This week sees milestones in two major projects. The 'launch' of NUSHIP Hobart, the first of three Air Warfare Destroyers for Navy and the declaration of Final Operational Capability (FOC) for the Wedgetail airborne early warning and control platform.
Despite a troubled gestation, especially at the margins of radar performance, Wedgetail is now a world-class capability and a tribute to the hard work and commitment by the Commonwealth and industry. The AWD program however is also in the the news for the wrong reasons again this week, with a government audit revealing the cost has now reached $3 billion per ship.
In other news this week BAE Systems has delivered more AWD hull blocks, Rheinmetall Defence Australia has opened a new hub and appointed Andrew Fletcher as its managing director and our South Australian contributor Philip Smart continues his series of stories into the defence workings of other countries. This week his focus is on Taiwan.
If you have trouble accessing ADM Premium or have forgotten your login details, contact Martin Phillpott, e. martinphillpott@yaffa.com.au
tel. 1800 807 760
Cheers,
Nigel Pittaway
Deputy Editor ADM
E. nigelpittaway@yaffa.com.au
M. 0418 596 131
AWD Hobart launched in Adelaide
Australia’s first Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer entered the water on Saturday, with a launch event in Adelaide. more»
Wedgetail achieves FOC Milestone
The Final Operational Capability (FOC) milestone for the RAAFs Boeing E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft was marked in a ceremony at Defence Establishment Fairbairn on May 26. more»
More AWD hull blocks delivered
BAE Systems announced on May 26 that it had delivered a further two Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) hull blocks to Osborne in South Australia. more»
Rheinmetall Defence launches Australian hub
Rheinmetall AG announced the appointment of Andrew Fletcher as Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia on May 26. more»
Australian schools to get STEM boost
Adelaide science teacher Kylie Turton is part of a growing band of educators across Australia determined to boost participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by working with industry to show high school students exactly where such subjects can lead. more»
Aquaterro, APT Engineering to support Theon Sensors products for local market
Theon Sensors announced on May 25 that it has entered into a co-operative agreement with Aquaterro and APT Engineering to support its products in Australia. The agreement will later extend to the Pacific Rim region more»
How Taiwan does defence
Formerly known as Formosa, and now officially called the Republic of China, what we know as Taiwan has trodden a fine line between independence and forced absorption in to its massive neighbour, the Peoples Republic of China, since its creation in 1949. more»
Williams Foundation dinner with Chief of Air Force
The Williams Foundation is holding a special dinner with Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO at the National Gallery Canberra on June 10. more»
Defence Week Premium 350 PDF version
The full version of Defence Week Premium no. 350 of 28 May 2015 can be downloaded here as a PDF. A separate PDF of the latest Defence tenders can also be downloaded here. more»