On the second day of Avalon 2023, we heard from the head of Army Aviation Command Major General Stephen Jobson.

The Australian Army has created a dedicated health brigade for the first time in its 122 year history.

Leonardo has announced the expansion of its fleet of AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters in Australia with an order for two aircraft by Toll Helicopters.

Australian companies will supply components for new build AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, including the 29 aircraft Australia is buying in place of its smaller fleet of Airbus Tiger helicopters.

Hanwha Defense Australia and HIFraser have signed a $4.4 million contract for Automatic Fire Suppression System for the Land 8116 Protected Mobile Fires Huntsman family of vehicles.

When completed, the prototype will be a full-scale operational proof of concept for Birdon’s proposed Littoral Manoeuvre Vessel – Medium (LMV-M), offered under the Land 8710 Phase 1A RFT.

Japan has declared its intention to retire its attack and observation helicopters in favour of unmanned systems, according to its released five-year defence buildup plans.

Kongsberg Defence Australia has signed a 5 year sustainment contract with Raytheon Australia for the NASAMS capability being delivered to the Australian Army under Project Land 19 Phase 7B.

Elevated to almost cult status as a result of its use in Ukraine, Lockheed Martin’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is under consideration by Defence for its Land 8113 (Long Range Fires) program.

Hanwha Defense Australia hosted AirSense Analytics of Germany in Melbourne for a contract signing ceremony for the supply of chemical and hazardous substance sensors for the AS9 Self-Propelled Howitzer and AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles.

Boeing Defence Australia will continue to support the maintenance, training and sustainment services for Army’s fleet of 14 CH-47F Chinook helicopters following a contract extension signed by Defence.

There were a few surprises buried within the detail of Defence’s announcement that it will acquire 40 Sikorsky UH-60M helicopters, including the revelation that the new helicopters will be based at Oakey and Holsworthy – no mention of Townsville.

L3Harris Technologies has entered into a teaming agreement with IAI-ELTA Systems to deliver a sophisticated fire detection and response capability for Australian armoured fighting vehicles.

The Australian Government has today confirmed it will acquire 40 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to replace the Australian Army’s troubled fleet of NH Industries MRH 90 Taipan helicopters.

As part of the Australia Army’s Accelerated Warfare and Army in Motion principles, the service is looking to modernise its training systems, particularly in the collective sense, and is increasingly turning to simulation to help fulfil its needs.

Australia’s selection of the Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian as the replacement for Army’s Airbus Helicopters Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter fleet has opened up some intriguing possibilities for sustainment onshore.