BAE Systems, Flinders University to Train Shipbuilding Workforce
A new agreement between BAE Systems Australia and Flinders University will see students and industry working together to develop new ways to provide Australia’s defence force with the evolving capability it needs and train the shipbuilding workforce of the future. BAE Systems is one of three companies bidding to build nine Anti-Submarine Warships for the Royal Australian Navy. The company is proposing an Australian variant of the Global Combat Ship currently being manufactured in the UK for the Royal Navy. Flinders University will receive access to BAE Systems’ digital shipbuilding tools, processes and methodologies and turn these into development programs to train the people who will build the Future Frigates and integrate the ships’ complex operating systems…
Darwin, Australia Scene of KAKADU Exercise Planning
Over 1,200 military personnel from the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions have completed collaborative, tactical warfare planning during the first week of the Royal Australian Navy’s largest maritime exercise, KAKADU 2014, informs Australia's Defence Force (ADF). From 25 – 29 August 2014, the Harbour Phase of KAKADU 2014 saw regional navies work side by side in Darwin to plan major warfare serials for the next sea phases of the exercise. Exercise Director, Captain Heath Robertson, said the deliberate planning and briefings between ships, aircraft and staff focussed on high-end warfare. “Continued improvement of shared skills, understanding and ultimately interoperability ensures safety and efficiency in real time operations.
Australian Forces in S. Pacific Disaster Relief Exercise
Almost 200 members of the Australian Navy, Army and Air Force are joining forces with personnel from across the region in a major humanitarian relief exercise in the South Pacific, says the Australia Defence Force (ADF). ExerciseCroix du Sud, which is French for “Southern Cross’, is being hosted by France in New Caledonia. The scenario is based on the devastating aftermath of a category four cyclone. The challenge for the allied forces will be to assist the local community with humanitarian relief and security as well as coordinating the evacuation of Australian citizens and foreign nationals. The Commander of the Australian Contingent…
Australian Warship Hull Departs Spain Aboard 'Blue Marlin'
The second and last of the Royal Australian Navy’s new amphibious ships has left the builder's yard, Navantia Ferrol shipyard, Vigo, in northern Spain, bound for Melbourne, informs the Australia Defence Force. “The Canberra-Class LHDs are the largest ships ever built for the Navy and will provide the Australian Defence Force with one of the most capable and sophisticated amphibious deployment capabilities in the world,” Defence Minister Senator David Johnston said. When completed the LHDs will be more than 230 metres long, 27.5 metres high and weigh around 27,500 tonnes.
