Australia Deploys Wedgetail to the Middle East as Iran Drone Threat Grows

Australia has announced the deployment of a Boeing E-7A Wedgetail to the Middle East in a move aimed at strengthening regional defenses against Iranian drones and missile threats.

The deployment marks a significant contribution by Australia to the growing international effort to protect airspace and critical infrastructure across the Gulf region as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.

While Canberra has stressed that the mission is strictly defensive, the capabilities being deployed are strategically important.

Early Warning Against Drones and Missiles

The Wedgetail is one of the most advanced airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms currently in service. Built on the Boeing 737 airframe, the aircraft carries a powerful active electronically scanned array radar capable of detecting aircraft, cruise missiles and drones at long distances.

In the current operational environment, where Iranian drone swarms and missile launches have become a central feature of the conflict, early detection is critical.

By providing real-time situational awareness, the Wedgetail allows allied aircraft and ground-based air defense systems to respond more quickly to incoming threats.

In practical terms, the aircraft acts as an airborne command center, coordinating fighters, air defenses and surveillance assets across the theater.

Additional Support: AIM-120 Missiles

Alongside the Wedgetail deployment, Australia will also supply AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.

These missiles, manufactured by Raytheon, are widely used by Western fighter aircraft and represent one of the most important beyond-visual-range air combat weapons currently in service.

The AIM-120 is designed to intercept, hostile aircraft, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Providing these missiles effectively strengthens the defensive capabilities of allied air forces operating in the region.

Growing International Involvement

The Australian government has been careful to emphasize that it is not participating in offensive operations against Iran.

However, the deployment of a high-value asset such as the Wedgetail demonstrates how seriously Western partners view the evolving drone and missile threat across the Middle East.

The aircraft’s ability to integrate sensor data and coordinate intercepts makes it particularly valuable in a battlespace increasingly shaped by long-range missiles and low-cost unmanned systems.

Australia’s decision also reflects the broader internationalization of the crisis.

Several countries have increased military deployments to the region in recent weeks, contributing air defense systems, surveillance platforms and naval forces aimed at protecting regional stability and key energy routes.

Within this framework, the Wedgetail’s mission is clear: detect threats early, coordinate defensive responses, and prevent escalation caused by surprise attacks.

In a conflict where drones and missiles can travel hundreds of kilometers in minutes, the ability to see the threat first may prove decisive.

Australia's NH90 Helicopters Meet Their End: Buried and Forgotten

Recently, the Australian Army has been getting rid of its old NHIndustries NH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopters by wrecking and burying them. Now, Ukraine has asked for whatever is left of these helicopters.

Reports that the Australian Army was deliberately scrapping its troublesome NH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopters have been confirmed.

Imagery and video have of at least six of the already wrecked-beyond-recovery NH-90 airframes, which have been stripped, before being dumped at an Australian Army compound at Royal Australian Air Force base Amberley, Queensland.

The disposal of the airframes has been further confirmed by the Australian Department of Defense, responding to media information requests with a standardized statement, “Defense is working with Airbus Australia Pacific and NATO Helicopter Industries (...)to harvest key spares from the MRH-90 (...) fleet for use of other NH-90 operators. (...)”

Deliberately destroying a billion-dollar aircraft fleet is not a standard operational procedure for the Australian Defense Force, although there is a precedent. The Australian military traditionally places retired aircraft, like its recently withdrawn from service F/A-18A/B+ Hornet and older C-130H Hercules fleet, in contractor-maintained preservation storage until approved buyers can be found through the Australian Defense Force Export Office, Australia’s equivalent of the U.S. State Department’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency. 

The relatively new NH-90 TTH, the Australian Defense Force has taken a much more radical approach.  The MRH-90 fleet was immediately grounded after a tragic accident in Queensland, and a decision to replace them with Black Hawk helicopters was made. The  disposal strategy for the MRH-90s, started inmediatly by contacting other users of the helicopter to see if anyone was interested in buying the airframes. No interest was shown, and negotiations began with Airbus to see if there were any potential new customers interested in buying the airframes, without any success. As a result, the Ministry of Defense made the decision to initiate the disposal process, aiming for the best value for money for taxpayers, which involved disassembling and selling the spare parts.

Cannibalization and disposal of the Australian Army’s NH-90 fleet had been conducted covertly since October, with almost no public discussion until the Ukrainian government made a formal request.

Australian government formally rejected its request for the helicopters on January 16 after enduring another embarrassing social media battle with Ukraine’s online supporters. 

The decision to reject Ukraine's request was based on the fact that it would require significant taxpayers' money and time to get those aircraft back into flying conditions, and the crash investigations are still ongoing to determine the cause of the tragic accident in Queensland. It would be irresponsible to proceed with this transfer.

The Australia’s demolition of its NH-90 TTH fleet had progressed too far to even consider the option of donation to Ukraine’s war effort.

Reports that Australia has given its close Anzac partner the Royal New Zealand Air Force some of the salvaged NH-90 components to support its small fleet of nine NH-90 TTHs may well prove true, Australia and New Zealand have a long history of military cooperation, spanning over 120 years. However, neither country has confirmed any transfer of NH-90-related systems or materials.

The Australian Defense Force decided to dismantle and destroy its NH-90 TTH fleet after a series of incidents, including a fatal accident that claimed the lives of four aircrew members during a joint exercise with the U.S. Army in July 2023. Only one out of the 44 flyable NH-90s has been sold, while the remaining 43, along with two non-airworthy airframes, are being cannibalized and destroyed. The exact number already dismantled is undisclosed, but the destruction process is ongoing, as confirmed by Minister of Defense Industry Pat Conroy.

Last year, at least six of the 40 former Australian Army NH-90s were destroyed before contractors, previously tasked with maintaining the fleet, were laid off on December 31. The wreckage was transported from Airbus Australia Pacific's facility at Brisbane Airport to RAAF Amberley, where the stripped airframes were dumped at a military facility. Additional NH-90 airframes designated for destruction were stored at three other locations: some at the Australian Army Aviation's 6th Aviation Regiment headquarters, others at the Army School of Aviation, and the rest at the Maintenance Storage and Transition facility at RAAF Townsville.

The entire Australian Army NH-90 fleet is being gradually transported to final locations for stripping and destruction because a permanent flight ban prevents them from being flown directly to disposal sites like Airbus Australia Pacific. The decision to scrap the fleet was made by the government before the fleet was permanently grounded on September 29, 2023, by Australian Minister of Defense Richard Marles. The exact value of the helicopters being scrapped is hard to determine, but the initial acquisition program, Project Air 9000, was budgeted at $3.5 billion Australian dollars. Additional funds were spent on maintenance and attempts to fix technical issues after the helicopters entered service in November 2007.

Recent reports from the aviation industry estimate that each relatively low-hour NH-90 airframe is worth around $13.5 million USD on the international market, reflecting the helicopter's troubled operational history and numerous groundings.

Only one airframe, A40-047, will survive the fleet's destruction. It was part of a settlement between the Australian Government and NHIndustries due to design and reliability issues experienced during the NH-90's introduction into service. This airframe, with only around 500 flight hours, has been sold back to NHIndustries in Europe for use in their training and testing fleet.

Three other Australian NH-90s were lost or damaged beyond repair during their service: A40-014 during bushfire response operations in 2020, A40-025 after an engine failure during training exercises in 2023, and A40-040 in a fatal crash in 2023 during Exercise Talisman Sabre, resulting in the deaths of four aircrew members.

The Australian Defense Force's frustration with the NH-90, stemming from years of low availability, frequent groundings, cost overruns, and technical issues, led to the decision to replace the helicopters with new UH-60M Black Hawks by December 2024. Design shortcomings, including issues with floors and cargo bay doors, further hindered the NH-90's combat readiness.

The Australian Department of Defense is salvaging important parts from the NH-90 fleet before destroying them, as some subsystems are in high demand. This task requires careful oversight to maintain relevant certification documentation while salvaging parts.

The decision to dispose of the stripped NH-90 airframes, reportedly by burial at a secure site, aims to reduce the risk of environmental contamination from the carbon composite airframes, which can release highly toxic particles if left to decay or burned.

The disposal of the Australian Army's NH-90 fleet comes after the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm, which operated six NH-90s, abandoned the type in April 2022. They opted for more MH-60R Romeos after the NH-90 failed to meet critical requirements despite seven years of effort.

The Australian Defense Force is not alone in seeking to divest itself of the problematic NH-90 helicopter. The Norwegian, Belgian, and Swedish militaries are also replacing all or part of their NH-90 fleets.

While unusual, Australia has prior experience burying decommissioned combat equipment, such as the F-111C and F-111G airframes retired from RAAF service in 2010. This was done to uphold a 1960s agreement with the U.S. government, preventing transfer of the nuclear-capable aircraft to third nations.

However, disposing of the NH-90 helicopters hasn't resolved the Australian Army's helicopter challenges. Delays in introducing the replacement fleet of 40 UH-60M Black Hawks mean reliance on 14 CH-47F Chinooks and a few leased AW139 helicopters.

Currently, the Army's five operational helicopter squadrons are down to one CH-47F Chinook unit and a small fleet of AW139s based in Townsville.

Three new UH-60M Black Hawks have arrived in Sydney and are undergoing validation and verification to ensure they meet Special Operations Aviation Support requirements.

By mid-2025, Australian Army Aviation plans to have three aviation regiments and a comprehensive Army School of Aviation. This includes transitioning the 1st Aviation Regiment to RAAF Townsville and establishing the 5th Aviation Regiment at Swartz Barracks in Oakey. The 6th Aviation Regiment will operate from Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney.

In three years, the Australian Defense Force will operate an all-American helicopter fleet, including Apaches, Black Hawks, Chinooks, and Seahawks.

Australia has revealed the true reasons why it will not donate its MRH-90 helicopters to Ukraine.

On September 2023, Australia decided to dismantle and bury its fleet of MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, which are now permanently grounded. The decision has sparked criticism of the Defense Department's secrecy, and the article highlights the rare breaking of ranks by a recently retired two-star general in the Australian defense establishment.

On December 21, the editor of the Asia Pacific Defence Reporter ran a story about the disposal of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters and Ukraine's apparent request for them. Despite the news, the Australian government remained silent, not publicly disclosing that the decision to dismantle the helicopters had been made months earlier.

The Defense Minister for Procurement, Pat Conroy, revealed that Ukraine had made an official request for the helicopters in December. However, the Australian government had already decided in September of the previous year to permanently ground the Airbus helicopter fleet and replace them with American-made Black Hawks. The government contacted Airbus to explore potential buyers for the MRH-90 Taipan airframes but found zero interest.

Conroy explained that the decision to disassemble the helicopters and sell spare parts was deemed the best value for taxpayers, as maintaining the aircraft in flying condition would have cost hundreds of millions of dollars with no prospect of them flying again for the Australian Army.

Australia joins Norway and Sweden as the most recent national customers to scrap the use of these helicopters due to low availability rates and high maintenance costs. The decision has been criticized for lack of transparency, with a retired two-star general stating that the government is wasting an asset that other users seem to be employing as designed.

Senator Pauline Hanson's supports for donating some of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters to Ukraine to improve the country's ability to medically evacuate soldiers from battlegrounds. However, few legislators have come forward to support this idea, and concerns have been raised about leaving Australia short of assets for flood and fire assistance or responding to military emergencies with the disposal of the Taipans before the full arrival of the Black Hawk fleet.

Ukraine urges Australia to transfer its retired MRH-90 helicopters instead of scrapping them

Ukrainian military officials are increasing pressure on the Australian government, urging a reconsideration of its decision to decommission the retired MRH-90 'Taipan' helicopters instead of dispatching them to Ukraine for wartime use. The controversy revolves around the fate of 45 MRH-90s, which were grounded following a fatal crash in July 2023 and are scheduled for disassembly and burial.

In December, Ukraine, grappling with Russian air superiority, officially requested the Australian MRH-90 Taipans, asserting their critical role in fortifying their defense. The Australian government, however, remains steadfast in its position, citing safety concerns.

Critics are questioning the Australian government's rationale, asserting the complete air superiority of the Russian Federation over Ukraine. They argue that the 45 Taipan helicopters could significantly contribute to the Ukrainian front line, aiding in the fight for freedom and democracy.

Some reports supporting the Ukrainian cause suggest that safety issues with the MRH-90 'Taipans' may not be as severe as initially depicted. Investigations into the incidents leading to the MRH-90 retirement revealed connections with other incidents, raising questions about whether concerns are solely safety-related or influenced by other factors.

Despite the controversy, the Australian government maintains its commitment to supporting Ukraine through alternative means. Australia stands as one of the largest non-NATO contributors to the war effort in Ukraine, contributing approximately 910 million AUSD and deploying 370 troops for training purposes.

The controversy is expected to persist as the Ukrainian community intensifies its campaign. Through a rally in Sydney on January 14, they aim to sway public opinion and exert pressure on the government to reconsider. Ultimately, the decision lies with the Australian government, which must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of sending the Taipans against its commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russia.

NEWS 2022 March, 15

Spanish Navy acquires 8 MH-60R, 32 Hellfire Missiles

The State Department has made a determination approving a possibl Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Spain of MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters with Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $950 million. The deal includes; twenty (20) T-700-GE-401C engines (16 installed, 4 spares); thirty-two (32) AGM-114R(N) Hellfire missiles, all up rounds; two (2) Hellfire II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); one hundred (100) WGU-59/B Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II Guidance Sections, all up rounds; and more equipment.

dsca

Turkey’s Future Unmanned Fighter “MIUS” On Final Assembly Line

Baykar revealed the latest photos of MIUS (Muharip Insansiz Ucak Sistemi – Unmanned Combat Aircraft System), Turkey's future unmanned jet aircraft, on the final assembly line.

MIUS could fly combat missions from the Turkish Navy's TCG Anadolu LHD / drone carrier.

Baykar unveiled the MIUS project on June 2021. The announcement came along with several surprising renderings showing the future Turkish TCG Anadolu helicopter landing dock. This was an unexpected development, as Baykar is reportedly working on the TB3 Bayraktar UCAV to be deployed aboard TCG Anadolu, and MIUS will be a second option for aircraft operations.

navalnews 

AUSTRALIA RECEIVED FIRST F-35 DELIVERIES OF 2022, FLEET RISES TO 48

The Royal Australian Air Force has confirmed its receipt of four additional F-35A Lightning II aircraft, taking the total size of the fleet to 48.

The jets, which touched down in RAAF Base Williamtown late last month, travelled from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam following Exercise Cope North 22.

The jets were accepted by No. 77 Squadron of No. 81 Wing

The arrival of the four additional F-35 jets came amid concern over the fleet’s operational capacity.

Budget estimates documents filed by the Department of Defence revealed the expected flying hours of the aircraft have been revised down over the next four years.

Flying hours have been cut by 25 per cent in the 2021-22 financial year (FY22) and are set to be reduced by 17 per cent in FY23, 14 per cent in FY24, and 13 per cent in FY25.

australianaviation

Russian drone ‘entered Poland's airspace’

A Russian drone flew over Poland before entering Ukrainian air space where it was shot down, Ukraine’s military claimed last night.

In a statement the Ukrainian air force command said that the drone flew into Nato airspace, accusing Moscow of a “provocation”.

The drone first circled over the site in Yavoriv, western Ukraine, which was hit by a salvo of cruise missiles on Sunday, in an apparent attempt to assess the result, it said.

It then delved into Poland before returning to Ukrainian air space, where it was shoot down by Ukrainian defenses

thetimes

Australian Tigers operate overseas for first time

Australia has deployed its Airbus Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) overseas for the first time, with a detachment participating in joint training exercises with Malaysia.
Four Australian Army Tiger ARHs were airlifted to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) air base at Subang on a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III strategic airlifter on 21 April, before embarking for training exercises aboard the HMAS Canberra landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ship.
Australia operates 22 Tiger ARH helicopters, with deliveries running from December 2004 through to December 2011. The ARH is a hybrid variant of the Tiger that is based on the French HAP (Hélicoptère d'Appui et de Protection), with an undernose Giat 30-781 30 mm cannon, roof-mounted sight, and provision for underwing 70 mm rocket pods, but with added anti-tank capability.
Apart from being the first overseas deployment of the Tiger, the exercises aboard HMAS Canberra mark a major milestone for the helicopter given that until very recently Australian auditors were recommending that it not be operated aboard ships due to performance limitations.
Gareth Jennings- Jane's 360

Australia to obtain four G550s equipped for EW mission

Canberra will obtain four modified Gulfstream G550 business jets that will be modified for the electronic warfare (EW) mission in the USA.
The aircraft will be designated the MC-55A Peregrine.
"The Peregrine is a new airborne electronic warfare capability that will be integrated into Defence's joint warfighting networks, providing a critical link between platforms, including the [Lockheed Martin] F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, [Boeing] E-7A Wedgetail, EA-18G Growler, Navy’s surface combatants and amphibious assault ships and ground assets to support the warfighter,” says defence minister.
flightglobal

Australia’s first Hobart-class destroyer completes weapons, systems evaluation

Australia's first-of-class air warfare destroyer HMAS Hobart has successfully demonstrated its ability to conduct co-operative fleet-area air defence operations.
The trials validate the Royal Australian Navy's capacity to interoperate with the US Navy in high-intensity combat operations
The trials, which included a variety of combat scenarios including evasive manoeuvres against anti-ship missiles, fighter aircraft, and surface combatants, were completed in late-2018 at an undisclosed location off the US West Coast.
In November 2018, Hobart also demonstrated its ability to establish secure data links with the USN's Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS John Finn.
Australia's Hobart class is derived from the Spanish Navy's (Armada Española's) Alvaro de Bazan-class frigate.
Ridzwan Rahmat - janes

Australia's First F-35A JSF Heads for RAAF Amberley

The F35s have been a while coming and not without plenty of controversy. Now this week the first two RAAF F35s are headed for their new home in Australia.
Australia is eventually getting 72 F35s over the next five years and at $125 million each, Australia gets what is considered the most lethal warplane ever built.
www.9news.com.au

U.S. Military, And Operators Worlwide Ground Their F-35s To Look For Faulty Fuel Tubes

The U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy have all stopped flying their F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, as have international operators, in order to inspect and potentially replace faulty fuel tubes common to all three variants of the aircraft, a process that should thankfully only last one or two days. Investigators looking into the cause or causes of a Marine F-35B crash in September 2018 uncovered the issue, which comes amid a Pentagon-mandated effort to boost the Joint Strike Fighter's availability rates and raises serious questions about increased reliance on a single family of combat jets.
The Pentagon's central F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) announced the grounding on Oct. 11, 2018. The inciting incident occurred on Sept. 28, 2018, when an F-35B from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron Five Zero One (VMFAT-501) crashed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. The pilot of that aircraft was able to safely eject, but the stealth fighter was a total loss.
thedrive

Australia grounds Joint Strike Fighter fleet after US Marine Corps F-35 in catastrophic engine failure and crash

The crash and destruction of one of America's most sophisticated and expensive combat warplanes — an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter — has led to the immediate grounding of Australia's entire fleet of the aircraft.
The Royal Australian Airforce has taken delivery of nine F-35s from US manufacturer Lockheed Martin, and all are now sitting idle at their American training base in Arizona.
Australia is the latest among global partners in the Joint Strike Fighter program to order groundings of their planes as a precaution.
n a statement, the Australian Defence Force confirmed that "the F-35 fleet has been instructed to conduct safety inspections across all delivered engines".
abc.net

Canada requests seven additional Australian Hornets

Canada has requested an additional seven surplus F/A-18 A/B Hornets from Australia.
In February, Ottawa requested seven examples for use in non-flying activities such as software testing, static training, and spares, says Australia’s Department of Defence.
The deal is subject to US export controls. If approved, it will bring to 25 the number of former RAAF Hornets sold to Ottawa. Should export approvals be received, negotiations would determine delivery timings.
In December 2017, Canberra confirmed that it will sell Ottawa 18 F/A-18 A/B Hornets for an undisclosed sum.
The first two “classic” Hornets will be delivered to Canada in 2019, at which point the Royal Australian Air Force’s transition to the Lockheed Martin F-35 will be well underway.
The Royal Canadian Air Force requires airframes to fill a capability gap during a pending process to obtain 88 new combat aircraft to replace its 85 Boeing CF-18 A/B fighters.
In February 2018, Ottawa announced that five bidders – Boeing, Dassault, Eurofighter, Lockheed Martin, and Saab – are eligible to replace the CF-18s.
Canada’s previous Harper government had selected the F-35 to replace the CF-18 fleet in 2009, but in 2015 the incoming Trudeau government cancelled this. Initially, the RCAF announced plans to buy 24 F/A-18E/Fs as an interim solution, then select a permanent CF-18 replacement in the early 2020s.
The Boeing deal fell through, however, amid Boeing’s (ultimately unsuccessful) trade complaint with the US Commerce Department against Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier over allegedly unfair pricing on a sale of CSeries aircraft to Delta Air Lines. The Canadian government reacted strongly against Boeing, cancelling the interim fighter deal.
The RAAF operates 55 single seat F/A-18As and 16 two-seat F/A-18Bs that were acquired in the 1980s. This fleet will be retired by 2022 in favour of the F-35A, of which Canberra has committed to 72 examples.
flightglobal

Australia declares IOC for P-8A ahead of schedule

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has declared initial operating capability (IOC) for the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime multimission aircraft (MMA), five months ahead of schedule.
The milestone, comes with six of the 12 aircraft currently under contract now at the type’s homebase of RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia. A further three aircraft are currently going through the approval process for a final fleet of 15.
Australia acquired the P-8A to replace the 19 Lockheed AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft that have been in service since the 1960s. The 15 P-8As will be operated in tandem with seven Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), which will be acquired once development has been completed by the manufacturer and the US Navy (USN).
Deliveries to the Australia began in November 2016, since which time 10 and 11 Squadron have been building up the P-8A’s capabilities. .
Australia's P-8A programme dates back to June 2007.
In February 2014 the Australian government announced its approval for the acquisition of eight P-8A, with a further four being announced in July 2016. The final three were committed to in the 2016 Defence White Paper but are yet to be contracted..
janes

Third RAAF F-35 makes first flight

The Royal Australian Air Force’s third F-35A Lightning II, A35-003, has completed its first flight.
Photographer Carl Richards captured these images of A35-003 taking off on its first flight, from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, on December 1.
The aircraft is due to be delivered to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona in early 2018 to be used for pilot and maintainer training, before being permanently relocated to Australia in 2020.
A35-003, known to its manufacturer Lockheed Martin as AU-3, had its RAAF markings, including its 3 Squadron tail flashes, applied in early November, the final phase of the aircraft’s production process.
australianaviation

Canada Scraps Plan To Buy 18 New Brand Superhornets, Plans To Buy 2nd Hand Hornet from Australia

Canada is scrapping a plan to buy 18 Boeing Co (BA.N) Super Hornet fighter jets amid a deepening dispute with the U.S. aerospace company, three sources familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.
Instead, the Liberal government will announce next week it intends to acquire a used fleet of older Australia F-18 jets, the same kind of plane Canada currently operates, said the sources, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the situation.
The move underlines Ottawa’s anger at a decision by Boeing to launch a trade challenge against Canadian planemaker Bombardier Inc (BBDb.TO), which the U.S. giant accuses of dumping airliners on the American market.
It also casts into question the future of Boeing’s military sales in Canada. Boeing says its commercial and defense operations in Canada support more than 17,000 Canadian jobs.
Canada and Mexico are locked into increasingly acrimonious negotiations with the United States over the NAFTA trade pact, which President Donald Trump says has not done enough to protect U.S. jobs.
reuters

Australia, Germany and Spain ground Tiger attack helicopters

Australia has joined Germany in grounding its fleet of Airbus Helicopters Tiger attack rotorcraft in the wake of a fatal crash in Mali in which two crew members were killed.
Investigations are ongoing into the late July accident involving a German army-operated example that came down in unexplained circumstances around 44nm (82km) northeast of Gao.
Berlin immediately withdrew its Tigers from service, although its four aircraft remaining in Mali – deployed as part of a multinational fight against an Islamic insurgency – will be allowed to perform missions in emergency situations, says its defence ministry.
Australia on 14 August decided to cease flying its Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters "until further information becomes available".
Spain is also thought to have suspended flights of its army's Tiger inventory, although there has been no official confirmation of the move.
Madrid’s defence ministry says: "The army will follow the technical recommendations of the manufacturer once it conducts the necessary investigations and checks to find out what could have caused the accident."
France, the other operator of the Tiger, continues to fly its helicopters in Mali, but most domestic training missions are on hold in any case because of the summer holidays.
So far, little detail has been released about the circumstances of the crash, but statements from the German defence ministry indicate that the Tiger lost its main rotor blades after entering into a sudden steep descent.
It hit the ground around 10s later, and the wreckage was consumed by a post-impact fire.
Crash investigators have recovered the helicopter’s flight-data recorders, but both are heavily damaged and may be unable to be accessed.
With Airbus Helicopters not directly participating in the accident probe, it was required, as part of its contract with the nations, to issue a notice advising that the Tiger is unsafe, without being able to offer any safety guidance. This was released shortly after the crash and updated on 10 August.
"Airbus Helicopters declares [an] UNSAFE condition for all Tiger versions. AH can neither identify the part, the failure of which would lead to the accident, nor the origin of the failure (design, manufacturing, maintenance). Consequently, AH is not in the position to propose a protective measure," says the warning.
flightglobal

US approves sale of modified G550 wiit ISR Equipment for RAAF

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for Gulfstream G550 Aircraft with Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare (AISREW) mission systems. The estimated cost is $1.3 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on June 23, 2017.
The Government of Australia requested the possible sale of up to five (5) Gulfstream G-550 aircraft modified to integrate Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare (AISREW) mission systems, Global Positioning System (GPS) capability, secure communications, aircraft defensive systems; spares, including whole life costs of airborne and ground segments; aircraft modification and integration; ground systems for data processing and crew training; ground support equipment; publications and technical data; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; flight test and certification; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated program cost is $1.3 billion.
dsca

USAF DEPLOYS 12 F-22 RAPTORS TO AUSTRALIA

At the direction of Adm. Harry Harris Jr., U.S. Pacific Command commander, Pacific Air Forces will send 12 F-22 Raptor aircraft and approximately 190 Airmen to Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal in early February to conduct combined exercises and training missions with the Royal Australian Air Forces as part of the Enhanced Air Cooperation Initiative under the Force Posture Agreement between the United States and Australia.
The rotation of the aircraft is designed to modernize and strengthen our already firm mil-to-mil relationship, facilitate interoperability, exercise combined capabilities and increase regional engagement.
While at RAAF Base Tindal, the F-22 detachment, alongside their RAAF counterparts, will provide credible forces able to support a wide range of exercises or training activities. Through this initiative and the continued enhancement of the RAAF facilities, Pacific Air Forces and the RAAF will build upon their individual and combined capabilities, advancing interoperability between the nations. This interoperability will extend to regional partners as the initiative progresses. The enhanced, combined operational capability and interoperability are integral to regional security, stability and combined readiness.
“This F-22 Raptor deployment represents a key milestone for U.S. and Australian Airmen as together we build a robust fifth generation fighter presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific,” said Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy, Pacific Air Forces commander. “Our steadfast relationship with Australia, deeply rooted in our common principles and shared values, stems from working together day in and day out across the full spectrum of operations and will continue to prosper as we further integrate our efforts through this initiative.”
This rotation of F-22 Raptors to RAAF Base Tindal marks the initial fifth generation asset deployment of this duration and scope within Australia, and will be the first time the F-22 has conducted combined training to this extent in the country. While there, they will conduct integrated training opportunities with Royal Australian Air Force’s 75 Squadron F/A-18A/B Hornets along with ground assets and personnel. This activity will vastly enhance RAAF and USAF fourth to fifth generation integration, while introducing fifth generation operations and requirements to RAAF Base Tindal.
“Australia is a critical partner in the F-35 program and playing a key role in helping PACAF lead fifth generation aircraft integration into the region,” said O’Shaughnessy.
We greatly value the enduring relationship with our Australian allies across the globe from the Indo-Asia-Pacific to the Middle East. Through deployments like these, we can better leverage the increased survivability, lethality and situational awareness that the F-22 and F-35, along with our fourth generation fighters, bring to this theater to ensure allied air superiority for years to come."
usaThe additional capability of conducting joint and combined exercises from northern Australia is an integral part of the Force Posture Agreement between the United States and Australia.
pacaf.af

Spanish frigate 'Cristobal Colón' deploys to Australia for AWD support

Spanish Navy’s Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate Cristóbal Colón is scheduled to embark on a long-term deployment to Australia on January 9.
Under an agreement between the two navies, the Aegis-equipped frigate will spend 120 days in Australia where it will help train future Australian Hobart-class destroyer sailors of the Australian Navy.
By integrating into the Australian Navy fleet, Cristóbal Colón will provide dedicated training and familiarisation opportunities for the crews of Australian destroyers Hobart, Brisbane and Sydney.
NUSHIP Hobart, the first of three destroyers, will start category 5 sea trials in mid-January 2017 and will be assisted in the process by ESPS Cristóbal Colón.
If everything goes according to plan, the Spanish frigate is expected to return to Ferrol, Spain in early August 2017.
This is not the first time a Spanish Navy ship is integrating into the Royal Australian Navy. Back in 2013, Spain sent its replenishment ships ESPS Cantabria to Australia where it remained for eight months.
navaltoday

Australia is spending $640 million on naval supply ships made in Spain

The Turnbull government’s massive spend on Australia’s naval capability continued today after signing a deal to spend $640 million on two naval replenishment ships built in Spain .
Unlike recent announcements by the prime minister about building submarines and other ships in Australia, today’s decision to give the contract to Madrid-based Navantia was low key.
Defence minister Marise Payne confirmed Navantia as the preferred tenderer, beating South Korea’s Daewoo, for the two auxiliary oiler and replenishment (AOR) vessels in March.
Australia’s current supply ship, HMAS Success, launched in 1984, will reach its end of life in 2021, and needs to be replaced urgently.
The navy’s other supply ship, HMAS Sirius, is a former commercial oil tanker commissioned in 2006 and does not have the capability for other supplies. Navantia, which build the Royal Australian Navy’s two newest vessels, the landing helicopter dock ships, Canberra and Adelaide, will build two 19,500-tonne dual tanker and supply ships.
The contract stipulates that $130 million of the build will involve local industry for combat and communication systems, and elements of the onboard cranes. And an initial $250 million, five-year sustainment contract, also signed with Navantia, will be undertaken in Australia.
businessinsider

L-3 G550 contract suggests new Australian surveillance deal

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) could be due to receive a new electronic intelligence (ELINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft, following a recent US Air Force contract award to L-3 Communications.
In a deal announced on 28 December 2015, the USAF granted a $92.6 contract for an “undefinitized contract action task order for Australia government G550 aircraft procurement and maintenance”.
The work – which is understood to involve two aircraft – will be performed at L-3's Greenville site in Texas, and should be completed by 30 November 2017.
No details were given about the nature of the work, or about the number of aircraft involved. The RAAF also has yet to formally announce a requirement for such an intelligence-gathering aircraft.
flightglobal