Many commentators have expressed dismay at the recent cuts to defence spending. The fear is that the government's long-term commitment to strengthen Australia's defence has evaporated. Find the link to an ASPI Policy Analysis written by Mark Thomson here.

Lieutenant General (retired) Ken Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM, has joined the Board of Directors of Australian Aerospace Limited.

Naval Air Systems Command last week completed its first test flight with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter dropping a bomb over water in an Atlantic test range while travelling at 400 knots at an altitude of 4,200 feet.

The US Army is considered to be falling behind the other services in science and technology even as leadership in these areas is crucial to equipping the ground service for future threats, according to a yet-unreleased Army Science Board study.

Elbit Systems Ltd. has announced that the Company's President and CEO, Joseph Ackerman, will retire from his position in the coming months.

General Dynamics C4 Systems has received a new order from the US Army for an additional 13,000 Joint Tactical Radio System Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit AN/PRC-154 Rifleman radios and accessory kits.

Cobham has been awarded a contract by Embraer Defense and Security worth some US$30 million, to develop and supply the Auxiliary Fuselage Fuel Tank for the KC-390 tanker aircraft.

A summary of the latest news and views in the defence industry, locally and overseas. Check out our webpage for daily news updates on the ADM home page and make sure you bookmark/RSS this for a regular visit.

The full version of Defence Week Premium no.217 of 9 August 2012 can be downloaded here as a PDF. A separate PDF of the latest Defence tenders can also be downloaded here.

Codan Limited has announced the acquisition of Daniels Electronics, a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of land mobile radio communications solutions in North America.

Ultra Electronics Australia has won a US$2 million export contract to manufacture personal Counter - Improvised Explosive Devices for the US Defense.

HMAS Perth has completed an advanced air warfare weapons event during RIMPAC 2012, when it joined HMAS Darwin in a six-ship formation with Canadian and US ships to conduct a coordinated 'defence' of the group against multiple target drones that flew realistic profiles against the ships.

The Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) is an international co-operative upgrade of the RIM-7 Seasparrow Missile.

ADM understands that Thales Australia has continued to improve Bushmaster PMV strengthening, especially to front and rear compartments while Stratos Seating says that with the constant threat of roadside IEDs, ensuring that soldiers are safe within the vehicles is paramount.

The Australian Army's fleet of Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters has returned to regular training activities following the lifting of a temporary suspension which began June 2012.

This ASPI strategy report by Rod Lyon, is a new assessment of the rise of Asia and its impact on Australian strategic policy.