Twenty years ago, China was but a distant threat, Russia’s imperial ambitions hadn’t yet manifested and Australia’s engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan was beginning while East Timor was winding down | Max Blenkin

Brazilian aerospace and defence major, Embraer has announced the establishment of a fully owned Indian subsidiary.

Australian flight simulator producer Ryan Aerospace is optimistic that the firm’s cost competitiveness, record of success and development strategy will help the company expand its presence in the Japanese market | Corey Lee Bell

Defence Science and Technology Agency and DefendTex have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to investigate collaborative opportunities in platform-launched drones, munitions safety, and novel unmanned vehicle concept of operations.

Japan’s Ministry of Defense is currently engaged in discussions with Kawasaki Heavy Industries on the prospects of acquiring the Kawasaki K-Racer medium-sized transport unmanned aerial vehicle | Corey Lee Bell

The ADF contributes to Australia’s Antarctic program under Operation Southern Discovery, which includes resupply flights to the frozen continent | Steve Hitchen

Boeing Defence Australia has been awarded the P-8A Poseidon fleet sustainment contract which is worth $291 million. BDA will provide life support to the fleet in the hopes this will guarantee the long-term operational readiness of the fleet. 

Beaufort has equipped its 100th F-35 pilot in Japan with a fully tailored Aircrew Flight Equipment ensemble, marking a milestone in its ongoing support of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the global F-35 Lightning II programme.

Thanks to future enhancements, the RAAF’s 24 F/A-18F Super Hornet multi-role fighters are to remain in service until 2040 rather than being retired by 2027, as previously intended | Julian Kerr

While intensive activity continues bedding down the first of the RAAF’s Triton MQ-4C high altitude long endurance unmanned aerial systems, preparations are underway for the arrival of the second and third aircraft in the third quarter of 2025 | Julian Kerr

The RAAF currently provides an extensive set of EW capabilities across its various platforms which are set to further improve with upgrades and extensions to the Growler fleet and the introduction of the Peregrine | Grant McHerron

Defence in partnership with Lockheed Martin, has connected F-35 simulators at Royal Australian Air Force bases Williamtown and Tindal via F-35's distributed mission training network. 

Here’s a dilemma for the commander of an Australian guided missile destroyer on picket for a task group in the western Pacific as hostilities with a certain large Asian nation unfold | Max Blenkin

Queensland defence company NIOA is pitching to build a solid rocket motor plant at Benalla, Victoria, able to produce powerplants and also warheads for most missiles in ADF service – and some that aren’t | Max Blenkin

Upgrades for the RAAF Base Darwin Mid-Term Refresh project have started with the construction costing $159.9 million. Works commenced on the major capital facilities and infrastructure project in early April.

Reliability issues plaguing Japan’s Maritime Self Defense Force fleet of Lockheed C130R Hercules transport aircraft are causing a rethink on procurement priorities | Corey Lee Bell