Welcome to Issue #14 of DI Direct!
I've just returned from the Middle East where I spent time with Australian troops, and met key leaders in Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates. My message to Australia’s troops is that your work is vitally important to Australia’s national security interests and you are achieving so much despite the massive challenges you face.
Read more below to see what else has been happening in Defence and Australia's Defence Industry.
Don't hesitate to contact me should my office be able to assist.
Hon Christopher Pyne MP
Minister for Defence
Leader of the House
Federal Member for Sturt
Travel to the Middle East
I travelled to the Middle East on 26-27 September where I spent time with Australian troops, and met key leaders in Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates.
During the visit to Kabul I thanked ADF personnel deployed on Operation HIGHROAD, Australia’s contribution to NATO’s Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.
It was important and valuable to have the opportunity to meet our servicemen and women on operations and hear first-hand about their experiences, challenges and achievements.
Australia – France Defence Ministerial Meeting
It was great to host Minister for the French Armed Forces Madame Florence Parly for the inaugural Australia – France Defence Ministerial meeting, which focused on shared security interests and challenges.
SCINDICATE2018
DST held its flagship partnership event on 29-30 August 2018 in Melbourne with a new brand name - SCINDICATE 2018.
The name SCINDICATE abbreviates Science (Sc) and Industry (Ind) and is pronounced syndicate, meaning a group of individuals or organisations combined to promote a common interest; in other words, partnership and collaboration.
More than 650 people attended over the two days of the event.
Land Forces 2018
Adelaide hosted International industry exposition LAND FORCES 2018 at the Adelaide Convention Centre showcasing equipment, technology and services for the armies of Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
On the road: New trucks for the ADF
The Australian Defence Force’s land capabilities will be further enhanced with the purchase of 1044 additional new-generation medium and heavy trucks, 872 modules and 812 trailers, worth $1.4 billion.
These modern trucks will be used for a broad range of military contingencies, from resupplying combat operations to supporting the ADF’s assistance to Australian and regional communities after natural disasters such as floods, fires and cyclones.
AWD Brisbane Handover
In a moving ceremony, Navy’s second Air Warfare Destroyer, Brisbane, was officially handed over to Defence.
Brisbane is the second of three ships being delivered by the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance which comprises the Department of Defence, Raytheon Australia, and ASC Shipbuilding supported by Navantia Australia.
