Reports out of the UK on profligate defence spending will strike a chord with Australian tax payers concerned over the way APS staff cuts are replaced by well-paid contractors - sometimes the same individuals!

Bernard Gray, UK Chief of Defence Materiel, said it was "mad" that officials ended up covering the cost of the higher salaries workers are paid in the private sector instead of offering staff better pay.

As the US Army prepares to mothball its Ground Combat Vehicle program, questions remain regarding how it might live on as a scaled-down science and technology project.

For modern armed forces, the rapid and safe movement of troops is just as important as having the correct armoury and protective equipment.

The full version of Defence Week Premium no.288 of 20 February 2014 can be downloaded here as a PDF. A separate PDF of the latest Defence tenders can also be downloaded here.

ASPI intern Daniel Nichola writes in The Strategist that the contrast between Defence's strategic guidance and Land 400's operational guidance reflects two contending priorities for Army: leading non-conventional missions vs. fighting conventional wars.

Defence has extended Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand's distributed computing centralised services contract for three more years.

UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies, has been awarded a contract to provide upgraded wheels and brakes for the RAAF's C-130 aircraft.

The Labor Party has committed to providing additional funding to the Defence Teaming Centre should they be re-elected in the upcoming South Australian state election.

To advance the availability of alternative energy solutions, Lockheed Martin has signed a contract with Victorian Wave Partners Ltd. to begin developing the world's largest wave energy project announced to date.

The Australian Army is developing an amphibious capability in line with the ADF's maritime strategy, and in regard to doctrine, training, tactics and procedures, the ADF's amphibious force is drawing heavily on its counterparts in the US Marine Corps.

Royal Australian Navy Frigate HMAS Melbourne and Pakistani Naval Ship Alamgir have worked together to seize and destroy almost two tonnes of suspected cannabis resin.

The Australian Customs and Border Protection service is to donate two Bay-class patrol vessels to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert, together with the Federal Member for Solomon, Natasha Griggs, has announced additional housing for the Top End.

ADM Editor Katherine Ziesing will be heading off on maternity leave at end of the week to transition the Ziesing Mark II into service.

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