As the US Air Force braces for potential sequester, leadership has cancelled all aviation support to public events for at least the remainder of the fiscal year and is standing down the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team to save flying hours to support readiness needs.

The full version of Defence Week Premium no.243 of 7 March 2013 can be downloaded here as a PDF. A separate PDF of the latest Defence tenders can also be downloaded here

The full version of Defence Week Premium no.242 of 28 February 2013 can be downloaded here as a PDF.

With an ITR released as far back as April 2010, and first pass long since achieved, the many potential contenders for the Collins submarine communications upgrade under Sea 1439, Phase 5B2 may be beginning to wonder just how close imminent is?

The Government has announced that the KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft has reached Initial Operational Capability.

Land Systems Division is currently preparing for the release of an RFT for the provision of Special Operations Vehicle - Support, under JP2097/1B.

The Government has announced that the Vigilare Command and Control System has achieved Final Operational Capability.

Late last year the Australian Business Defence Industry Unit wrote to VADM Peter Jones, Chief, Capability Development Group, with a proposal to encourage and promote innovation from defence industry, as a complementary initiative to the CTD program. ABDIU's Graeme Dunk called it the Defence Industry Challenge.

US Air Force F-16s sporting arctic camouflage are spending three weeks at RAAF Williamtown replicating threats posed by opposing forces for Hornet and Super Hornet pilots participating in the RAAF's 32nd Fighter Combat Instructor course.

Lockheed Martin has completed the 400th Common Cockpit avionics suite for the US Navy's MH-60 Seahawk helicopter program.

Working around the clock in the period leading up to Christmas, the Naval Ship Management achieved three dockings of ANZAC Frigates in quick succession.

DMO Training Aircraft System Program Office recently took up the option to extend the term of supply of eight aircraft King Air 350 fleet at East Sale in Victoria.

With first article approval finalised, Trimcast Products will start supplying the Trunk Lockers to the ADF under a new 3 year standing offer, continuing a 22 year supply story for one of Australia's long standing packaging solutions supplier.

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The Defence Department should not have decided to develop three distinct variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, former Chief of Naval Operations retired Admiral Gary Roughead said.

Thales has completed the acquisition of the Visionix Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) and InterSense motion tracking businesses formerly owned by Gentex Corporation.