraft. a resilient space architecture. Operating two were involved in deliberate shooting of civilians CAPSTONE will also test a navigation system that launch complexes in diverse geographic locations subsequently led to the important Operation Burnham will measure its position relative to NASA's Lunar provides an unrivalled level of redundancy and Network and connect with key military, industry and Inquiry which established there was no basis in fact Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) without relying on assures access to space regardless of disruption for these allegations. However, a weakness was ground stations. to any one launch site. government decision makers at the premier land forces found in the way the NZDF investigated and reported CAPSTONE is one of the first steps to learn how “Responsive launch is the key to resilience in space exposition for Australia and the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. on civilian casualties during its operations. to operate more robust missions in this orbit - it's and this is what Launch Complex 2 enables,” said Last November the CDF issued a first version of his laying the groundwork for future exploration of our Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and Chief Executive. LAND FORCES will highlight defence capability and showcase Defence Force Order (DFO) on Civilian Casualties solar system. “All satellites are vulnerable, be it from accidental platforms, equipment, support and technologies. which was subsequently upgraded by a revised or deliberate actions. By operating a proven launch l Military, government and industry conferences and briengs version promulgated at the start of 2021. ROCKET LAB HAS LAUNCH vehicle from two launch sites on opposite sides of the The current DFO outlines the principles and COMPLEX-2 READY FOR FIRST world, Rocket Lab delivers unmatched flexibility and l International defence, government, industry and academic practices to be followed when civilian casualties ELECTRON MISSION FROM U.S. SOIL responsiveness for the defense and national security delegations are detected and which were suspected to have Rocket Lab, founded by Kiwi engineer Peter Beck, community to quickly replace any disabled satellite. l arisen from NZDF operations. It establishes the has successfully completed a wet dress rehearsal of We’re immensely proud to be delivering reliable and Comprehensive industry exhibition chain of command responsibilities, investigation the Electron vehicle at Rocket Lab Launch Complex flexible launch capability to the U.S. Space Force and Don’t miss this opportunity to network and connect with key processes and procedures, and recommendations 2 (LC-2) at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in the wider defense community as space becomes an thought leaders through this established, world-class to the responsible officer. It also sets in place Wallops Island, Virginia. With this major milestone increasingly contested domain.” instructions on whether to provide affected civilians complete, the Electron launch vehicle, launch team, While the launch team was carrying out their wet exposition. with immediate gratuities as a way of limiting the and the LC-2 pad systems are now ready for Rocket dress rehearsal, construction was nearing completion fallout from NZDF’s actions. Lab’s first launch from U.S. soil. The mission is a on the Rocket Lab Integration and Control Facility Open and transparent reporting and conclusions dedicated launch for the United States Space Force (ICF) within the Wallops Research Park, adjacent 2018 HIGHLIGHTS following an alleged incident and an annual report will in partnership with the Department of Defense’s to NASA Wallops Flight Facility Main Base. The reassure the public in New Zealand and any overseas Space Test Program and the Space and Missile ICF houses a launch control centre, state-of-the-art 15,331 624 328 countries involved that the NZDF is working to the Systems Center’s Small Launch and Targets Division. payload integration facilities, and a vehicle integration Total attendances Companies from 26 countries Australian small businesses highest possible standards of accountability. The dress rehearsal was a crucial final exercise department that enables the processing of multiple conducted by the launch team to ensure all systems Electron vehicles to support multiple launches in 31 74 21 MISSION TO THE MOON and procedures are working perfectly ahead of rapid succession. International Service Chiefs Delegations from 36 countries Conferences and symposia Rocket Lab is supporting NASA's mission to return launch day. The Electron launch vehicle was rolled humans to the Moon out to the pad, raised vertical and filled with high AUSTRALIAN-MADE SMALL In 2021 Rocket Lab will launch a CubeSat into grade kerosene and liquid oxygen to verify fueling SATELLITES LAUNCHED FROM NEW lunar orbit for NASA. This historic pathfinding mission procedures. The launch team then flowed through the ZEALAND Platforms - Equipment - Support - Technologies supports NASA’s Artemis program which will land the integrated countdown to T-0 to carry out the same Adelaide company Fleet Space Technologies (FST) first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024. operations they will undertake on launch day. are building and plan to operate constellations of small www.landforces.com.au Using their Electron rocket and Photon Lunar Before a launch window can be set, NASA is satellites equipped with advanced communications BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE, AUSTRALIA spacecraft, Rocket Lab will launch NASA’s Cislunar conducting the final development and certification payloads to deliver multi-network wireless I o T Autonomous Positioning System Technology of its Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS) connectivity. For further information contact the LAND FORCES Sales Team: Operations and Navigation Experiment (CAPSTONE) software for the mission. This flight will be the In the very first commercial Rideshare launch in PO Box 4095 Geelong, Victoria 3220 Australia T: + 61 (0) 3 5282 0500 E: [email protected] CubeSat to a unique lunar orbit. first time an AFTS has flown from the Mid-Atlantic November 2018 from Rocket Lab’s Mahia Peninsula CAPSTONE’s primary objective is to test and Regional Spaceport and represents a valuable new Launch Complex-1 (LC-1) , FST and Australia’s first verify the calculated orbital stability of a near capability for the spaceport. four commercial nano-satellites, Proxima 1 &2 and rectilinear halo orbit around the Moon, the same LC-2 supplements Rocket Lab’s existing site, Centauri 1 & 2 were launched into low Earth orbit. Two orbit planned for the Lunar Gateway. The Gateway LC-1 in New Zealand, from which 20 Electron further nano-satellites for FST and another Adelaide is a planned small space station that will orbit missions have already launched. The two launch company Myriota are scheduled for mid-March launch around the Moon to provide astronauts with access complexes combined can support more than 130 by Rocket Lab from LC-1. Official Logistics Provider

48 Asia Pacific De ence Reporter MAR 2021 LF2021 APDR 21 Jan.qxp_Layout 1 21/1/21 3:51 pm000 Page 1

Network and connect with key military, industry and government decision makers at the premier land forces exposition for Australia and the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. LAND FORCES will highlight defence capability and showcase platforms, equipment, support and technologies. l Military, government and industry conferences and briengs l International defence, government, industry and academic delegations l Comprehensive industry exhibition Don’t miss this opportunity to network and connect with key thought leaders through this established, world-class exposition.

2018 HIGHLIGHTS 15,331 624 328 Total attendances Companies from 26 countries Australian small businesses 31 74 21 International Service Chiefs Delegations from 36 countries Conferences and symposia Platforms - Equipment - Support - Technologies www.landforces.com.au BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE, AUSTRALIA For further information contact the LAND FORCES Sales Team: PO Box 4095 Geelong, Victoria 3220 Australia T: + 61 (0) 3 5282 0500 E: [email protected]

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