Amid all the talk of an early election and leaks on subs there was US Pacific Air Force Commander General Lori Robinson talking about freedom of navigation (we should all be doing it apparently) and long range strike bombers rotating through Australia. The bomber sensation was hardly new and the General had certainly mentioned it back in November last year, but of course the recent release of the White Paper has ruffled some feathers in the Asia Pacific.

The Navy's future Air Warfare Destroyer weapon SM-6 has proven its tri-capability and will now also kill surface targets. With remotely piloted aircraft set to be flying in Australian skies in the very near future, the recent AAUS conference in Canberra has proven very timely.

Another weapon likely to be in store for Australia – MQ-9 Reaper – has been modified with longer wings and spoilers to improve endurance from 27 to 40 hours. And the Israelis have strengthened their missile and rocket defence capability significantly with the arrival of David's Sling.

ADM also takes this opportunity to acknowledge the fine disaster relief work presently being carried out by ADF personnel in cyclone-stricken Fiji,

Patrick Durrant

Online Editor

M: 0400 210 269
Ph: 02 9213 8249
E: patrickdurrant@yaffa.com.au

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