QResear.ch

#21326176 at 2024-07-31 11:11:10 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #37: EVERYTHING IS AT STAKE Edition

Afghanistan medal decision before election, says Deputy Prime Minister

Robert Dougherty - 30 JULY 2024

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has confirmed a decision will be made about stripping medals from Australian Defence Force personnel, before the next election.

The Ministry for Defence confirmed that a decision regarding those accused of conducting war crimes in Afghanistan would be made 'before the election' and 'soon', earlier this week. The date of the next Federal Election has not been confirmed, but is expected before May next year.

The discussion follows the release findings from the 2020 Brereton inquiry, which investigated alleged war crimes committed by Australian Defence Force during the War in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.

Former Chief of the Australian Defence Force Angus Campbell had also reportedly written to current and former ADF members notifying that honours for distinguished and conspicuous service on warlike operations could be withdrawn.

"I will be making the decision before the election, I can tell you that. I'll be making that decision soon," Deputy PM Marles said during an interview with Sky News on July 28.

"Just to be clear, this is a decision not in relation to the person (Ben Roberts-Smith) that you mentioned, but in relation to those who had command authority.

"That is a process that I've wanted to go through thoroughly to make sure that we get the answers to this right.

"It is one that has been on my desk and we've been going through in an enormous amount of detail, but it won't be long before we are able to make those decisions and certainly, they'll be made before the election."

Earlier this month, the Australian Government reportedly unveiled compensation plans for families of victims unlawfully killed or abused by Australian special forces in Afghanistan. A newly established Afghanistan Inquiry Compensation Advocate will assess claims referred by the Chief of Defence Force, but final decisions rest with the CDF.

The Deputy PM also encouraged patience as another inquiry continues into the 2023 Lindeman Island MRH-90 Taipan crash, in which four Australian Army aircrew were lost, on 28 July 2023.

The crash, in which an Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter impacted waters near Lindeman Island during a night-time training activity as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, recently passed its first anniversary this month.

"This is a significant day. It's a very difficult day for the families of Captain Lyon, Lieutenant Nugent, Warrant Officer Laycock and Corporal Naggs," according to the Deputy PM.

"These four Australians, who had given great service to our country wearing our nation's uniform, lost their lives a year ago. I know that this is a really difficult day for their families, for the 6th Aviation Regiment, of which they were a part.

"And it's a reminder that the work that our men and women who wear our uniform do is dangerous, even when they're engaging in exercises and their service, and indeed, their sacrifice is as meaningful as that of anyone who has worn our nation's uniform.

"The inquiry in relation to this proceeds, it needs to take the time that it takes because we need to find out what happened here and we need to learn the lessons.

"It's really important that those lessons are learnt for future safety. And we don't do that off the back of speculation, we do it off the back of facts and this is just going to take the time that it takes. But obviously we work with the families to let them know how the investigations are proceeding and they will continue to go on until we get the answers behind this terrible tragedy."

https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/land/14478-afghanistan-medal-decision-before-election-says-deputy-prime-minister

#21014852 at 2024-06-13 06:09:42 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #36: BADGE OF HONOR Edition

>>21014848

2/2

The MDTF also fields Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) weapons, mobile rocket artillery essential for rapid deployment and strike capability. The addition of Mid-Range and Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon batteries further strengthens the task force's ability to deliver precise, long-range strikes crucial for penetrating - and crippling - sophisticated air defence networks.

You've probably heard of GMLRS, possibly under the name "Himars". In fact the Himars vehicle can be used to carry GMLRS, ATACMS or Precision Strike. The system has proven to be an invaluable asset against peer forces, demonstrating its effectiveness in the fight against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has even credited GMLRS missiles with significantly altering the course of the war against Russia.

The US-made system has been pivotal in hitting dozens of Russian targets, including command posts and ammunition depots, and disrupting supply lines to Russian-occupied territories. These missiles can reach up to 50 miles, more than double the range of classic howitzer guns most nations operate.

In Ukraine, GMLRS has been used effectively against fixed targets such as command centres, ammunition depots, and critical bridges, creating significant logistical challenges for Russian forces, something the MDTFs would be keen to emulate.

Beyond its impressive firepower, the MDTF integrates advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets. High-altitude balloons, for instance, offer persistent surveillance and communication relay capabilities. Unmanned aircraft systems enhance this capability, providing extended operational reach and real-time intelligence gathering.

The staff paper on the concept also holds up electronic warfare as another critical component of the MDTF's operations, something we're seeing the importance of in Ukraine. The ability to locate the enemy is often as important as jamming or intercepting his communications.

It is hoped that by integrating cyber, space, and electromagnetic spectrum capabilities, the MDTF can disrupt enemy communications, gather crucial intelligence, and protect its networks from cyber threats. The MDTF's Intelligence, Information, Cyber, Electronic Warfare, and Space battalion forms the backbone of these efforts, bringing together military intelligence, signal companies, and extended-range sensing capabilities. This is vital for the MDTF's ability to operate independently in remote and contested areas.

Exercises like the recent Talisman Sabre, the most significant bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, highlight the practical applications of these technologies. Colonel Michael Rose, commander of the 3rd MDTF, commented on the importance of these efforts after the exercise: "We have a continued set of work with the Australians and now, more and more, the United Kingdom partners, to build coordination mechanisms so that we can really accelerate our interoperability and ultimately achieve interchangeability."

Rapid response to crises or conflicts necessitates this interoperability. The new MDTFs will play an increasingly critical role in the Indo-Pacific region by ensuring stability, enhancing the effectiveness of joint forces in the region, and deterring adversaries.

The UK stands to benefit significantly from this effort by gaining access to cutting-edge tech and thinking, not to mention strengthening its position in the Pacific through close cooperation with the US and Australia. The US Army's Pacific revolution is underway.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/06/12/us-army-mdtf-cyber-precision-strike-missile-pacific-aukus/

#20092823 at 2023-12-18 09:51:58 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #34: UNITED AGAINST THE INVISIBLE ENEMY OF ALL HUMANITY Edition

#33 - Part 10
Australian Politics and Society - Part 3
>>19895606 Peter Dutton Tweet: Video: On Remembrance Day, may the weight of the collective deeds of all Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations throughout our history be imperishably enshrined in our hearts. May the sacrifice of so many in war forever reside in our national consciousness so we never become cavalier about our duty to preserve peace. Lest we forget.
>>19895638 U.S. Embassy Australia Tweet: Video: "I want to say thank you to all those who have served and sacrificed." Ambassador Kennedy reflects on Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Australia.
>>19895687 Video: Victorian State Remembrance Day Service 2023 - Every year at 11am on 11 November - the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month - we pause to remember those who have served and those who have died in all wars and peacekeeping operations. For 89 years the Shrine of Remembrance has been the home of commemoration and remembrance for the Victorian community. It is a reminder of the fragility of peace and the cost of conflict, as well as a testament to the fortitude, courage and generosity of those who serve all of us. - ShrineMelbourne
>>19895732 Remembrance Day poems - For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon (1914), In Flanders Fields by John McCrae (1914) and We Shall Keep the Faith by Moina Michael (1918)
>>19896249, >>19896300 Repost from Q Research General #24429 - "Ambassador Kennedy reflects on Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Australia." - "background music seems familiar somehow" - WWG1WGA by Richard Feelgood - https://music.apple.com/au/artist/richard-feelgood/673921401 - https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/108790947668067601
>>19897955 DP World cyber incident shuts down Australian ports
>>19897968 Ports to remain closed as AFP investigates cybersecurity breach

>>19898169 Recovery mission for Taipan defence helicopter complete after crash in Whitsundays - A three-month recovery mission for a defence helicopter that crashed into the sea off Queensland's coast has concluded, but the families of the four crewmen on board will remain without answers for up to a year. On July 28, a MRH90 Taipan helicopter involved in nocturnal training as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre ditched into waters near Lindeman Island in the Whitsundays with four crew members on board. Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were killed in the crash. Hundreds of Australian Defence Force (ADF) and emergency service personnel have been scouring waters around the Whitsunday Coast for more than three months. In a statement released on Thursday, the ADF said "all practical wreckage and remnants" from the helicopter had been recovered and would inform ongoing aviation and coronial investigations. "A major search and recovery effort involving hundreds of ADF personnel, international military and civilian agencies was conducted, with all practical wreckage and remnants from the MRH90 Taipan recovered to inform ongoing aviation and coronial investigations," it said.
>>19903681 Government doesn't know details behind cyber hack that shut down port operator DP World
>>19903692 Malaysian hitman released from Australian immigration detention after high court ruling
>>19903720 History repeating? What the world could expect from a second Donald Trump presidency - "Americans will head to the polls in November next year to elect a president - but will they re-elect a former one? While sitting president Joe Biden is the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee, he may not be the only person to have served in the role to be in the running for it again. Former US president Donald Trump is also running for presidency in 2024, but what are his chances of returning to the Oval Office? Trump served as president from January 2017 to January 2021, after losing the election to current president Biden. He refused to concede, spreading claims of electoral fraud and initiating a campaign to overturn the result. Trump is one of nine Republican candidates in the running to be the party's presidential nominee. He will go through the pre-selection process to determine whether it will be his name or someone else's that's eventually listed on the ballot paper." - Aleisha Orr - sbs.com.au
>>19907830 Australia Says Ports Operator Cyber Incident 'Serious'
>>19908007 Ransomware crackdown: Companies will be forced to report cyber ransom demands under Australia's first mandatory no-fault reporting system
>>19908026 Freight giant DP World recovers from cyber attack, but warns investigation and remediation is 'ongoing'

#19822014 at 2023-10-29 04:40:50 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #32: YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS FIGHT Edition

#32 - Part 16
Australian Politics and Society - Part 16
>>19755118 FBI Hosts Five Eyes Summit to Launch Drive to Secure Innovation in Response to Intelligence Threats - In their first-ever joint public appearance, leaders of the Five Eyes intelligence partnership - the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand - traveled to the U.S. at the invitation of FBI Director Christopher Wray. Together they are launching the first Emerging Technology and Securing Innovation Security Summit in Palo Alto, California, the heart of Silicon Valley. In addition to the Five Eyes, the summit is bringing together business leaders and entrepreneurs, government officials, and academics to discuss threats to innovation, coming trends in the use and potential exploitation of emerging tech, and means to work together to advance both economic security and public safety. The summit kicks off with a fireside chat with all five members hosted by Dr. Condoleezza Rice, former secretary of state. The intelligence leaders will outline current threats and trends to private sector organizations in their respective countries. Following the fireside chat, the intelligence leaders will sit down with private sector leaders for in-depth discussions about expanding and strengthening private-public partnerships to better protect innovation and the collective security of the five nations and their citizens.
>>19755194 Australia's eSafety commission fines Elon Musk's X $610,500 for failing to meet anti-child-abuse standards - The Australian eSafety commission has fined social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, $610,500 for failing to cooperate with a probe into anti-child-abuse practices. As part of a report by the commission earlier this year featuring X, TikTok, Google, Twitch and Discord, the commission found some of the biggest tech companies were not living up to their responsibilities to tackle the proliferation of child sexual exploitation. The eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, can now require online service providers to report on how they are meeting any or all of the expectations as part of the eSafety Act. "This was about the worst kind of harm, child sexual exploitation as well as extortion, and we need to make sure that companies have trust and safety teams, they're using people processes and technologies to tackle this kind of content," she told ABC News Channel.
>>19755227 Video: 'We will remember them': PM honours soldiers who died in ADF helicopter crash - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has honoured the four soldiers who lost their lives in a military helicopter crash off the coast of Queensland during a Talisman Sabre exercise. The MRH-90 Taipan fatally crashed into the waters near the Whitsundays in July. The crash claimed the lives of Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs. "The most difficult thing that I have had to do as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia, is to ring and speak with their families in the days which followed this tragedy," said Mr Albanese. "We honour them, we mourn them. "And with their names held within our hearts, we will remember them - lest we forget." - Sky News Australia
>>19755254 Liberal senator Alex Antic's bill to ban child gender therapy = All forms of gender reassignment treatment and surgery would be banned for those aged under 18 - including the controversial and increasing use of puberty blockers - under a bill proposed by conser?vative ?Liberal senator Alex Antic. The private members bill would allow teenagers to change gender only in the most exceptional circumstances when diagnosed with long-recognised sexual development disorders. Senator Antic said he had been motivated by growing community disquiet over the explosion in the number of young people "transitioning" and believed that in many cases youths were making the decision not on the basis of genuine medical issues but pressure from peers and health professionals.

#19755227 at 2023-10-18 10:28:44 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #32: YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS FIGHT Edition

>>19262114 (pb)
>>19267266 (pb)
'We will remember them': PM honours soldiers who died in ADF helicopter crash

Sky News Australia

Oct 16, 2023

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has honoured the four soldiers who lost their lives in a military helicopter crash off the coast of Queensland during a Talisman Sabre exercise.

The MRH-90 Taipan fatally crashed into the waters near the Whitsundays in July.

The crash claimed the lives of Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs.

"The most difficult thing that I have had to do as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia, is to ring and speak with their families in the days which followed this tragedy," said Mr Albanese.

"We honour them, we mourn them.

"And with their names held within our hearts, we will remember them - lest we forget."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyY4vvYrALc

#19518248 at 2023-09-09 16:45:20 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #32: YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS FIGHT Edition

>>19518243

3/3

McNamara was first motivated to go to Ukraine when he was in the barracks in Brisbane and overheard some fellow soldiers saying they wanted to go and help - but "always came up with excuses".

"So I booked a flight, got out here, giving it a crack, and I've loved it ever since," he said.

"Ukraine's such a different place. But it's something that I've grown to love.

"When the first few days of the war happened, everyone's saying they'd go and do something, all these brave heroes that have, trained for the majority of their life, to always come up with excuses, and to never do it, something I said I'd never do, and one day I just said: 'You know what, I'd go to Ukraine'."

On returning home for a short Christmas break, he was detained and taken to an interview room, where he was interrogated for more than six hours.

His mobile, laptop, storage devices and even his shoes were scrutinised.

"They went through f.cking everything, there was not a single thing that was on my person or in my bags that didn't get scanned and physically searched by them," he said.

While the process for him was "frustrating", and he understands why authorities were questioning him, McNamara believes there should be more support directed to those who have been doing the work he has.

"I definitely think there should be more support but I also understand the fact of being careful who gets sent here, who learns what skills and what sort of mindset that person is ... should be looked at," he said.

McNamara says one of his greatest feelings is seeing Australian Bushmaster armoured personnel vehicles - of which Australia has donated 120 to Ukraine - heading towards the frontline.

"Seeing them going in makes you happy to see a bit of home out here, but there's so much more I do think they (the government) could do.

"The Ukrainian government, I believe, could use a lot more fire support.

"There's a lot of equipment that we do lack at a strategic level, that could definitely help this war effort.

"There's just so much that I've seen in armouries in military bases that could be used out here that sit there and do (the joint Australia-US military exercise) Talisman Sabre in Australia, and it's like, 'why don't we help?' "

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/australian-soldier-ethan-mcnamara-is-raining-hell-on-russia-from-ukraines-frontline/news-story/e7a50c2ce1c5b4f55679d4c162306bf5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-svm3Xaiiw

#19487503 at 2023-09-04 09:58:07 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #32: YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS FIGHT Edition

#31 - Part 14
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Part 5
>>19267266 Four missing defence aviators identified, search-and-rescue mission continues near Hamilton Island after Taipan helicopter crash - Four Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who were on board a Taipan helicopter that crashed into waters near Hamilton Island have been identified. Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were on board the MRH90 helicopter that ditched into the ocean during a training exercise as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre on Friday night. All were members of the 6th Aviation Regiment. Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, the Chief of the Australian Army, said the families of the men were being supported by the ADF and had consented to the names of the missing men being released.
>>19272518 Video: 'No hope' of finding ADF servicemen alive: Richard Marles - There is no longer any hope of finding alive the four men aboard the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter when it crashed into the ocean off Queensland's Whitsunday Islands on Friday night, with the government shifting the search and rescue mission to a recovery operation. Defence Minister Richard Marles said "the loss of these four men is as significant and meaningful as the loss of anyone who has worn our nation's uniform. If it is as we imagine it to be, they died on Friday night making a difference."
>>19290021 Human remains found after army helicopter crash - Human remains and parts of a cockpit have been found in the area where four army aircrew members died when their helicopter crashed last week off the Queensland coast. Lieutenant-General Greg Bilton told reporters the search-and-recovery mission had identified a "further debris field" in the sea near Hamilton Island that was consistent with a catastrophic, high-impact crash. "Sadly, I can confirm human remains have also been observed in this location by [a] remote underwater vehicle," he said. "Due to the nature of the debris field, positive identification of the remains is unlikely to occur until we recover more of the wreckage."
>>19297773 Defence Australia Tweet: Video: #TalismanSabre2023 is now officially closed. - #TS23 is the largest Australia-US bilaterally planned, multilaterally conducted exercise. This year is the largest iteration of the exercise, with 13 nations and more than 30,000 personnel participating. #YourADF
>>19297823 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Thank you to all of the personnel who have participated in the exercise, and to the local communities for their support. #TalismanSabre2023 has officially come to a close.
>>19297823 Talisman Sabre - MAGIC SWORD - https://qalerts.pub/?q=Operation+Specialists - https://qalerts.pub/?q=magic

#19487502 at 2023-09-04 09:57:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #32: YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS FIGHT Edition

#31 - Part 13
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Part 4
>>19262158 Video: Crashed military helicopter has history of safety issues - The military helicopter involved in a horror crash off the coast of Queensland, leaving four feared dead, has a problematic history with nearly a dozen recorded safety incidents linked to MRH-90 Taipan helicopters. The helicopter ditched into the water about 10.30pm on Friday off the coast of Hamilton Island while on a two-helicopter mission as part of the Talisman Sabre joint exercise with America. It is the second incident this year, following a crash in Jervis Bay in March during a counterterrorism military training exercise.
>>19262255 Video: Talisman Sabre helicopter crash: Hopes fade for missing air crew - Four Australian Army aviators are feared dead after a horror chopper crash over the Whitsundays in what looms as the nation's worst peacetime military disaster since 2005. Wreckage was recovered from the waters off Hamilton Island on Saturday, more than 12 hours after the chopper went down in the middle of major international war game exercises. In what Australia's Defence chief described as "a terrible moment", the MRH-90 Taipan ditched into the sea just before 11pm on Friday during Exercise Talisman Sabre. It is feared the incident could become one of Australia's worst peacetime military disasters since two Black Hawk helicopters collided near Townsville in 1996, killing 18 personnel, and the 2005 Nias Island Sea King crash which killed nine personnel.
>>19262307 US pledge to stand by Aussies after Talisman Sabre crash tragedy - Top military officials from Australia and the United States have declared their unwavering commitment to Exercise Talisman Sabre as they expressed sorrow for four personnel still missing after a catastrophic crash during war-games in north Queensland. The disastrous ditching of an MRH90 Taipan during night-time exercise off Lindeman Island loomed large over high-level talks between Australian and American defence and foreign affairs officials in Brisbane. The annual AUSMIN talks delivered significant progress in deepening Australian and US military ties and cementing itself in an increasingly contested Pacific, but the timing was inextricably linked to what is set to be the nation's worst peacetime disaster in at least two decades.
>>19262368 Talisman Sabre Facebook Post: 28 July 2023 - Statement issued by Defence - Defence can confirm an Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter has impacted waters near Lindeman Island, off the Queensland coast. The aircraft was participating in a night-time training activity as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 when it was reported missing late Friday night, 28 July 2023. Four crew were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident and are currently missing. Military and civilian search and rescue aircraft and watercraft are currently conducting search and rescue operations at the incident site. At this time Defence's priority is supporting our ADF members and their families. Families of affected personnel have been notified. Families seeking information and support can call the Defence Member and Family Helpline at 1800 624 608.
>>19267202 Investigation launched into military helicopter crash, four feared dead - The federal government has launched an investigation into the cause of a helicopter crash that authorities fear has led to the death of four missing Defence Force personnel, making it Australia's worst peacetime military accident in almost 20 years. Australia and the United States' most senior defence and foreign policy officials expressed their dismay over the horror accident, which has revived longstanding concerns about the technical problems that have plagued the MRH-90 Taipan, the aircraft involved in the crash.
>>19267242 Police officer's son among four feared dead in crash near Hamilton Island - The four men feared dead after a Defence helicopter went down in waters off the Whitsunday Islands have been identified. Captain Daniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs were named by the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, as the four involved in the crash. The crew were members of the Australian Army Aviation's 6th Aviation Regiment based at the Holsworthy Army barracks in Sydney. Lieutenant General Stuart said the men's names had been released with permission from their families.

#19487499 at 2023-09-04 09:56:59 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #32: YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS FIGHT Edition

#31 - Part 12
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Part 3
>>19243643 Midge Point community marvels as Operation Talisman Sabre unfolds in their backyard - The shores of a secluded beach in the Whitsundays set the scene for a large scale military attack between American, Japanese and German forces. Three impressive landing craft air cushioned boats were deployed to Midge Point beach, where marine troops then worked to secure the area. The Midge Point community were able to watch the mock operation, carried out on July 26 as part of a three-day rehearsal under Talisman Sabre 23. Resident Robyn Crawford said "awesome" was the only word to describe what she had just seen.
>>19243661 Talisman Sabre 2023 a risky geopolitical game - "While "Exercise Talisman Sabre" may appear as an impressive military practice, its unintended consequences must not be understated. The aggressive posturing and heightened military readiness exhibited during drills can inadvertently increase uncertainty and anxiety among regional actors, leading to misconceptions, miscalculations, and misunderstandings. Besides, this hostile drill risks perpetuating a cycle of strategic mistrust, insecurity and confrontation in the region. Also, this US-backed drill provokes other regional powers especially China for countermeasures as Beijing may perceive it as a threat to its national interests and security." - Emilia Fernandez, security and political analyst with a focus on South Asian geopolitics, and PhD researcher at the University of Lucerne, Switzerland - chinadaily.com.cn
>>19250260 Talisman Sabre 23 Field Exercise Sets Benchmark for Combined Military Training in Indo-Pacific - "You're currently standing in what we call the Field of Dreams," said Australian Army Col. Ben McLennan, commander of the Australian Defense Force's Combat Training Centre, as he welcomed reporters to the Townsville Field Training Area. The training area is the epicenter of the 10-day field training exercise taking place during Talisman Sabre 23. "This activity that's occurring here is just the richest, most immersive and most realistic, no-consequence training environment that we can possibly create," he said. "We're calling it the Olympics of war games because it's the biggest, most ambitious Talisman Sabre ever."
>>19250270 Video: NZ soldiers perform Haka Tu in warning to mock enemy in Australian war games - A contingent of New Zealand soldiers have declared their readiness to head into battle on Australian soil by performing a traditional war challenge to intimidate their enemy. In a video released Wednesday, the soldiers performed the Haka Tu in front of counterparts from Australia, the US, Fiji and France in the Queensland bush to mark the start Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.
>>19257074 United States, German and Japanese Military Forces Conduct Joint Amphibious Assault during Talisman Sabre 23 - Sailors from USS New Orleans transported the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, German Army, and Japanese Self-Defense Forces service members ashore via a landing craft, air cushion operation as part of Talisman Sabre 23 at Midge Point, Australia on July 25, 2023. Amphibious operations provide a combined-joint force commander the capability to rapidly project power ashore in support of crisis response at the desired time and location. "The exercise here is important because of all the joint forces - we integrate and we do all our training together," said Sgt. Jorge Bravo, a U.S. Marine with the 31st MEU. "They have their own way of doing things, we have our own way of doing things, and we find the common ground in the middle - and we were better because of it."
>>19262114 Video: Four feared dead after military chopper crashes near Hamilton Island - Four Australian Defence Force members are missing, feared dead, after a helicopter crash during the Talisman Sabre military exercise in Queensland. A search and rescue mission involving Australian and US Defence Force personnel is underway off Hamilton Island for the crew of the MRH-90 helicopter, which went down about 10.30pm on Friday. Emerging from Australia-United States Ministerial Consultation (AUSMIN) talks in Brisbane on Saturday, Defence Minister Richard Marles said the meeting was conducted with "heavy hearts".
"The families of the four aircrew have been notified of this incident and our hopes and our thoughts are very much with the aircrew and their families," he said. "Our hopes are very much with the efforts of the search and rescue crews as they go about their work right now."

#19487498 at 2023-09-04 09:56:27 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #32: YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS FIGHT Edition

#31 - Part 11
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Part 2
>>19221161 Japan's top general inspects anti-ship missile ahead of historic Australian launch - Japan's top military officer is in Australia inspecting his country's most advanced anti-ship weapon as part of his country's largest ever participation in joint military exercises. Japan's Self Defence Force (JSDF) was scheduled to carry out a live test of its Type 12 Surface-to-Ship missile (SSM) for just the second time outside of Japan at the Beecroft Weapons Range on the New South Wales south coast. But the Australian Defence Force has delayed the exercise due to unfavourable sea conditions, and plans to resume the launch over the next few days.
>>19221167 Video: Chinese 'spy ships' expected to sit off Darwin and Central Queensland during Talisman Sabre military exercises - Officials are preparing for two Chinese "spy ships" to arrive off Australia's coast next week to monitor the multinational Talisman Sabre military exercises opening in Sydney this morning. Since 2017, China's Navy has deployed at least one Auxiliary General Intelligence (AGI) vessel to snoop on each of the biennial training drills involving the United States, as well as other partner nations. Defence and security sources told the ABC they were expecting a pair of People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) vessels to head towards Australia over the next few days.
>>19226439 Talisman Sabre 2023: Firepower demonstrations 1,000 miles apart signal start of massive exercise in Australia - Dozens of mortar shells and rockets screamed across the Australian bush into a mountainside over the weekend, one of two live-fire demonstrations that kicked off the largest-ever Talisman Sabre exercise. Now in its 10th year, the biennial Talisman Sabre is expected bring more than 30,000 personnel, nearly double the number of troops deployed in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with additional participants from the United Kingdom, Canada, Indonesia, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea. The exercise provides an opportunity for the individual nations to practice teamwork and communication in the event of "whatever crisis may exist in our region in the future," Lt. Gen. Greg Bilton, the Australian Defence Force chief of joint operations, said Friday during the exercise's opening ceremony in Garden Island, Australia.
>>19226439 Talisman Sabre - MAGIC SWORD - https://qalerts.pub/?q=Operation+Specialists - https://qalerts.pub/?q=magic
>>19226465 Talisman Sabre: Chinese spy ships moving into position to monitor war game exercise - Live demonstrations of the latest military firepower are on display as part of the largest ever US and Australia-led war gaming exercise, Talisman Sabre. Chinese spy ships are moving into position to monitor the exercise for the next fortnight. - Sky News Australia
>>19231969 First image emerges of RAAF's encounter with Chinese spy ship during Talisman Sabre - An aerial photograph showing an RAAF P-8 Poseidon plane flying over a Chinese surveillance ship as it headed towards Australia last week has been obtained by the ABC. The image of the Dongdiao Class Auxiliary General Intelligence (AGI) vessel was taken from on board another Australian military aircraft over international waters in the Coral Sea.
>>19237744 'Olympics of war games': This year's Talisman Sabre is most ambitious ever, official says - This year's Talisman Sabre is the "biggest and most ambitious" version of the multinational exercise ever and Australia's largest military undertaking in more than a century, according to U.S. and Australian military officials. The exercise, with 30,000 troops from 13 countries, kicked off with a ceremony Friday but swung into gear with two live-fire drills the following day at sites 1,000 miles apart. Talisman Sabre, led by the U.S. and hosted by Australia along its eastern coast, is scheduled to conclude Aug. 4.
>>19243607 Video: Submarine spotted off Queensland coast one of several navy vessels headed to massive war games - A submarine has been spotted cruising off the coast of Queensland, much to the surprise and delight of locals. Doug Bazley, 63, of Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, said he had been on Golden Beach for about two hours Friday afternoon when he noticed some unusual "spray and mist" in front of a container ship heading through the spitfire channel about 3.45pm. The keen photographer said he grabbed his binoculars and soon spied the surfaced Royal Australian Navy Collins Class submarine about 5km off coast, complete with a person standing on top and at the front of the sub.

#19487496 at 2023-09-04 09:56:04 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #32: YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS FIGHT Edition

#31 - Part 10
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Part 1
>>19204909 Video: Talisman Sabre Facebook Post - 19 July 2023 - 3 days to go! 3 days left until the start of #TalismanSabre2023!
>>19204923 Chinese intelligence expected to monitor Australia's Talisman Sabre military exercises - The Australian defence force expects that Chinese intelligence will seek to monitor Talisman Sabre, a military training exercise involving 30,000 personnel from 13 countries including the US and Pacific neighbours. The director of the exercise, Brigadier Damian Hill, said he expected Chinese intelligence to seek to monitor the event again this year. "Even though they're not invited, they still turn up," he said. "But they haven't asked to be invited either."
>>19204951 Japan to fire advanced ship-killing missile on Australia's shores - Japanese forces will fire their most advanced anti-ship missile into Australian waters for the first time, ahead of large-scale multinational military exercises that begin later this week. Japan's Self Defense Force (JSDF) is preparing to conduct a live fire demonstration of its Type 12 Surface-to-Ship missile (SSM) at a weapons range in Jervis Bay, south of Sydney.
>>19204962 American tank on way to Talisman Sabre in big central Queensland car crash - A US military tank, believed to be on the way to the Talisman Sabre military training exercise, has been caught in a fiery multi-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway in central Queensland. Six people were taken to the Rockhampton and Gladstone hospitals, three with suspected spinal injuries. Queensland Police confirmed the forensic crash unit was investigating after the accident at Bajool, south of Rockhampton, involving seven vehicles.
>>19205012 Video: Multiple people injured in Bruce Highway crash involving US military tank - A United States military tank, multiple caravans and a B-double truck have been involved in a seven-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway south of Rockhampton, injuring several people. Police said vehicles in the crash included a semi-trailer carrying a US military tank, a flat bed truck carrying two caravans, a B-double truck, three cars and a four-wheel drive towing a caravan.
>>19211171 Alice Springs alcohol restrictions to continue for at least two years after drops in NT crime rates - The Northern Territory will extend alcohol restrictions in Alice Springs for at least two years after incidents of domestic violence and assault plummeted by more than a third. The move follows an outcry from locals who had demanded for months that grog bans be implemented.
>>19211252 Bruce Highway reopens after multi-vehicle crash involving US tank - Both lanes of the Bruce Highway are now open, as investigators piece together the chain of events that led to a fiery multi-vehicle crash involving a US military tank in central Queensland. The seven-vehicle crash happened near Bajool, south of Rockhampton. It involved multiple caravans, a B-double truck and a semi-trailer carrying a US army tank en route to a military exercise. Capricornia District Police Inspector Ben Carroll said police were still piecing together the cause of the crash, but initial investigations suggest a passenger vehicle failed to stop for an escort vehicle accompanying the semi-trailer carrying the tank, causing a domino effect.
>>19211276 Video: Talisman Sabre military exercise brings foreign troops to Australia for war games - Thousands of troops from 13 countries have descended on Queensland for the Talisman Sabre war games, the largest to date. The biennial military exercise involving Australia and the United States has expanded over the past decade to include military partners and observers from many more countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Tent cities have been set up to accommodate an influx of 30,000 troops across the state's north, which has become a hive of activity with armoured vehicles, warships and aircraft.
>>19211280 Boxers and boots on the ground: tightening military ties with Germany - Visiting Australia to mark the inaugural involvement of German troops in Australia's premier war games, Lieutenant-General Alfons Mais indicated his country's armed forces, known as the Bundeswehr, planned to deepen ties with Indo-Pacific militaries as democracies unite to stand up for the international rules-based order. "We are here to strengthen relationships with partners. Not only the Australian Defence Force, but the US and France are participating, so partners we know already. It's a signal to show the relevance of the region and where we can contribute."

#19487357 at 2023-09-04 08:56:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#31 - Part 14
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Part 5
>>19267266 Four missing defence aviators identified, search-and-rescue mission continues near Hamilton Island after Taipan helicopter crash - Four Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who were on board a Taipan helicopter that crashed into waters near Hamilton Island have been identified. Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were on board the MRH90 helicopter that ditched into the ocean during a training exercise as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre on Friday night. All were members of the 6th Aviation Regiment. Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, the Chief of the Australian Army, said the families of the men were being supported by the ADF and had consented to the names of the missing men being released.
>>19272518 Video: 'No hope' of finding ADF servicemen alive: Richard Marles - There is no longer any hope of finding alive the four men aboard the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter when it crashed into the ocean off Queensland's Whitsunday Islands on Friday night, with the government shifting the search and rescue mission to a recovery operation. Defence Minister Richard Marles said "the loss of these four men is as significant and meaningful as the loss of anyone who has worn our nation's uniform. If it is as we imagine it to be, they died on Friday night making a difference."
>>19290021 Human remains found after army helicopter crash - Human remains and parts of a cockpit have been found in the area where four army aircrew members died when their helicopter crashed last week off the Queensland coast. Lieutenant-General Greg Bilton told reporters the search-and-recovery mission had identified a "further debris field" in the sea near Hamilton Island that was consistent with a catastrophic, high-impact crash. "Sadly, I can confirm human remains have also been observed in this location by [a] remote underwater vehicle," he said. "Due to the nature of the debris field, positive identification of the remains is unlikely to occur until we recover more of the wreckage."
>>19297773 Defence Australia Tweet: Video: #TalismanSabre2023 is now officially closed. - #TS23 is the largest Australia-US bilaterally planned, multilaterally conducted exercise. This year is the largest iteration of the exercise, with 13 nations and more than 30,000 personnel participating. #YourADF
>>19297823 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Thank you to all of the personnel who have participated in the exercise, and to the local communities for their support. #TalismanSabre2023 has officially come to a close.
>>19297823 Talisman Sabre - MAGIC SWORD - https://qalerts.pub/?q=Operation+Specialists - https://qalerts.pub/?q=magic

#19487356 at 2023-09-04 08:55:39 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#31 - Part 13
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Part 4
>>19262158 Video: Crashed military helicopter has history of safety issues - The military helicopter involved in a horror crash off the coast of Queensland, leaving four feared dead, has a problematic history with nearly a dozen recorded safety incidents linked to MRH-90 Taipan helicopters. The helicopter ditched into the water about 10.30pm on Friday off the coast of Hamilton Island while on a two-helicopter mission as part of the Talisman Sabre joint exercise with America. It is the second incident this year, following a crash in Jervis Bay in March during a counterterrorism military training exercise.
>>19262255 Video: Talisman Sabre helicopter crash: Hopes fade for missing air crew - Four Australian Army aviators are feared dead after a horror chopper crash over the Whitsundays in what looms as the nation's worst peacetime military disaster since 2005. Wreckage was recovered from the waters off Hamilton Island on Saturday, more than 12 hours after the chopper went down in the middle of major international war game exercises. In what Australia's Defence chief described as "a terrible moment", the MRH-90 Taipan ditched into the sea just before 11pm on Friday during Exercise Talisman Sabre. It is feared the incident could become one of Australia's worst peacetime military disasters since two Black Hawk helicopters collided near Townsville in 1996, killing 18 personnel, and the 2005 Nias Island Sea King crash which killed nine personnel.
>>19262307 US pledge to stand by Aussies after Talisman Sabre crash tragedy - Top military officials from Australia and the United States have declared their unwavering commitment to Exercise Talisman Sabre as they expressed sorrow for four personnel still missing after a catastrophic crash during war-games in north Queensland. The disastrous ditching of an MRH90 Taipan during night-time exercise off Lindeman Island loomed large over high-level talks between Australian and American defence and foreign affairs officials in Brisbane. The annual AUSMIN talks delivered significant progress in deepening Australian and US military ties and cementing itself in an increasingly contested Pacific, but the timing was inextricably linked to what is set to be the nation's worst peacetime disaster in at least two decades.
>>19262368 Talisman Sabre Facebook Post: 28 July 2023 - Statement issued by Defence - Defence can confirm an Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter has impacted waters near Lindeman Island, off the Queensland coast. The aircraft was participating in a night-time training activity as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 when it was reported missing late Friday night, 28 July 2023. Four crew were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident and are currently missing. Military and civilian search and rescue aircraft and watercraft are currently conducting search and rescue operations at the incident site. At this time Defence's priority is supporting our ADF members and their families. Families of affected personnel have been notified. Families seeking information and support can call the Defence Member and Family Helpline at 1800 624 608.
>>19267202 Investigation launched into military helicopter crash, four feared dead - The federal government has launched an investigation into the cause of a helicopter crash that authorities fear has led to the death of four missing Defence Force personnel, making it Australia's worst peacetime military accident in almost 20 years. Australia and the United States' most senior defence and foreign policy officials expressed their dismay over the horror accident, which has revived longstanding concerns about the technical problems that have plagued the MRH-90 Taipan, the aircraft involved in the crash.
>>19267242 Police officer's son among four feared dead in crash near Hamilton Island - The four men feared dead after a Defence helicopter went down in waters off the Whitsunday Islands have been identified. Captain Daniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs were named by the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, as the four involved in the crash. The crew were members of the Australian Army Aviation's 6th Aviation Regiment based at the Holsworthy Army barracks in Sydney. Lieutenant General Stuart said the men's names had been released with permission from their families.

#19487353 at 2023-09-04 08:54:13 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#31 - Part 12
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Part 3
>>19243643 Midge Point community marvels as Operation Talisman Sabre unfolds in their backyard - The shores of a secluded beach in the Whitsundays set the scene for a large scale military attack between American, Japanese and German forces. Three impressive landing craft air cushioned boats were deployed to Midge Point beach, where marine troops then worked to secure the area. The Midge Point community were able to watch the mock operation, carried out on July 26 as part of a three-day rehearsal under Talisman Sabre 23. Resident Robyn Crawford said "awesome" was the only word to describe what she had just seen.
>>19243661 Talisman Sabre 2023 a risky geopolitical game - "While "Exercise Talisman Sabre" may appear as an impressive military practice, its unintended consequences must not be understated. The aggressive posturing and heightened military readiness exhibited during drills can inadvertently increase uncertainty and anxiety among regional actors, leading to misconceptions, miscalculations, and misunderstandings. Besides, this hostile drill risks perpetuating a cycle of strategic mistrust, insecurity and confrontation in the region. Also, this US-backed drill provokes other regional powers especially China for countermeasures as Beijing may perceive it as a threat to its national interests and security." - Emilia Fernandez, security and political analyst with a focus on South Asian geopolitics, and PhD researcher at the University of Lucerne, Switzerland - chinadaily.com.cn
>>19250260 Talisman Sabre 23 Field Exercise Sets Benchmark for Combined Military Training in Indo-Pacific - "You're currently standing in what we call the Field of Dreams," said Australian Army Col. Ben McLennan, commander of the Australian Defense Force's Combat Training Centre, as he welcomed reporters to the Townsville Field Training Area. The training area is the epicenter of the 10-day field training exercise taking place during Talisman Sabre 23. "This activity that's occurring here is just the richest, most immersive and most realistic, no-consequence training environment that we can possibly create," he said. "We're calling it the Olympics of war games because it's the biggest, most ambitious Talisman Sabre ever."
>>19250270 Video: NZ soldiers perform Haka Tu in warning to mock enemy in Australian war games - A contingent of New Zealand soldiers have declared their readiness to head into battle on Australian soil by performing a traditional war challenge to intimidate their enemy. In a video released Wednesday, the soldiers performed the Haka Tu in front of counterparts from Australia, the US, Fiji and France in the Queensland bush to mark the start Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.
>>19257074 United States, German and Japanese Military Forces Conduct Joint Amphibious Assault during Talisman Sabre 23 - Sailors from USS New Orleans transported the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, German Army, and Japanese Self-Defense Forces service members ashore via a landing craft, air cushion operation as part of Talisman Sabre 23 at Midge Point, Australia on July 25, 2023. Amphibious operations provide a combined-joint force commander the capability to rapidly project power ashore in support of crisis response at the desired time and location. "The exercise here is important because of all the joint forces - we integrate and we do all our training together," said Sgt. Jorge Bravo, a U.S. Marine with the 31st MEU. "They have their own way of doing things, we have our own way of doing things, and we find the common ground in the middle - and we were better because of it."
>>19262114 Video: Four feared dead after military chopper crashes near Hamilton Island - Four Australian Defence Force members are missing, feared dead, after a helicopter crash during the Talisman Sabre military exercise in Queensland. A search and rescue mission involving Australian and US Defence Force personnel is underway off Hamilton Island for the crew of the MRH-90 helicopter, which went down about 10.30pm on Friday. Emerging from Australia-United States Ministerial Consultation (AUSMIN) talks in Brisbane on Saturday, Defence Minister Richard Marles said the meeting was conducted with "heavy hearts".
"The families of the four aircrew have been notified of this incident and our hopes and our thoughts are very much with the aircrew and their families," he said. "Our hopes are very much with the efforts of the search and rescue crews as they go about their work right now."

#19487351 at 2023-09-04 08:52:56 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#31 - Part 11
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Part 2
>>19221161 Japan's top general inspects anti-ship missile ahead of historic Australian launch - Japan's top military officer is in Australia inspecting his country's most advanced anti-ship weapon as part of his country's largest ever participation in joint military exercises. Japan's Self Defence Force (JSDF) was scheduled to carry out a live test of its Type 12 Surface-to-Ship missile (SSM) for just the second time outside of Japan at the Beecroft Weapons Range on the New South Wales south coast. But the Australian Defence Force has delayed the exercise due to unfavourable sea conditions, and plans to resume the launch over the next few days.
>>19221167 Video: Chinese 'spy ships' expected to sit off Darwin and Central Queensland during Talisman Sabre military exercises - Officials are preparing for two Chinese "spy ships" to arrive off Australia's coast next week to monitor the multinational Talisman Sabre military exercises opening in Sydney this morning. Since 2017, China's Navy has deployed at least one Auxiliary General Intelligence (AGI) vessel to snoop on each of the biennial training drills involving the United States, as well as other partner nations. Defence and security sources told the ABC they were expecting a pair of People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) vessels to head towards Australia over the next few days.
>>19226439 Talisman Sabre 2023: Firepower demonstrations 1,000 miles apart signal start of massive exercise in Australia - Dozens of mortar shells and rockets screamed across the Australian bush into a mountainside over the weekend, one of two live-fire demonstrations that kicked off the largest-ever Talisman Sabre exercise. Now in its 10th year, the biennial Talisman Sabre is expected bring more than 30,000 personnel, nearly double the number of troops deployed in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with additional participants from the United Kingdom, Canada, Indonesia, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea. The exercise provides an opportunity for the individual nations to practice teamwork and communication in the event of "whatever crisis may exist in our region in the future," Lt. Gen. Greg Bilton, the Australian Defence Force chief of joint operations, said Friday during the exercise's opening ceremony in Garden Island, Australia.
>>19226439 Talisman Sabre - MAGIC SWORD - https://qalerts.pub/?q=Operation+Specialists - https://qalerts.pub/?q=magic
>>19226465 Talisman Sabre: Chinese spy ships moving into position to monitor war game exercise - Live demonstrations of the latest military firepower are on display as part of the largest ever US and Australia-led war gaming exercise, Talisman Sabre. Chinese spy ships are moving into position to monitor the exercise for the next fortnight. - Sky News Australia
>>19231969 First image emerges of RAAF's encounter with Chinese spy ship during Talisman Sabre - An aerial photograph showing an RAAF P-8 Poseidon plane flying over a Chinese surveillance ship as it headed towards Australia last week has been obtained by the ABC. The image of the Dongdiao Class Auxiliary General Intelligence (AGI) vessel was taken from on board another Australian military aircraft over international waters in the Coral Sea.
>>19237744 'Olympics of war games': This year's Talisman Sabre is most ambitious ever, official says - This year's Talisman Sabre is the "biggest and most ambitious" version of the multinational exercise ever and Australia's largest military undertaking in more than a century, according to U.S. and Australian military officials. The exercise, with 30,000 troops from 13 countries, kicked off with a ceremony Friday but swung into gear with two live-fire drills the following day at sites 1,000 miles apart. Talisman Sabre, led by the U.S. and hosted by Australia along its eastern coast, is scheduled to conclude Aug. 4.
>>19243607 Video: Submarine spotted off Queensland coast one of several navy vessels headed to massive war games - A submarine has been spotted cruising off the coast of Queensland, much to the surprise and delight of locals. Doug Bazley, 63, of Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, said he had been on Golden Beach for about two hours Friday afternoon when he noticed some unusual "spray and mist" in front of a container ship heading through the spitfire channel about 3.45pm. The keen photographer said he grabbed his binoculars and soon spied the surfaced Royal Australian Navy Collins Class submarine about 5km off coast, complete with a person standing on top and at the front of the sub.

#19487348 at 2023-09-04 08:51:44 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#31 - Part 10
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Part 1
>>19204909 Video: Talisman Sabre Facebook Post - 19 July 2023 - 3 days to go! 3 days left until the start of #TalismanSabre2023!
>>19204923 Chinese intelligence expected to monitor Australia's Talisman Sabre military exercises - The Australian defence force expects that Chinese intelligence will seek to monitor Talisman Sabre, a military training exercise involving 30,000 personnel from 13 countries including the US and Pacific neighbours. The director of the exercise, Brigadier Damian Hill, said he expected Chinese intelligence to seek to monitor the event again this year. "Even though they're not invited, they still turn up," he said. "But they haven't asked to be invited either."
>>19204951 Japan to fire advanced ship-killing missile on Australia's shores - Japanese forces will fire their most advanced anti-ship missile into Australian waters for the first time, ahead of large-scale multinational military exercises that begin later this week. Japan's Self Defense Force (JSDF) is preparing to conduct a live fire demonstration of its Type 12 Surface-to-Ship missile (SSM) at a weapons range in Jervis Bay, south of Sydney.
>>19204962 American tank on way to Talisman Sabre in big central Queensland car crash - A US military tank, believed to be on the way to the Talisman Sabre military training exercise, has been caught in a fiery multi-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway in central Queensland. Six people were taken to the Rockhampton and Gladstone hospitals, three with suspected spinal injuries. Queensland Police confirmed the forensic crash unit was investigating after the accident at Bajool, south of Rockhampton, involving seven vehicles.
>>19205012 Video: Multiple people injured in Bruce Highway crash involving US military tank - A United States military tank, multiple caravans and a B-double truck have been involved in a seven-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway south of Rockhampton, injuring several people. Police said vehicles in the crash included a semi-trailer carrying a US military tank, a flat bed truck carrying two caravans, a B-double truck, three cars and a four-wheel drive towing a caravan.
>>19211171 Alice Springs alcohol restrictions to continue for at least two years after drops in NT crime rates - The Northern Territory will extend alcohol restrictions in Alice Springs for at least two years after incidents of domestic violence and assault plummeted by more than a third. The move follows an outcry from locals who had demanded for months that grog bans be implemented.
>>19211252 Bruce Highway reopens after multi-vehicle crash involving US tank - Both lanes of the Bruce Highway are now open, as investigators piece together the chain of events that led to a fiery multi-vehicle crash involving a US military tank in central Queensland. The seven-vehicle crash happened near Bajool, south of Rockhampton. It involved multiple caravans, a B-double truck and a semi-trailer carrying a US army tank en route to a military exercise. Capricornia District Police Inspector Ben Carroll said police were still piecing together the cause of the crash, but initial investigations suggest a passenger vehicle failed to stop for an escort vehicle accompanying the semi-trailer carrying the tank, causing a domino effect.
>>19211276 Video: Talisman Sabre military exercise brings foreign troops to Australia for war games - Thousands of troops from 13 countries have descended on Queensland for the Talisman Sabre war games, the largest to date. The biennial military exercise involving Australia and the United States has expanded over the past decade to include military partners and observers from many more countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Tent cities have been set up to accommodate an influx of 30,000 troops across the state's north, which has become a hive of activity with armoured vehicles, warships and aircraft.
>>19211280 Boxers and boots on the ground: tightening military ties with Germany - Visiting Australia to mark the inaugural involvement of German troops in Australia's premier war games, Lieutenant-General Alfons Mais indicated his country's armed forces, known as the Bundeswehr, planned to deepen ties with Indo-Pacific militaries as democracies unite to stand up for the international rules-based order. "We are here to strengthen relationships with partners. Not only the Australian Defence Force, but the US and France are participating, so partners we know already. It's a signal to show the relevance of the region and where we can contribute."

#19440285 at 2023-08-27 10:04:28 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19440283

2/2

The marines were participating in Exercise Predator's Run, one of the biggest multilateral combat simulations undertaken in the Territory.

Ms Fyles said the crash occurred in a remote area, and there were no locals present when the aircraft came down.

Commissioner Murphy said military personnel were the first on scene, but civilian flight services were assisting in airlifting the injured marines from the remote location.

A 2km exclusion zone had been established around the crash site, he said.

There were no Australian personnel on board the aircraft, despite the close co-operation between the ADF and the US Marines.

A Defence spokeswoman confirmed Exercise Predator's Run had been paused following the crash.

"At this critical early stage, our focus is on the incident response and ensuring the safety of those involved," he said.

About 2500 personnel were participating in the exercise, including 500 US marines, 120 Philippines Armed Forces soldiers, 120 Indonesian Defence Force personnel, and about 50 from the East Timor's Defence Force.

NT Labor MP and former Australian Army commando Luke Gosling said the region's thoughts were with "our US Allies and friends, in particular those who have been injured, and all the families".

"We wish the injured a speedy recovery as we remember the US Marine Corps motto 'Semper Fidelis' - 'Always Faithful'," he told the NT News.

The MV-22 Osprey has a troubled history, having been involved in five fatal crashes since 2012 causing 16 deaths, according to a Marine Corps report published this year in response to a deadly accident in California in June, 2022.

It that incident, five marines died when their MV-22 Osprey suffered a "catastrophic, unpreventable and unanticipated mechanical failure", according to a Marine Corps report.

The investigation identified a clutch engagement issue that led to engine failure as the cause of the deadly crash in June, 2022.

At the time, the Marine Corps said equipment changes had been made to the aircraft to reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of similar accidents.

"It is clear from the investigation that there was no error on the part of the pilots and aircrew and nothing they could have done to anticipate or prevent this mishap," a statement released at the time said.

An Australian MRH-90 helicopter crashed in early August during Australia's largest bilateral military training exercise with the US, known as Talisman Sabre.

Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, Corporal Alexander Naggs and Captain Dan Lyon died in the crash, during Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Some human remains have been recovered from the crash, but not all of those who died are accounted for.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/us-military-aircraft-crashes-in-nt-with-20-onboard/news-story/165ec6bb4b273178ba71bf63f58f2592

https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1695727412804538428

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbDOYYbTT-c

#19297859 at 2023-08-04 18:30:33 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19188991
US nuclear submarine visits Western Australia as allies increase defence preparedness

Kirsty Needham - August 4, 2023

SYDNEY, Aug 4 (Reuters) - A U.S. Navy nuclear submarine arrived in Western Australia on Friday as allies Canberra and Washington deepen defence ties and prepare to transfer nuclear submarine capability to Australia.

The U.S. Navy Virginia-class submarine arrived at HMAS Stirling for a scheduled port visit as part of a patrol of the Indo-Pacific, officials said.

Port Stirling will undergo an A$8 billion expansion to become a base for U.S. and British nuclear submarines from 2027, under the AUKUS partnership of Australia, the United States and Britain.

Australia plans to buy three nuclear-powered and conventionally armed submarines next decade from the United States, before building a new nuclear submarine class in Australia in the 2040s.

The U.S. military does not have a base in Australia but it is increasing the type and number of forces it rotates there. It will also stockpile military stores this year and establish a joint intelligence centre next year, defence and foreign ministers from the two nations said on Saturday.

The United States will also be involved in upgrades to multiple air bases in Australia's north, missile production and space cooperation, they said.

Australia and the United States are conducting two major military exercises this month, as Australia seeks to boost its defence preparedness.

Two Indian navy ships will join the Malabar Exercise, with Quadrilateral Security Partners the U.S., Australia and Japan, off the east coast of Australia next Friday.

Talisman Sabre, involving 34,000 personnel from 13 nations closed on Friday. Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, said the exercise "tested our combined capabilities across sea, land, air, cyber and space operations".

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-nuclear-submarine-visits-western-australia-allies-increase-defence-2023-08-04/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx0mBkfQb4w

#19297823 at 2023-08-04 18:23:54 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19262114
>>19297773
Talisman Sabre Tweet

Thank you to all of the personnel who have participated in the exercise, and to the local communities for their support.

#TalismanSabre2023 has officially come to a close.

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1687387975234002944


>Talisman Sabre

>MAGIC SWORD

https://qalerts.pub/?q=Operation+Specialists

https://qalerts.pub/?q=magic

#19290021 at 2023-08-03 11:54:51 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19262114
>>19272518
Human remains found after army helicopter crash

Matthew Knott - August 3, 2023

Human remains and parts of a cockpit have been found in the area where four army aircrew members died when their helicopter crashed last week off the Queensland coast.

Lieutenant-General Greg Bilton told reporters the search-and-recovery mission had identified a "further debris field" in the sea near Hamilton Island that was consistent with a catastrophic, high-impact crash.

"Sadly, I can confirm human remains have also been observed in this location by [a] remote underwater vehicle," he said. "Due to the nature of the debris field, positive identification of the remains is unlikely to occur until we recover more of the wreckage."

Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph "Phil" Laycock, Corporal Alexander Naggs, Troop Commander Captain Daniel Lyon and Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent were on board the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter when it crashed during military training exercises on Friday night.

Defence Minister Richard Marles announced on Monday that all four crew members were presumed dead and the search-and-rescue mission had become a recovery mission.

Bilton said Australian Defence Vessel Reliant, a modern navy auxiliary ship, had been called in to assist with the search-and-recovery effort.

He said those involved were searching at a depth of 40 metres, but the strong currents in the Whitsundays made the recovery effort difficult.

Bilton said the black box inside the aircraft was still missing, adding: "All communications were normal before the aircraft impacted the water.

"The black box is critical in helping us understand what has actually taken place … It is important to collect as much of the debris as we can, so we can fully understand how this incident occurred."

The helicopter was taking part in Talisman Sabre, the nation's biggest military training exercise.

The entire Taipan fleet has been grounded following the accident, and the government has said it will not fly again until the cause of the crash has been identified.

The Taipans have been plagued with technical problems during their term of service, and the fleet of 47 aircraft was suspended from use in March when one of the helicopters crashed into shallow waters off Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast.

The federal opposition is calling on the government to try to accelerate the replacement of the Taipans with a $2.8 billion fleet of Black Hawks from the United States before the scheduled date of December 2024.

"I do not think that can come soon enough, frankly," opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie, a former Special Air Service captain, said this week.

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/human-remains-found-after-army-helicopter-crash-20230803-p5dtnw.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP31L8imwdg

#19272527 at 2023-07-31 09:51:00 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19262419
US military analysts to embed in Australia's defence department to monitor regional threats in wake of AUSMIN talks

Stephen Dziedzic - 31 July 2023

American military analysts will soon be sent to work at the Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO) in Canberra as both allies intensify joint efforts to scrutinise the moves of states like China, Russia and North Korea in the region.

The US and Australia announced that they would establish a "Combined Intelligence Centre - Australia" within the DIO by next year, saying the new entity would "enhance long-standing intelligence cooperation".

It comes in the wake of the AUSMIN talks between the two nations on Saturday

Defence Minister Richard Marles said that while the US and Australia already had deep intelligence ties and shared large amounts of information, the announcement represented a "significant step forward" towards "seamless" intelligence ties.

"It does enable us to do joint work and you will then see more joint [intelligence] products coming out of this," he said.

"This is a unit which is going to produce intelligence for both of our defence forces ... and I think that's important."

"You'll get an American perspective into the American system seen from Australia. And that is not insignificant."

Mr Marles' declined to say what the joint intelligence centre would work on, and the joint communique issued after AUSMIN says only that it will look at "analysing issues of shared strategic concern in the Indo-Pacific."

But US analysts from the Defense Intelligence Agency and their Australian counterparts say they are very likely to focus sharply on China's military footprint in the region and its moves to cement security ties with countries across Asia and the Pacific.

The Defence Minister also denied the United States was making the move because it had been unsettled by the security pact signed by China and Solomon Islands last year - a move which blindsided Australian officials and undermined American confidence in Canberra's intelligence capabilities in the Pacific.

Mr Marles made the comments after travelling to Townsville with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday, the day after they held joint talks with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Brisbane on Saturday.

The two men travelled to Lavarack Barracks to meet some of the thousands of military personnel taking part in the massive Operation Talisman Sabre military exercises.

Both paid tribute to the four Australian aviators who are still missing after crashing into waters off Queensland's coast, and met with soldiers from all the 13 nations who are participating in the war games this year.

Mr Austin said the exercises strengthened the "unbreakable alliance" between Australia and the United States, while Mr Marles declared it would boost "connectedness" between the participating nations and "enhance the security of the Indo-Pacific".

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-30/us-military-analysts-defence-regional-security-richard-marles/102666972

#19272518 at 2023-07-31 09:44:59 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19262114
'No hope' of finding ADF servicemen alive: Richard Marles

JOE KELLY - JULY 31, 2023

There is no longer any hope of finding alive the four men aboard the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter when it crashed into the ocean off Queensland's Whitsunday Islands on Friday night, with the government shifting the search and rescue mission to a recovery operation.

Defence Minister Richard Marles on Monday said the nation's fleet of MRH-90 helicopters would be grounded and not flown until a full investigation had been conducted, casting doubt on whether the aircraft would be used again.

"We will not be flying MRH-90s until we understand what's happened," he said. "There will be a full investigation of what has happened. We will come to understand, as a result of that, exactly what has occurred and we will learn the lessons from that."

"The investigation is going to be thorough. We need to understand what occurred. If there are steps which then need to be taken, we need to take those steps. And until all of that has happened the MRH-90s will not fly."

Mr Marles said the "significant wreckage" from the helicopter - which crashed during the joint Australia-US Talisman Sabre military exercise taking place across northern Queensland - had revealed a "catastrophic" incident had occurred.

The comments reveal the government's conviction that the four men on the MRH-90 helicopter on Friday have been killed and could not have survived the crash in what is shaping up as the worst peacetime military accident in Australia in almost 20 years.

"There was a catastrophic incident," Mr Marles said. "And with every passing hour it is now clear that any hope of finding captain Captain [Daniel] Lyon, Lieutenant [Maxwell] Nugent, [Joseph] Laycock and [Alexander] Naggs are lost," Mr Marles said. "As such, the nature of the activities which are being undertaken in the Whitsundays have transferred from being ones of search and rescue to an activity of recovery."

The families of the four men were notified this morning and Mr Marles said he had spoken to each of them.

"I do want to assure them and assure the nation that the determined recovery effort involving hundreds of defence force personnel will continue," he said. "What we do know is that defence exercises are serious. They carry risk and are such they are dangerous. But they are so important. These exercises have played a critical part in providing for the collective security and peace of the region."

"The loss of these four men is as significant and meaningful as the loss of anyone who has worn our nation's uniform. If it is as we imagine it to be, they died on Friday night making a difference."

Chief of the Defence Force, Angus Campbell, said the recovery operation was challenging and was taking place in the waters around the Whitsunday Islands "where there are quite strong currents and tidal movements."

He said the waters moved below the depth of a standard diving operation, meaning sonar equipment was needed to identify pieces of the wreckage and that specialist divers would be required. "This is not an easy operation," he said.

"The investigation ... will scrutinise every aspect of this event. And we will be seeking to recover as much as possible of the (helicopter) and for as long as required."

"There are data recording systems, so that will be of assistance. But the material and mechanical state of the (helicopter) as in other air investigations can be meticulously put back together and hence understood.

"That's for investigators. But it is not time now for careless or speculative comments."

General Campbell provided an assurance that the Talisman Sabre exercises would be continuing, but would be "adjusted or changed" in the vicinity of the crash site "in a way that enables the recovery effort to continue at scale."

Questioned on the history of problems with the Taipan helicopters over a period of years, Mr Marles also provided an assurance that they had been "certified to fly" in the military exercises.

"They won't fly again until we understand what has happened."

No details were provided on who would lead the crash investigation.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/no-hope-of-finding-adf-servicemen-alive-richard-marles/news-story/5fd5075c04090f1a972b954062a1c09f

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0phKUV5dB0o

#19267266 at 2023-07-30 10:01:38 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19262114
>>19262808
Four missing defence aviators identified, search-and-rescue mission continues near Hamilton Island after Taipan helicopter crash

abc.net.au - 30 July 2023

1/2

Four Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who were on board a Taipan helicopter that crashed into waters near Hamilton Island have been identified.

Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were on board the MRH90 helicopter that ditched into the ocean during a training exercise as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre on Friday night.

All were members of the 6th Aviation Regiment.

Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, the Chief of the Australian Army, said the families of the men were being supported by the ADF and had consented to the names of the missing men being released.

"My thoughts and prayers are with their families and their mates here at the 6th Aviation Regiment as they wait for more news about their loved ones," Lieutenant General Stuart said.

"We will continue to support their families and their mates in the coming days and weeks, months and years, no matter the outcome."

Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that while parts of the helicopter had been located, the main body of the airframe had not yet been found.

"There are specialist assets that are on task right now that are doing that job," he said.

Lieutenant General Stuart said the investigation into the cause of the crash is still ongoing.

He said the 6th Aviation Regiment is a "highly professional and highly skilled" unit.

"This is the aviation unit that supports and performs our special operations set of missions," he said.

"I couldn't be more proud of them as professionals, as soldiers and as people."

Parts of the helicopter were recovered from waters near Lindeman Island on Saturday, with specialist divers today searching underwater in the area where the crash occurred.

ADF Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said broader Talisman Sabre exercises had recommenced, but special operations activities in the Whitsundays remained on hold.

"The Whitsundays area is renowned for currents, so you do get some movement of any debris in the water," he said.

"That is a very important factor that affects searching and rescue.

"The waves and the actual conditions at the moment are moderate, so there's some challenge but it's not insurmountable, it's not stopping operations."

Lieutenant General Bilton said he was confident in the capability of those on the ground to find "our four mates".

Mr Marles spoke to ADF personnel and others involved in Exercise Talisman Sabre in Townsville earlier on Sunday alongside US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.

"This accident makes very real what this exercise means, the dangers that are involved, and the risks that inevitably come with it," he said.

Mr Austin said the US was assisting with the search-and-rescue efforts.

"My thoughts are with the four Australians who were involved in the helicopter crash yesterday, and our hearts go out to their loved ones during this terribly difficult time," he said.

"As I told the deputy prime minister, the United States stands ready to provide any further assistance that we can."

(continued)

#19267248 at 2023-07-30 09:44:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19267242

2/2

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the crash. The entire MH-90 Taipan fleet have been grounded until further notice.

It's the second time an Australian MH-90 has been involved in an emergency this year after a helicopter ditched into Jervis Bay on the NSW south coast during routine training.

But Lieutenant General Stuart has rejected suggestions the four men should not have flown the Taipan due to known issues with the chopper.

"We've understood those issues and we have worked to ensure that we've mitigated those risks," he said.

"We don't fly if we don't think it's safe and that continues to be the case."

An exclusion zone remains in place in waters south of Hamilton Island and incorporates waters from the southern tip of Long Island, east to Perseverance Island, south to Cole Island, and west to the mainland at Round Head.

Exclusion zones also extend to 1000m from any military vessel.

It is understood all debris is being delivered to nearby warship Brisbane.

Members of the pubic who locate debris are urged not to handle it and to contact police.

Talisman Sabre exercise director Brigadier Damian Hill said the water is "quite deep" in the area being searched and the arrival of HMAS Huon on Sunday would assist with the search.

"HMAS Huon has some of our more experienced divers should we need to look under the water for wreckage as the search and rescue continues," he said.

What is Exercise Talisman Sabre?

The chopper was taking part in Exercise Talisman Sabre, which has been paused in light of the accident.

According to the Australian Army, the MRH-90 Taipan aircraft is one of the "most advanced tactical troop transport helicopters of the 21st century."

The ADF currently has 47 of the choppers - which can reach maximum speeds of 300km per hour - through the Advanced Helicopter Program for Australia.

The MRH-90 also reportedly has the "highest crashworthy standards".

It comes only a week after Talisman Sabre commenced, with the deputy prime minister kicked off the exercise in an opening ceremony in Canberra.

"It is a privilege to officially open Talisman Sabre 2023 and welcome all participating nations," Mr Marles said on July 21.

Talisman Sabre, is the ADF's biggest training exercise, involving more than 31,000 soldiers, marines, sailors and pilots from across 13 countries.

US Marines and Australian soldiers have been conducting exercises together in the Whitsundays as part of Talisman Sabre.

Australian and US forces have been joined by officers from Canada, Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, the UK, France and Germany.

Support services for ADF personnel

Defence all-hours support line 1800 628 036

Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608

For information on how to access mental health professionals 1800 IMSICK (1800 467 425)

Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling (formerly VVCS) 1800 011 046

Department of Veterans' Affairs 1800 838 372

https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/military/four-feared-dead-after-military-chopper-crashes-near-hamilton-island/news-story/88b9e579d9db560f2c0af67adb091d02

#19267242 at 2023-07-30 09:42:01 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19262114
>>19262808
Police officer's son among four feared dead in crash near Hamilton Island

The four people on board a downed military helicopter have been named after wreckage was found in the waters near Hamilton Island.

Courtney Gould, Nathan Schmidt and Jessica Wang - July 30, 2023

1/2

The four men feared dead after a Defence helicopter went down in waters off the Whitsunday Islands have been identified.

Captain Daniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs were named by the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, as the four involved in the crash.

The crew were members of the Australian Army Aviation's 6th Aviation Regiment based at the Holsworthy Army barracks in Sydney.

Lieutenant General Stuart said the men's names had been released with permission from their families.

"I'm focussed on three things: The first and most pressing is to bring Daniel, Alexander, Joseph and Maxwell home to their families," he said at the Holsworthy barracks on Sunday.

"The second is to support their families and their mates. And the third is to support the important work of the air safety team as they work out what went wrong and why."

Search and rescue teams resumed the search for the crew of the missing MRH-90 Taipan on Sunday but it's feared the crew members are unlikely to still be alive.

Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said the large-scale search could be impeded by the conditions in the Whitsundays, which is "renowned for currents".

"So you do get movement of any debris in the water. So that is a very important factor that affects search and rescue," he said.

"The waves and the actual conditions at the moment are moderate. So there's some challenge but it's not insurmountable. It's not stopping operations."

He said he was "confident," the Australian Defence Force (ADF) was capable of finding the fuselage and "our four mates".

The chopper was conducting joint military joint military exercises as part of Operation Talisman Sabre when it crashed at about 10:30pm on Friday.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Sunday there was a "very real sense of poignancy and an anxiety" associated with the search and rescue.

"Our thoughts are very much with the aircrew and of course their families," Mr Marles told troops participating in the Talisman Sabre drills in Townsville on Sunday.

"This accident makes very clear what this exercise means, the dangers that are involved, the risks that inevitably come with it.

"The significance of it all, particularly given the events of Friday night, is made very plain and very clear. We owe all of you an enormous debt of gratitude."

In a brief statement in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the nation's "thoughts and prayers" were with the families of the missing crewmen.

Earlier, NSW Premier Chris Minns said his heart was with the families who "must be hurting this morning".

He confirmed one of those feared dead was the son of a senior NSW police officer.

"(They're) a family that's given so much to the people of this state, of this country," he told Sky News on Sunday.

"I can only imagine what they're going through today. It's just devastating."

More than 800 personnel across military and emergency services are joined the search and rescue mission, including specialist navy divers.

Defence Force Chief General Angus Campbell said "a number" of Australian and US ships were involved in the search, including the HMAS Adelaide, HMAS Brisbane and the USS Miguel Keith.

He also acknowledged the support provided by the Queensland Police Service, the state's emergency services, and the ADF's international partners.

"I'd just like to acknowledge the reach out and the support that's been provided by our allies and partners, particularly the United States," he said.

"Once again, the same resolute support that we're receiving now, as we've received in the past and we're grateful for it."

(continued)

#19267207 at 2023-07-30 09:28:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19267202

2/2

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said his heart was "full of concern" following the crash.

"And our hearts are full, too, because they were performing their duties alongside American servicemen and women to further strengthen our alliance, our partnership, and the work we're doing together around the world," he said.

"They have been on our minds throughout today. They remain very much on our minds right now."

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, a retired US Army four-star general, expressed his support for the families of the missing service members, saying that "the reason that we train to such high standards is so that we can be successful and we can protect lives when we are called to answer any kind of crisis".

"It's always tough when you have accidents in training," he said.

Marles and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement they had the utmost confidence in the search-and-rescue teams' professionalism and skill.

"Our first thoughts are with the loved ones of the missing," they said. "All Australians hold them in our hearts, and we hold onto hope as the search-and-rescue teams go about their work right now."

Australian Defence Force Chief Angus Campbell said the crash was "a terrible moment" for the nation.

"Our focus at the moment is finding our people and supporting their families and the rest of our team," he said.

A Maritime Safety Authority plane has been circling the area as part of the search.

Exercise Talisman Sabre, which runs until August 4, involves thousands of people from the defence forces of Australia and the United States.

Two days ago, a US Air Force commander said this exercise was the "biggest, most complex Talisman Sabre we've undertaken".

Opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the four missing aircrew and their families involved in the ADF MRH-90 helicopter crash late last night in Queensland."

Greens defence spokesman David Shoebridge expressed incredulity that MRH-90 Taipans were allowed to participate in the military drills given one of the helicopters crashed in shallow waters in Jervis Bay in March with 10 Defence Force personnel on board.

The late-night Jervis Bay crash, which caused minor injuries to two soldiers on board, has been linked to a failure to install upgrades to the helicopters' software and followed previous technical glitches.

The Defence Force is set to begin phasing out its fleet of Taipans this year, a decade ahead of schedule, and replace it with 40 Black Hawk helicopters purchased from the US.

The Taipan fleet, which was grounded in 2019 because of tail rotor blade issues, had been labelled a "project of concern" by the Australian National Audit Office.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/queensland/grave-fears-after-reports-of-military-helicopter-crash-in-the-whitsundays-20230729-p5ds75.html

#19267202 at 2023-07-30 09:26:48 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19262114
>>19262808
Investigation launched into military helicopter crash, four feared dead

Matthew Knott, Cloe Read and Amber Schultz - July 29, 2023

1/2

The federal government has launched an investigation into the cause of a helicopter crash that authorities fear has led to the death of four missing Defence Force personnel, making it Australia's worst peacetime military accident in almost 20 years.

Australia and the United States' most senior defence and foreign policy officials expressed their dismay over the horror accident, which has revived longstanding concerns about the technical problems that have plagued the MRH-90 Taipan, the aircraft involved in the crash.

The downing of the army helicopter during a late-night joint military drill with the US triggered the temporary suspension of Talisman Sabre, the country's biggest war-gaming exercise, and cast a spectre over the high-level Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) consultations in Brisbane.

About 800 defence and emergency services personnel have been scouring the site of the crash, near Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, for the four personnel who have been missing since 10.30pm on Friday.

Defence officials revealed on Saturday evening that the helicopter's crew were members of the army's 6th Aviation Regiment based in Holsworthy, Sydney.

Authorities have found several pieces of debris that appear to be from a helicopter in water off the Queensland coast.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the AUSMIN meetings had been conducted with "heavy hearts", and the accident highlighted the bravery of Australian military personnel.

"It's serious, it is dangerous and it does carry risk," he said of military exercises such as Talisman Sabre.

Speaking earlier in the day, Marles said: "The families of the four aircrew have been notified of this incident and our hopes and thoughts are very much with the aircrew and their families."

If the missing army personnel did not survive the incident, it is believed it would be the country's worst peacetime military accident since 2005, when nine Australian service personnel were killed after a navy helicopter crashed in Indonesia during earthquake relief operations.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: "We are reminded that those who serve our country do so recognising the risk that that service entails and demonstrating, every day, the courage to take on that risk on our behalf."

Brigadier Damian Hill, the officer in charge of Talisman Sabre, confirmed the crew were from the Sydney's 6th Aviation Regiment at Holsworthy Barracks.

"The aircraft accident investigation team will arrive Saturday afternoon and will commence an investigation into the incident," he said.

HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Huon will join the search on Sunday, when more experienced divers are expected to search the water.

Hill said that Talisman Sabre exercises had resumed in the Northern Territory and Western Australia but that an operational pause remained in place for the entire Taipan fleet.

Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Douglas McDonald said debris recovered from the Whitsundays "appears to be from a helicopter at this stage".

"It's very early to confirm which parts are from the helicopter - that will form part of the investigation. At this time it remains a search-and-rescue operation," he said.

(continued)

#19262368 at 2023-07-29 15:15:51 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19262114
Talisman Sabre Facebook Post

28 July 2023

Statement issued by Defence

Defence can confirm an Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter has impacted waters near Lindeman Island, off the Queensland coast. The aircraft was participating in a night-time training activity as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 when it was reported missing late Friday night, 28 July 2023. Four crew were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident and are currently missing.

Military and civilian search and rescue aircraft and watercraft are currently conducting search and rescue operations at the incident site.

At this time Defence's priority is supporting our ADF members and their families. Families of affected personnel have been notified.

Families seeking information and support can call the Defence Member and Family Helpline at 1800 624 608.

Additional support services are available at https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/crisis-support/helpline.

https://www.facebook.com/TalismanSabre/posts/657421886415805

https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/releases/2023-07-29/exercise-Talisman-Sabre-incident

#19262307 at 2023-07-29 15:07:51 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19262114
US pledge to stand by Aussies after Talisman Sabre crash tragedy

Madura McCormack - July 30, 2023

Top military officials from Australia and the United States have declared their unwavering commitment to Exercise Talisman Sabre as they expressed sorrow for four personnel still missing after a catastrophic crash during war-games in north Queensland.

The disastrous ditching of an MRH90 Taipan during night-time exercise off Lindeman Island loomed large over high-level talks between Australian and American defence and foreign affairs officials in Brisbane.

The annual AUSMIN talks delivered significant progress in deepening Australian and US military ties and cementing itself in an increasingly contested Pacific, but the timing was inextricably linked to what is set to be the nation's worst peacetime disaster in at least two decades.

The crash happened about 11pm on Friday night hours before Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong were due to host their US counterparts Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken 1000km away.

The incident cast a sombre mood over the start of the talks which also involved high profile ambassadors Kevin Rudd and Caroline Kennedy, and top military brass including Chief of Defence General Angus Campbell and Defence Department Secretary Greg Moriarty.

"We really are reminded as our two countries are exercising together in Talisman Sabre, that this is serious work, it is risky work," Mr Marles said in his AUSMIN opening remarks.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the group's thoughts were with the families of the aircrew still missing after the crash.

"We are reminded that those who serve our country do so recognising the risk that service entails and demonstrating every day the courage to take on that risk on our behalf," she said.

The "unbreakable bond" between Australia and the United States was on full display, with American troops involved in the major search and rescue effort near Lindeman Island involving at least 1000 people across defence and Queensland emergency services.

Secretary of Defense Austin said the Americans stood ready to help Australia "in any way that we can" in the search and rescue of four aircrew personnel missing in North Queensland.

"I've told the Deputy Prime Minister that whatever he needs, we stand ready to provide," he said.

The Sunday Mail has confirmed top defence officials from both nations will travel to North Queensland on Sunday to meet troops involved in Talisman Sabre as planned.

It's understood military top brass advised the visit of leaders from both nations would have a positive impact on troops, with officials agreeing to continue on as planned on the proviso resources allocated to the search and rescue were not impacted.

Mr Marles backed the long-running Talisman Sabre war-games - which now involves more than 30,000 troops from 13 nations - as Australia's "most important" biennial military exercise.

"It is so important for both of our defence forces. It's serious, it is dangerous," he said.

"You can't have a capable defence force without it being match fit and it can't be match fit unless it engages in training and exercises.

"Talisman Sabre is about ... the Australian Defence Force and the US ... making sure that we are capable in terms of the various skills and capacities that our defence forces have.

"But importantly, that we are capable in terms of the way in which we operate together and that interoperability is at the highest level possible."

Mr Austin, who commanded US troops in Iraq, reflected on how "tough" it can be to have accidents in training.

"Our guys tend to make this look easy, and they make it look easy because they're so well-exercised and versed in training and this is unfortunately part of that, what it takes to get them to what we need them to be," he said.

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/us-pledge-to-stand-by-aussies-after-Talisman-Sabre-crash-tragedy/news-story/181e6d18f3c077b0e94b3d9aadcba56e

#19262268 at 2023-07-29 15:00:16 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19262255

2/2

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the search and rescue mission was able to begin immediately due to the presence of the other helicopter taking part in the exercise.

"The families of the four aircrew have been notified of this incident and our hopes and our thoughts with the aircrew and their families," he said.

"Our hopes are very much with the search and rescue crews as they go about their work right now."

Chief of Defence General Angus Campbell said "our focus at the moment is finding the personnel and supporting their families and the rest of our team".

"This is indeed a terrible moment," he said.

"I really deeply appreciate the assistance that's been provided by a variety of civil agencies; the Queensland Police, the Australian Maritime Safety Agency, and the public as well as our US allies, all of whom have come together to assist to continue the search and rescue and to find our people."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia's thoughts were with the loved ones of the missing personnel.

"All Australians hold them in our hearts and we hold on to hope as the search and rescue teams go about their work right now," he said in a statement.

"We have the utmost confidence in their professionalism and skill."

Exercise Talisman Sabre, a biennial military exercise involving the more than 30,000 troops from the Australian and US defence forces and 13 other nations, was paused in the wake of the disaster.

TS23 director Brigadier Damian Hill said on Saturday afternoon that limited exercises had resumed in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, but all activities involving the Taipans remained grounded.

"I wanted our people to contact their families to let them know they were safe and what was happening," Brigadier Hill said. "The families of the missing personnel have been notified.

" I'd like to reiterate it is Defence's priority to look after those families, their members, their teammates and those that know them.

"For those service members, those veterans and those members of the community that are suffering as a consequence of this, I ask that you reach out to the relevant support networks for those of us in the ADF."

Australia's issue-plagued fleet of MRH90 choppers was grounded in March after the incident at Jervis Bay.

All 10 personnel were recovered from the aircraft with no major injuries after that incident.

It is unclear if any of those personnel were involved in this latest incident.

All 47 of the European-designed MRH-90 Taipans were grounded as a result of the March incident, and the entire $3.8bn fleet was to be permanently abandoned by December 24, at least 13 years earlier than expected.

The operational pause on flying operations for the Taipans was lifted on April 6 with "risk mitigations in place," a defence spokeswoman said.

The "risk mitigations" were not disclosed at the time.

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/Talisman-Sabre-helicopter-crash-hopes-fade-for-missing-air-crew/news-story/51f6d8267ecccb6f59922ac27809e282

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZqFmDXiV2Y

#19262255 at 2023-07-29 14:58:39 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19262114
Talisman Sabre helicopter crash: Hopes fade for missing air crew

Greg Stolz, Madura McCormack, Janessa Eckert, Charles Miranda and Samantha Scott - July 30, 2023

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Four Australian Army aviators are feared dead after a horror chopper crash over the Whitsundays in what looms as the nation's worst peacetime military disaster since 2005.

Wreckage was recovered from the waters off Hamilton Island on Saturday, more than 12 hours after the chopper went down in the middle of major international war game exercises.

In what Australia's Defence chief described as "a terrible moment", the MRH-90 Taipan ditched into the sea just before 11pm on Friday during Exercise Talisman Sabre.

It is feared the incident could become one of Australia's worst peacetime military disasters since two Black Hawk helicopters collided near Townsville in 1996, killing 18 personnel, and the 2005 Nias Island Sea King crash which killed nine personnel.

Authorities were still publicly clinging to fading hopes the missing Taipan crew might still be found alive late on Saturday, saying they were still conducting a search and rescue mission.

The trouble-plagued Taipans - which have featured in Brisbane's annual Riverfire festival and assisted in last year's NSW and Victorian flood disasters - were earmarked to be "binned" due to significant reliability issues which resulted in the fleet grounded being in March this year after a choppers carrying 10 commandos was forced to ditch in shallow water at Jervis Bay.

The aviators aboard the stricken aircraft on Friday night were confirmed as being from Sydney's 6th Aviation Regiment, Holsworthy Barracks.

On Saturday afternoon, rescue crews on a barge recovered what was believed to be the tail section of the Taipan.

A crane line was lowered into waters about 45m deep, 1.7 nautical miles off Denman Island.

Major pieces of the aircraft, including the cockpit, still remained under water on Saturday night as strong currents continued to hamper recovery efforts. Police boat Damien Leeding and Volunteer Marine Rescue vessel Midge Point also recovered debris as authorities established a 1km exclusion zone around the crash area in the Whitsunday Passage.

Navy fast boats, RACQ CQ Rescue and the Australian Coast Guard were also involved in the search and rescue mission involving 800 Australian, US and Canadian military personnel, 16 aircraft, navy ships, police and other authorities.

Specialist police and navy divers, as well as sonar equipment, are also being deployed.

Queensland Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Douglas McDonald confirmed the joint search and rescue mission with the Australian Defence Force had located items "that would appear to be from the missing helicopter".

"They will form part of the investigation as we move forward into what has occurred up there," he said.

"It remains a search and rescue operation."

Mr McDonald urged beachgoers in the area who found debris washed up on the sand to contact police immediately.

(continued)

#19262158 at 2023-07-29 14:40:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19262114
Crashed military helicopter has history of safety issues

Amber Schultz - July 29, 2023

The military helicopter involved in a horror crash off the coast of Queensland, leaving four feared dead, has a problematic history with nearly a dozen recorded safety incidents linked to MRH-90 Taipan helicopters.

The helicopter ditched into the water about 10.30pm on Friday off the coast of Hamilton Island while on a two-helicopter mission as part of the Talisman Sabre joint exercise with America.

It is the second incident this year, following a crash in Jervis Bay in March during a counterterrorism military training exercise.

That helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing after an engine failure. Of the ten soldiers on board, two suffered minor injuries.

Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed at that time that a decision had been made to replace the helicopters and argued that they had been in use for a "considerable amount of time".

In 2021, then-defence minister Peter Dutton announced the European-made helicopters would be replaced with new Black Hawks and Seahawks imported from the United States.

"Taipan has been a project of concern for the last decade; it's had nine instances where it's been unsuitable to fly," Dutton said at the time.

Former prime minister John Howard had originally been advised by Defence to purchase the Black Hawks over the Taipan back in 2004.

Since being added to the Australian Defence Force fleet in 2007, the multi-role helicopters, which weigh more than six tonnes, have been involved in a raft of other safety incidents.

In 2019, the 47-strong Taipan fleet was grounded after a helicopter was forced to land due to a tail rotor vibration.

The fleet was also limited on certain missions due to problems with the auxiliary power unit that prevented the aircraft from shutting down its main engines.

In 2020, 27 helicopters were grounded after cabin sliding door rails were deemed unserviceable. Officials later revealed the doors were too narrow to allow its gun to fire while troops were descending from the aircraft.

In 2021, Defence revealed it hired civilian helicopters in Townsville to maintain capacity due to long-running issues with the MRH-90, at a cost of over $37 million.

As revealed in parliament late last year, the helicopters had an estimated hourly operational cost of $48,000. Base maintenance costs remained the same regardless of whether the aircraft was being flown or not.

The government has listed the Taipan as a "project of concern" since 2013.

A 2014 Australian National Audit Office report found the MRH-90 Program was "dealing with a range of challenges related to immaturity in the MRH-90 system design and the support system".

The helicopters needed a range of design reworks to enable them to operate in high-threat environments, leading to costs ballooning to over four times the original $1 billion budgeted, the report found.

Australian Defence Force chief Angus Campbell said the crash was a terrible moment.

"Our focus at the moment is finding our people and supporting their families and the rest of our team," he said.

Marles said on Saturday morning his hopes were with the efforts of the search and rescue crews. "As we desperately hope for better news during the course of this day, we are reminded about the gravity of the act which comes with wearing our nation's uniform."

https://www.theage.com.au/national/crashed-military-chopper-has-problematic-history-of-safety-issues-20230729-p5ds82.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVezF_TUxEM

#19262129 at 2023-07-29 14:31:09 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19262114

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Anthony Albanese also issued a statement and said his thoughts were with the loved ones of the ADF members yet to be found.

"All Australians hold them in our hearts and we hold on to hope as the search and rescue teams go about their work right now. We have the utmost confidence in their professionalism and skill," the Prime Minister said.

Talisman Sabre Exercise Director Brigadier Damian Hill confirmed that as of Saturday night the pilots are still missing.

He said the pause on the exercise had been lifted, with limited activity commencing mostly in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

"As a precaution the ADF has established an operational pause for all of our MRH-90 fleet. And again for those service members, those veterans, and those members of the community that are suffering as a consequence of this, I ask that you reach out to the relevant support networks," Brigadier Hill said.

Queensland Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Douglas McDonald said the mission remains a search and rescue.

"At this time we have located a number items of debris that would appear to be from the missing helicopter. They will form part of the investigation as we move forward into what has occurred up there," he said.

The Chief of the Defence Force Angus Campbell said the ADF's focus was "finding our people and supporting their families".

"This is indeed a terrible moment," General Campbell said.

The US military is assisting with the search, along with Queensland Police and the Australian Maritime Safety Agency.

Liberal MP and manager of opposition business Paul Fletcher called the news of the missing ADF members "absolutely devastating".

"Part of Operation Talisman Sabre, which is a very important military exercise [to] Australia, the US, a whole range of other countries, it's very important that our military are training for the job that they may have to do one day, we all hope they never have to do, but they may have to do one day," he said on Sky News.

"But it is an inherently dangerous job serving our country, so I know all of us will be thinking of their families at this difficult time and obviously awaiting what sadly we expect will be the official confirmation of loss of life."

The crash follows another in March involving an army MRH-90.

In that incident, 10 ADF personnel, including special forces members, escaped when the helicopter they were in crashed off Jervis Bay in NSW.

The helicopter was flying over the water during a counter-terrorism training exercise when it lost power to its main rotor, forcing it to ditch in the water.

The European-designed MRH-90s, which are being replaced by US-made Black Hawks, have experienced long-running maintenance problems and poor reliability.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/four-feared-dead-after-military-chopper-crashes-near-hamilton-island/news-story/dc732cbeeec64701934c7cd540c2591e

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBiG_YtqhoE

https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1685086073939169280

https://twitter.com/PatConroy1/status/1685103910187646976

#19262114 at 2023-07-29 14:28:27 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
Four feared dead after military chopper crashes near Hamilton Island

BEN PACKHAM and TRICIA RIVERA - JULY 29, 2023

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Four Australian Defence Force members are missing, feared dead, after a helicopter crash during the Talisman Sabre military exercise in Queensland.

A search and rescue mission involving Australian and US Defence Force personnel is underway off Hamilton Island for the crew of the MRH-90 helicopter, which went down about 10.30pm on Friday.

Emerging from Australia-United States Ministerial Consultation (AUSMIN) talks in Brisbane on Saturday, Defence Minister Richard Marles said the meeting was conducted with "heavy hearts".

Mr Marles and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong met with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

"Exercise Talisman Sabre involves a number of countries, but it is fundamentally a bilateral exercise between Australia and the United States. It's jointly planned by our two countries and jointly run by our two countries. It is so important for both of our defence forces," Mr Marles said.

"It's serious. It is dangerous. And it does carry risk. And as we have contemplated that during the course of our deliberations today. We are reminded that, as our Defence Force personnel have been conducted side-by-side today, they have been side-by-side for more than a century, during which Australians and Americans have fought together in every conflict during that time."

Earlier on Saturday, the Deputy Prime Minister said a second helicopter involved in the exercise immediately began the search, but the four were yet to be found.

"The families of the four aircrew have been notified of this incident and our hopes and our thoughts are very much with the aircrew and their families," he said.

"Our hopes are very much with the efforts of the search and rescue crews as they go about their work right now."

"They carry risk and as we desperately hope for better news during the course of this time, we are reminded about the gravity of the act which comes with wearing our nation's uniform."

Senator Wong praised the US as a "vital ally" and said her thoughts are with the missing ADF members families and search and rescue crews.

"We are reminded that those who serve our country do so recognising the risk that that service entails and demonstrating, every day, the courage to take on that risk on our behalf. And we thank them for it," she said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, appearing in a press conference alongside his Australian hosts, said his heart is "full of concern" following the crash overnight.

"And our hearts are full, too, because they were performing their duties alongside American servicemen and women to further strengthen our alliance, our partnership, and the work we're doing together around the world. They have been on our minds throughout today. They remain very much on our minds right now," he said.

Mr Blinken also spoke of his deep connection with Australia, sharing that his late stepfather studied in the country.

"It also holds a special place in the hearts of so many Americans. Indeed, in Australia, Americans know they have one of their dearest friends, their staunchest allies, their closest partners."

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said America was ready to throw its support behind Australia to locate the missing crew.

"The United States is assisting with search-and-rescue efforts, and we will continue to help in any way that we can. I've told the Deputy Prime Minister that whatever he needs, we stand ready to provide assistance," he said.

"Our meetings today reaffirm the strength of our unbreakable alliance. And the strategic alignment between our countries has never been greater. We share a common vision of a free and open Indo Pacific. We're committed to investing further in our alliance to uphold this vision."

(continued)

#19257074 at 2023-07-28 15:41:16 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19243643
United States, German and Japanese Military Forces Conduct Joint Amphibious Assault during Talisman Sabre 23

Staff Sgt. Jessica Elbouab, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs - July 27, 2023

MIDGE POINT, Australia - Sailors from USS New Orleans transported the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, German Army, and Japanese Self-Defense Forces service members ashore via a landing craft, air cushion operation as part of Talisman Sabre 23 at Midge Point, Australia on July 25, 2023.

Amphibious operations provide a combined-joint force commander the capability to rapidly project power ashore in support of crisis response at the desired time and location. The 31st MEU is continuously forward-deployed and provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations.

"The exercise here is important because of all the joint forces - we integrate and we do all our training together," said Sgt. Jorge Bravo, a U.S. Marine with the 31st MEU. "They have their own way of doing things, we have our own way of doing things, and we find the common ground in the middle - and we were better because of it."

TS23 provides a key opportunity for bilateral collaboration and coordination required to carry out the entire suite of amphibious Marine Air Ground Task Force missions across air, sea, and land. Sustained operations at remote destinations while balancing the complexities of modern crisis are the backbone of the 31st MEU's capabilities.

"The reason these types of activities are important is to make sure that when we work together as partner nations, things like your tactics, techniques and procedures are known and issues such as communications and language barriers are overcome," said Lt. Col. Adam Murgatroyd, Australian Defense Forces, Officer In Charge, Midge Point, Talisman Sabre 23. "So, when we conduct activities for real, that confusion is not present."

World events underscore the urgency to develop the multi-domain operating capability, especially here in the Indo-Pacific.

https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/3474110/united-states-german-and-japanese-military-forces-conduct-joint-amphibious-assa/

#19257040 at 2023-07-28 15:32:31 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

Darwin port review 'holds back' China ties

BEN PACKHAM - JULY 28, 2023

Uncertainty over the future of the Chinese-owned Port of Darwin has emerged as a barrier to the restoration of relations with Beijing, which says tensions over the "blue bridge" between the countries could slow the relaxation of trade sanctions on Australian exports.

As Anthony Albanese weighs an invitation to visit Beijing before the end of the year, a senior Chinese government official urged the "quick conclusion" of a review of the port's Chinese ownership, saying the issue was undermining the stabilisation of bilateral ties.

The official said the port's owner, Landbridge, was having difficulties sourcing finance from Chinese banks amid ongoing doubts over its tenure, while the treatment of Chinese investors by the Foreign Investment Review Board remained a key irritant.

The warning came as China's ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, declared relations between the countries were at a "critical juncture" and called on the Albanese government to "stay on the right path to get along".

Despite China's ongoing coercive trade sanctions and its detention of Australians Cheng Lei and Yang Hengjun, Mr Xiao said China-Australia relations were "stabilising and improving".

"It is time for the two sides to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by our leaders, uphold the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic ties, and stay on the right path to get along," he said.

Mr Xiao hosted Australian and foreign defence attaches at the Chinese embassy in Canberra on Thursday at a reception to mark the 96th anniversary of the formation of China's People's Liberation Army.

He said the PLA was an "army of victory, discipline and peace", and China's military modernisation "will not pose a threat to any other country".

The officer cadet band from the Royal Military College at Duntroon entertained guests at the function, playing the Chinese and Australian national anthems. Australia was represented by an army brigadier and a senior defence public servant.

A video extolling the PLA's virtues played on large television screens, casting the two million-strong force as "undaunted by danger" and "ready to extend benevolence and love across oceans".

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet confirmed it had completed a review of Landbridge's 99-year lease over the Port of Darwin at the Prime Minister's request.

The review was now under consideration by the government, a PM&C spokesman said.

It follows a previous review for the Morrison government that reportedly found no grounds to overturn the lease, which was originally signed in 2015, although its control of the key strategic asset has been branded by many as a security risk, and an impediment to greater use of Darwin's harbour by the US military.

Beijing is also mains furious at Australia's ban on "high risk" telcos Huawei and ZTE, and government concerns on TikTok and Chinese-made security cameras.

The function came as a Chinese spy ship shadowed Australian and international forces participating in the ADF's biggest exercise, Talisman Sabre.

The Dongdiao-class auxiliary general intelligence vessel is in international waters off the Queensland coast trying to collect information on participating militaries, including those of Australia, the US, and Japan.

Australia's defence relationship with the US is set to be strengthened further at the weekend when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin join Australian counterparts Penny Wong and Richard Marles for AUSMIN talks in Brisbane.

The Chinese government wants Mr Albanese to visit Beijing by the end of the year, but the trip is yet to be finalised amid concerns China is yet to make significant concessions to Australia.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/darwin-port-review-holds-back-china-ties/news-story/f20a8ed95050d88046cc400d3a29f6ac

#19250270 at 2023-07-27 12:24:57 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
NZ soldiers perform Haka Tu in warning to mock enemy in Australian war games

A contingent of New Zealand soldiers have declared their readiness to head into battle on Australian soil by performing a traditional war challenge to intimidate their enemy.

In a video released Wednesday, the soldiers performed the Haka Tu in front of counterparts from Australia, the US, Fiji and France in the Queensland bush to mark the start Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.

The haka, an ancient ceremonial war dance or challenge in NZ Indigenous M?ori culture, is traditionally used to represent a display of a tribe's strength, pride and unity.

There are three versions of the haka, with the NZ Army version called Tu Taua a Tumatauenga, meaning the "standing columns of the God of War", according to a New Zealand Defence Force website.

It is designed to be performed without weapons and in uniform by all, regardless of race, rank or gender.

The battle cry was traditionally performed by men before going to war, with the aggressive facial expressions intended to scare the opponents while the chant itself was to motivate the group heading into combat.

Traditional Maori dress, weapons or simulated facial tattoos are not worn or carried in the Haka Tu, which is dedicated to all soldiers who have died either on active service or after service in the NZ Army.

If there are any women in the unit, they begin and end the haka as the Haka Tu is also to acknowledge 'mana wahine' or the 'prestige of women' in the service, according to the NZDF description.

The Kiwis are among the 31,000 people from 13 nations taking part in the 10th iteration of the Australia-US bilaterally planned, multilaterally executed Exercise Talisman Sabre, which is expected to culminate in a mock war between all military branches on land, sea and in the air.

The war games, from July 22-August 4 throughout Queensland and select other parts of Australia, are designed to train forces in all aspects of combined operations to help improve the combat readiness and interoperability between the Australian Defence Force and its allies.

The NZDF have sent about 300 people to take part, including two Army infantry platoons, along with 20 Light Armoured Vehicles, nine Medium Heavy Operation Vehicles, a Royal New Zealand air force rotary wing detachment with three NH90 helicopters, hydrographers from the Royal New Zealand navy and some augmentee staff.

With 19 nations involved, TS23 is now believed to be the largest multilateral military training exercise in the southern hemisphere.

Military units from the US, NZ, Japan, Canada, the UK, the Republic of Korea, Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, France and Germany are actively involved in the TS23 drills, while personnel from India, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand are attending as observers.

Representatives from the Netherlands Ministry of Defence and the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces are also on their inaugural visit to small section of the training.

The US has sent about 18,500 troops to take part, while there are about 1300 military personnel from Japan, 700 from the Republic of Korea, 250 from Canada, about 240 people from Germany, 160 from the UK, 130 from France, 65 from Indonesia, 50 from Fiji, 40 from the Kingdom of Tonga and about 35 military participants from Papua New Guinea.

The "high end" warfighting scenarios are mostly conducted along various parts of the Queensland coast, throughout the ADF's 2437 sq km Townsville Field Training Area, sbout 60km southwest of Townsville, the 4545 sq km Shoalwater Bay training area near Rockhampton and in adjacent maritime and airspace areas of the Coral Sea.

This year there are also components in Norfolk Island, parts of NSW, the NT and WA and operating out of various Royal Australian Air Force bases.

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/nz-soldiers-perform-haka-tu-in-warning-to-mock-enemy-in-australian-war-games/news-story/1ede10c20ba3ec4093066af4a7176e32

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS5FEG8RZCQ

#19250260 at 2023-07-27 12:17:45 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19237744
Talisman Sabre 23 Field Exercise Sets Benchmark for Combined Military Training in Indo-Pacific

Joseph Clark - July 26, 2023

Inside a small tent on a sprawling military training range on Australia's northeast coast, U.S. and Australian exercise planners are immersed as the product of years of painstaking preparation unfolds in real time.

A large screen at one end displays red and blue dots overlayed on a digital topographic map depicting the real-time positions of thousands of troops from 10 different nations.

Just outside the tent, military helicopters take off and land as U.S. and Australian troops patrol the training area's sprawling ranges alongside their partner forces.

"You're currently standing in what we call the Field of Dreams," said Australian Army Col. Ben McLennan, commander of the Australian Defense Force's Combat Training Centre, as he welcomed reporters on Monday to the Townsville Field Training Area. The training area is the epicenter of the 10-day field training exercise taking place during Talisman Sabre 23.

"This activity that's occurring here is just the richest, most immersive and most realistic, no-consequence training environment that we can possibly create," he said. "We're calling it the Olympics of war games because it's the biggest, most ambitious Talisman Sabre ever."

This year marks the 10th iteration of Talisman Sabre, a biennial exercise designed to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening partnerships and interoperability among key allies. The spelling of the name - Sabre vs. saber - reflects which country is leading the exercise: Talisman Sabre when Australia leads and Talisman Saber when the U.S. leads.

Thirteen nations from Japan to Germany are participating in this year's full exercise.

The 15-day exercise includes a variety of large-scale logistics and amphibious assault training operations and multinational firepower demonstrations, in addition to the field training exercise. Several Pacific Island partners - including Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Tonga - are participating for the first time.

Ten nations will make up the combined force that will face off, as part of the field-training portion of the exercise, against an enemy designed to have "comprehensive overmatch" over the coalition forces across all warfighting functions.

"That enemy element has all the capabilities across space, cyber, land, maritime and air that one would anticipate a peer threat to be able to bring to bear against Australia, United States and coalition partners," McLennan said.

U.S. Army Col. Ben Martin, operations commander for the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, said the scenario "reads right out of the most recent, emerging doctrine from both of our countries."

He said putting that doctrine into practice in a realistic and dynamic training environment is critical for being prepared to win in the next conflict.

"Big exercises like this are where we can induce the fog and friction of stress, the closest we can get to actual real combat on our respective combined forces, so that when that day comes, that they're trained and they're ready," he said.

Creating that environment, which was designed with input from both U.S. and Australian planners, is the product of tireless planning and unprecedented execution.

Participating countries have, for weeks leading up to the exercise, undergone the planning and manpower-intensive process of moving equipment into theater. Many of the units will be deploying a variety of capabilities for the first time on such a large scale. There are 30,000 troops participating in the full exercise and 10,000 participating in the field portion.

McLennan said the training itself serves as a "demonstration of collective resolve" on behalf of each nation to train and operate together to preserve the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

"United States and Australia have been aligned, have been close allies, and have been working together, training together for generations. But what we're achieving here is really an amazing break into a new chapter in our story when it comes to how we train together, learning how we might operate together, how we might fight together," he said.

"This is historic," McLennan said.

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3471278/Talisman-Sabre-23-field-exercise-sets-benchmark-for-combined-military-training/

#19250241 at 2023-07-27 12:06:49 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19188991
>>19250231
US coercion will ultimately lead to strong opposition from people of Australia, Pacific Island Countries

Chen Hong - Jul 26, 2023

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On Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken began his trip to Tonga, New Zealand, and Australia, while on Tuesday local time, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin departed Washington on a multiday trip to the Indo-Pacific region, including Papua New Guinea. Austin will join Blinken in Australia to attend this year's Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN).

The South Pacific tour of the two high-ranking US officials coincides with "Talisman Sabre 2023," the joint military exercise conducted by the US and Australia along with 11 other partner countries.

The recent couple of years have seen Washington paying unprecedented and extraordinary attention to the Pacific region. Alongside high-level visits, the US has also been promising prodigious sums of financial aid to countries in the region which it used to overlook or ignore. Previously deserted diplomatic missions were reopened while new ones were unveiled in eye-dazzling succession.

Apparently, the US has afforded a brand-new strategic role to the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) as well as its partners in the region, Australia and New Zealand. Blinken and Austin expect to rein in the US' allies and pressure them further onward in the orbit of Washington's anti-China strategy.

The recent two US administrations have been feverishly advancing the "Indo-Pacific strategy," which is purported to contain, deter and disrupt China's development. Given its declining economic power, Washington has resorted to the desperate tactic of rallying its allies and partners to act as pawns for the US hegemony. It contrives to coax and coerce countries in the Asia Pacific to align with it under its ideological banner, and spearhead the anti-China campaign.

What the US has miscalculated about is the fact that for all its sugar-coated seduction with political and economic enticements, countries in the region have their own national political wisdom and judgment when making strategic decisions.

Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Island countries are vigilant enough to see through the US' maneuvers to induce them to serve its own hegemonic interest, reluctant to be pulled into Washington's chessboard of its self-interested power game.

Washington has taken for granted that Canberra will always obediently go along with its commands and demands; it has obviously misjudged the situation. As a sovereign and independent country, Australia of course has to prioritize its own national interests. In particular since the Labor government under Anthony Albanese took office in May last year, Australia has no longer been unquestioningly compliant to Washington's whims at all its expenses as the previous Morrison administration.

Although New Zealand is a member of the Five Eyes alliance, Wellington has historically maintained a sensible stance toward the US' impositions. In the 1980s, New Zealand, as a member of the Treaty on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation, refused to allow US warships possibly carrying nuclear weapons to dock at its ports, resulting in the US imposing suspension on New Zealand's inclusion in the ANZUS pact.

Last month, New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins successfully visited China. According to Hipkins, both countries enjoy a very constructive and positive relationship, which is incredibly important for New Zealand. Wellington evidently has been adhering to its sovereignty and strategic autonomy when dealing with diplomatic and security matters.

(continued)

#19243663 at 2023-07-26 12:12:45 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19243661

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Ironically, the visible display of military prowess in this two-week-long military exercise overshadows the pressing need for diplomatic discussions to identify common interests and manage differences in the "Indo-Pacific" region. Undoubtedly, a sustainable and secure "Indo-Pacific" warrants a multifaceted approach ranging from diplomatic to economic to political to security dimensions. An overemphasis on military projection, as a means of boosting security, may initially satisfy the US allies by showcasing strengths, but it fails to address the underlying requirements needed to ease tension in this region as it diverts attention from peaceful negotiations and conflict resolution.

While "Exercise Talisman Sabre" may appear as an impressive military practice, its unintended consequences must not be understated. The aggressive posturing and heightened military readiness exhibited during drills can inadvertently increase uncertainty and anxiety among regional actors, leading to misconceptions, miscalculations, and misunderstandings. Besides, this hostile drill risks perpetuating a cycle of strategic mistrust, insecurity and confrontation in the region. Also, this US-backed drill provokes other regional powers especially China for countermeasures as Beijing may perceive it as a threat to its national interests and security.

Rather than ensuring regional peace and prosperity, this provocative military drill could inadvertently push countries further apart, deepen divides and create a dangerous zero-sum game. On top of that, the involvement of multiple nations in this military drill adds layers to its complexities and makes the Pacific region a potential flashpoint for geopolitical tension. In order to promote lasting peace and security in this region, an inclusive and comprehensive approach, based on diplomatic maneuvers, should take precedence over militaristic demonstrations of power and capabilities.

Emilia Fernandez is a security and political analyst with a focus on South Asian geopolitics, a PhD researcher at the University of Lucerne, Switzerland. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202307/26/WS64c07cdaa31035260b8188f3.html

#19243661 at 2023-07-26 12:11:45 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19226465
>>19226476
Talisman Sabre 2023 a risky geopolitical game

Emilia Fernandez - 2023-07-26

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In this ever-changing global geopolitical landscape, the ongoing Australia-US joint military exercise, known as Talisman Sabre 2023, has garnered considerable global attention. Since 2005, this war game with various branches of armed forces has been conducted as a biennial joint exercise, and the current one is considered to be the largest in its 18-year history, involving more than 30,000 troops and participants from 13 countries. Though it appears impressive on paper under the pretext of "defending security and democratic values", this multi-nation logistics exercise will ultimately exacerbate regional tensions by implementing Washington's hidden agenda. It is high time to analyze the underlying motives and the negative implications of this massive military drill, thinking beyond its grandeur and spectacle.

For a long time, the United States has been pursuing strategies to contain China's growing influence in the "Indo-Pacific" region. As a part of Washington's broader strategies, the recent US-led military endeavor serves dual ulterior purposes behind the shadow of the field training exercise. Firstly, it aims to enhance combined military capabilities and preparedness for potential conflict involving China. Noteworthy, this is a clear manifestation of the broader US aim to ensure its dominance and hegemony in the Pacific region. Secondly, this exercise intends to develop a network of military alliances to encircle and contain China's growing influence in the region. Not to mention, Washington's intention is not solely limited to regional power dynamics but rather curbing China's expanding global influence. Hence, experts tag this aggressive military exercise as counterproductive as it will lead to heightened tensions and regional instability instead of promoting peaceful coexistence and cooperation.

This military exercise has become a concern not only for China but also for the rest of the world for two alarming reasons which should not be overlooked. Firstly, the non-participant country may interpret this multi-country military exercise as "exclusionary" and "discriminatory", potentially creating more divisions and groupings within the region. Secondly, the coercive nature of tactics used by Washington to convince these countries to participate in this military drill is really unjustifiable. By forcing countries to participate in the name of protecting their shared interest and common values, Washington is actually putting the participant countries at risk of damaging their stable diplomatic and economic relations with China, the world's second-largest economy and major global power. Such coercive measures will breed nothing but immediate "resentment and retaliation" and hinder the prospects of "dialogues and discussions" in the long run.

Though the US and Australia present this large-scale exercise as routine military training aimed at enhancing regional security and interoperability among their allies, this exercise will undoubtedly dense the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between the US and China. Despite the claim of defensive intentions, China may decode the exercise's offensive actions as a demonstration of force and preparation for a probable conflict. Such interpretation may add fuel to the feelings of insecurity and paranoia among China's common people. Subsequently, feelings of insecurity could prompt China to respond by ramping up its own military preparedness and increasing defensive postures. Hence, this high-profile military exercise, as a confrontational approach, would contribute to the arms race, a prolonged cycle of escalation and an unstable security dilemma in the region.

(continued)

#19243643 at 2023-07-26 12:02:02 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
Midge Point community marvels as Operation Talisman Sabre unfolds in their backyard

The residents of a secluded North Queensland beachside community were in awe as a large scale military assault between American, Japanese and German forces played out in their backyard.

Estelle Sanchez - July 26, 2023

The shores of a secluded beach in the Whitsundays set the scene for a large scale military attack between American, Japanese and German forces.

Three impressive landing craft air cushioned boats were deployed to Midge Point beach, where marine troops then worked to secure the area.

The Midge Point community were able to watch the mock operation, carried out on July 26 as part of a three-day rehearsal under Talisman Sabre 23.

Resident Robyn Crawford said "awesome" was the only word to describe what she had just seen.

It was windy and rainy when the operation commenced. The massive LCAH boats sent gusts of wind and sand towards the participants as soon as it moved away from the beach, disappearing behind the cloud of dust it created.

Held biennially, Talisman Sabre is the largest combined Australia-US training activity.

Over two weeks more than 31,000 military personnel including soldiers, sailors and pilots from 13 nations will take part in different missions across the state.

The military units involved in the Midge Point exercise were the 31st US Marine Expeditionary unit, the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade as part of the Japan Self Defense Forces and German army paratroopers.

Joe Jackson, who said he was one of the eldest residents at Midge Point and had spent all his life in the beachside community, said he had "never seen an operation like this" take place in his backyard before.

While Les Gilles said watching the operation unfold reminded of when he was a cadet with the Australian Army in Rockhampton.

"It would be exciting to do an operation like this," he said.

Officer in Charge of the operation Lieutenant Colonel Adam Murgatroyd said all the activities on the beach were safe "because they're well rehearsed".

He said the "safety architecture" was designed to co-ordinate police, ambulances, aero evacuation services and combat rescue units to ensure the best support was available in case someone got hurt.

"The most common injury in Australia is heat injuries, especially for foreign troops who aren't used to operating in these conditions," he said.

"I don't think we'll have that issue today."

He said the Australian Army played a role of logistician for the Midge Point exercise but no troops were directly involved.

The Australian troops also acted as "community liaison" with residents, holding a town meeting five weeks earlier.

"We gave them the opportunity to ask questions and [explained] what we were doing to make sure the environment was going to be looked after, " he said.

Marilyn Nevill said she had moved to Midge Point only nine months ago from Brisbane to find a "quiet place to retire".

And although the operation wasn't exactly quiet, she said army officials had chatted to her and her husband to let them know what unfold.

Another part of the operation was occurred at Lakeside Airpark Aerodrome near Bloomsbury, where the troops were divided in two teams for a simulated vertical assault.

An attacking force, wearing sand-coloured uniforms, arrived via two helicopters with orders to take control of the area, while the opposing forces in green uniforms defended the perimeter.

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/whitsunday/community/midge-point-community-marvels-as-operation-Talisman-Sabre-unfolds-in-their-backyard/news-story/55609d4cc722a30acca0b35c9b8650b6

#19243614 at 2023-07-26 11:49:19 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19243609

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TIES STRENGTHENED

Chief of the German Army, Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, recently visited the Townsville Field Training Area in Far North Queensland, where he inspected the capabilities of the Australian-made Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle (CRV) and toured the surrounding bush.

He said getting used to the Australian conditions was one of the challenges for the Germans in TS23.

"The distances, the terrain and the climate are completely different than in Central Europe," he said.

"This exercise is very exciting for our personnel and, as well as testing our preparedness and procedures, I want our personnel to gain experience of the country and build relationships.

"We share a lot in common with Australia and the region and we want to portray ourselves as a reliable partner."

This week, Lieutenant General Mais visited Japan's Ministry of Defence at Camp Ichigaya in Tokyo where he discussed further co-operation between the Japanese and German militaries, according to a statement release by the Japan Self-Defense Force on Tuesday.

"Appreciation is expressed to the German Army's further commitment to the Indo-Pacific region by joining Talisman Sabre ... and LTG Mais also agreed on further promotion of defense co-operation of Japan and German land forces in the Indo-Pacific region to maintain and strengthen (free and open Indo-Pacific)," it read.

More than 31,000 personnel from 13 nations are in Australia for TS23, including more than 18,500 from the US, about 1300 from Japan, 700 from the Republic of Korea and more than 300 from New Zealand.

There are also more than 250 armed forces personnel from Canada, about 240 from Germany, 160 from the United Kingdom, 130 from France, 65 from Indonesia, 50 from Fiji, 40 from the Kingdom of Tonga and about 35 from Papua New Guinea.

Six other nations are also attending TS23 as observers.

The exercise is taking place across a number of locations, using both Defence and non-Defence training areas across Queensland, NSW, the NT and WA from now through to August 4.

Maritime Safety Queensland has put strict contingency and port safety plans in place for all Queensland ports for warship visits to Brisbane, Gladstone, Townsville and Cairns.

Queensland Police have also established a marine exclusion zone approximately three nautical miles, or about 5.5km, off the coast of Kings Beach, near McCanes Bay, in Bowen from now to August 19 while the military exercise is underway.

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/submarine-spotted-off-queensland-coast-one-of-several-navy-vessels-headed-to-massive-war-games/news-story/3faca2c3e24324d1df78167ebf7e3e14

#19243609 at 2023-07-26 11:48:00 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19243607

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A helicopter destroyer designed for antisubmarine warfare, the JS Izumo - the flagship of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) has five helicopters and two search and rescue choppers on board but can carry several more.

JS Izumo's executive officer, Commander Naoki Shirasaka, 43, said the 248m-long ship had 400 sailors and soldiers embarked for TS23 but could cater for up to 1000, while the 178m-long JS Shimokita, an Osumi-class tank landing ship, had about 200 personnel on board.

Commander Shirasaka said five choppers could operate off the Izumo's's flight deck simultaneously.

"Helicopters can find a submarine in the sea, also they can protect a submarine by themselves and their speed is very quick and fast," he said.

"Besides that we can conduct ... humanitarian assistances and disaster relief."

Commander Shirasaka said the Izumo was one of two Japanese ships being converted into multipurpose escort destroyers to accommodate F35 Bravo Lightning II stealth fighter jets in coming years, thanks to the Japanese government ordering 42 F35Bs and 63 F35A Conventional Take off and landing aircraft from the US in 2020.

It is the third time Japan has participated in Talisman Sabre but the first time Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has fired live missiles in the country in an Australian military first.

The Japanese forces conducted a live-fire demonstration of a Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM) from the East Australia Exercise Area at Beecroft Weapons Range, New South Wales on Saturday.

That same day, other soldiers including from the Republic of Korea - who are participating in TS23 for the second time - Australia, Japan the US conducted a combined joint live-fire demonstration at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area outside of Rockhampton in Central Queensland.

Commander Shirasaka said training between the Japanese forces as well as others from like-minded countries was important.

"We think some of the amphibious operation and capability is quite important to the defence of Japan," he said.

"In that sense we need more collaboration between the Japan army and Japan navy as well as a collaboration with other navies and other armies of the world.

"We need to share the experiences among the like-minded countries to support stability in the region and safety and peace over the world."

The officer said, as an island nation, submarines were the "biggest threat to Japan."

"Japan is surrounded by the sea so that means if we lose sea lines of communication our people will be cut off," he said.

A written statement released by the JMSDF earlier this month said those embarked on the Izumo and the Shimokita would carry out amphibious training with the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB), the Mine Warfare Force, the JGSDF and the 1st Helicopter Brigade.

The objective for TS23 was to "to develop our operational capabilities, tactical skills, and interoperability regarding multilaterally integrated Maritime and Amphibious Operations, Anti-Air Operations and Joint Anti-Ship Operations including live-fire with Type-03 Surface-to-Air Missile (Chu-SAM) and the Type-12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (12-SSM), by utilising the excellent training environment of Australia," the statement said.

One of the several goals listed by the JGSDF was to conduct a series of amphibious operations with the US and Germany, comprising maritime manoeuvres, amphibious assaults, and combined arms warfare following landing.

It is the first time Germany has participated in Talisman Sabre, underlining Berlin's increasing focus on the Indo-Pacific as tensions with China rise within the region.

About 240 people from the German armed forces, known as the Bundeswehr, including 170 paratroopers and 40 marines, have been sent to take part.

(continued)

#19243607 at 2023-07-26 11:46:48 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
Submarine spotted off Queensland coast one of several navy vessels headed to massive war games

Queensland's massive war games prove to be a shipspotter's delight as a submarine was among several foreign and Australian navy vessels spied off the coast. See the video and list of military ships in Australian waters.

Jodie Munro O'Brien - July 26, 2023

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A submarine has been spotted cruising off the coast of Queensland, much to the surprise and delight of locals.

Doug Bazley, 63, of Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, said he had been on Golden Beach for about two hours Friday afternoon when he noticed some unusual "spray and mist" in front of a container ship heading through the spitfire channel about 3.45pm.

The keen photographer said he grabbed his binoculars and soon spied the surfaced Royal Australian Navy Collins Class submarine about 5km off coast, complete with a person standing on top and at the front of the sub.

"It was going faster than the container ship ... which was doing about 15 knots," he said.

"It was interesting to see it so close."

The submarine, one of six owned by Australia, had also had also been spotted going past Tangalooma, near Moreton Island off the coast of Brisbane, about 1pm the same day.

Mr Bazley, who had recently also observed some foreign war ships heading along the coast, said he suspected the submarine was heading north to take part in the 10th iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23), Australia's largest biennial military training exercise with the US.

"It's something we don't see here very often, but I wasn't surprised because I knew Talisman Sabre was on," he said.

"Occasionally we see the (HMAS) Brisbane come in and out, but we don't often see the foreign ships ... so I love seeing them."

Mr Bazley said he had also watched the USS America and USS New Orleans head north about a week ago, while Japanese warships the JS Izumo and JS Shimokita were also spotted sailing past over the weekend after being docked in Brisbane from July 17-22.

They are among 22 ships from at least five nations participating in the maritime component of the TS23 - which comprises more than 31,000 military personnel from 13 countries - throughout Queensland, parts of northern NSW, the Northern Territory and Western Australia from now though to early August.

The Australia-US bilaterally planned, multilaterally executed training exercise culminates in a mock war between all military branches on land, sea and in the air, is designed to train forces in all aspects of combined operations to help improve the combat readiness and interoperability between the Australian Defence Force and its allies.

SHIPSPOTTER'S DELIGHT

Some of the navy ships involved this year include the USS America, which has the US Marine Corps 31st Expeditionary Unit embarked, the USS Green Bay and the USS New Orleans - all of which have already made port stops in Brisbane, with the America also recently spending a day Townsville.

The aircraft carrier the USS Ronald Regan is also returning to Talisman Sabre for the third time, but will be based off the northwest coast of Australia this year.

Besides submarines, the RAN ships participating include the HMAS Adelaide (Landing Helicopter Dock), HMAS Choules (Landing Ship Dock), HMAS Brisbane (Guided Missile Destroyer), HMAS Stalwart (Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship), HMAS Huon (Minehunter, Coastal) and the HMAS Shepparton (Survey Ship, Coastal).

Members of the British Royal Marine Commandos and the Indonesian National Armed Forces embarked on the HMAS Adelaide in Townsville over the weekend.

The Royal Canadian warship the HMCS Montr?al and The Republic of Korea's ROKS Marado amphibious landing ship and ROKS Munmu the Great destroyer are among some of the other foreign navy vessels taking part in TS23.

(continued)

#19237744 at 2023-07-25 11:15:49 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
'Olympics of war games': This year's Talisman Sabre is most ambitious ever, official says

ALEX WILSON, STARS AND STRIPES - July 25, 2023

TOWNSVILLE FIELD TRAINING AREA, Australia - This year's Talisman Sabre is the "biggest and most ambitious" version of the multinational exercise ever and Australia's largest military undertaking in more than a century, according to U.S. and Australian military officials.

The exercise, with 30,000 troops from 13 countries, kicked off with a ceremony Friday but swung into gear with two live-fire drills the following day at sites 1,000 miles apart. Talisman Sabre, led by the U.S. and hosted by Australia along its eastern coast, is scheduled to conclude Aug. 4.

More than a third of those troops are operating out of a training area in Townsville, about 840 miles northwest of Brisbane, where the largest ground-based drills are taking place, said Col. Ben McLennan, commander of the Australian army's Combat Training Center.

Over 10 days, the 10 participating forces there will maneuver throughout a 17,000-square-mile area in a force-on-force exercise pitting two halves of the international coalition against each other, he said. The size of the operation alone for the Australian military is matched only by its operations on the Western Front during World War I.

"This is a demonstration; I don't know how more tangible you need to get. Doing this is not easy. It's really hard; it's really complex," he told reporters touring the training area on Monday. "This activity is a demonstration of our wide commitment to a peaceful, prosperous region and that demonstration will resonate in Australia and our region and across the world."

The forces are using tactics employed during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, including extensive drone coverage, cyberwarfare, attempts to conceal or disguise assets and the use of dragon teeth - sharp, pyramid-shaped anti-tank fortification, McLennan said.

"This activity that's occurring here is just the richest and most immersive, most realistic, no-consequence training environment that we can possibly create," McLennan said. "We're calling it the 'Olympics of war games,' because it's the biggest, most ambitious Talisman Sabre ever."

Standing in front of a massive map of northeastern Australia, McLennan detailed a scenario the Townsville-based troops will be acting out. The Blue Force, scripted as the "good guys," are squaring up against the enemy Red Force, which "comprehensively" outmatches the Blue Force in every way possible, from numbers to equipment.

"That enemy element has all the capabilities across space, cyber, land, maritime and air that one would anticipate a peer threat being able to bring to bear against an Australian-United States coalition," he said.

The exercise is only nominally scripted and "highly adaptive," McLennan said.

"Cognitively and physically, it's a contest of wills," he said.

Leading the exercise is the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division out of Oahu, Hawaii, and the Australian army's 1st Division, headquartered in Brisbane. This is the first time the two militaries have fully combined their combat training centers, said U.S. Army Col. Bryan Martin, operations group commander for the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Group.

"If you're going to run a forge, you've got to be a pretty strong blacksmith," he told reporters during the tour. "By working together and figuring out each other's techniques, different tactics and procedures for running the forge, if you will, you'll just make a better-quality product for the forces and their training."

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2023-07-25/Talisman-Sabre-australia-force-on-force-10846769.html

#19231969 at 2023-07-24 12:13:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19226465
First image emerges of RAAF's encounter with Chinese spy ship during Talisman Sabre

Andrew Greene - 24 July 2023

An aerial photograph showing an RAAF P-8 Poseidon plane flying over a Chinese surveillance ship as it headed towards Australia last week has been obtained by the ABC.

The image of the Dongdiao Class Auxiliary General Intelligence (AGI) vessel was taken from on board another Australian military aircraft over international waters in the Coral Sea.

On Sunday the Chinese vessel, carrying the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) fleet designation number 793, was believed to be positioned off the Queensland coast, possibly as far south as Shoalwater Bay, trying to collect sensitive information on the international Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton told the ABC he deployed a P-8 surveillance aircraft on Thursday morning to make contact with the ship.

"It located the AGI, we hailed the AGI, we got a courteous response as you'd expect in normal interactions in international waters," General Bilton told the ABC while observing Exercise Talisman Sabre activities.

"They'll passively collect, and we'll adjust - there's some things we don't necessarily want to give away and we have methods of being able to employ our forces without giving those more sensitive aspects of our training away".

General Bilton said it was still possible the Chinese AGI could shift its position from central Queensland to Australia's top end, but that seemed unlikely.

"It is a fair few days' sail time, so to get from here to Darwin is four to six days, so I think it's going to stay in the region and observe the activities we're doing on the east coast".

The operations chief said the ADF also expected the high-tech spy ship would remain outside Australia's territorial waters as it observed the large-scale military drills.

"It will stay outside of our contiguous zones, so 24 nautical miles beyond, that's consistent with international law - their [PLAN's] behaviours on previous exercises have been exactly that and I don't expect to change."

Pressed on whether any Australian or United States submarines had also been deployed to snoop on the visiting Chinese vessel, General Bilton responded: "no comment".

Defence and security figures had initially anticipated China would again send two spy ships to Talisman Sabre this year given the vast scale of the activity taking place from Western Australia, the Northern Territory and down Australia's east coast.

RAAF to get new cargo transport planes

It came as Australia confirmed it would buy 20 new American-made military cargo planes, with Defence also examining plans to purchase new air-to-air refuelling aircraft.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the government would proceed with a purchase of 20 C-130 Hercules aircraft, down from 24 initially approved for sale by the US Congress last year.

Costing almost $10 billion, the new batch of Hercules will replace 12 older C-130s based at Richmond Air Base in Sydney.

Defence sources said the government could soon also announce it is buying two new KC-30s, which can refuel other RAAF aircraft mid-air.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-24/first-image-of-australian-encounter-with-chinese-spy-ship/102637528

#19231951 at 2023-07-24 12:08:47 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
Australia to buy 20 C-130 Hercules aircraft from the US for $6.6 billion

Australia says it will buy 20 new C-130 Hercules planes from the United States in a $6.6 billion deal that will increase by two-thirds the number of the Australian air force's second-largest heavy transport aircraft

ROD McGUIRK - July 24, 2023

CANBERRA, Australia - Australia said Monday it will buy 20 new C-130 Hercules from the United States in a 9.8 billion Australian dollar ($6.6 billion) deal that will increase by two-thirds the size of the Australian air force's fleet of its second-largest heavy transport aircraft.

The announcement follows the U.S. Congress' approval last year of a larger sale of 24 of the Lockheed Martin-manufactured propeller-driven aircraft.

The United States and Australia are currently conducting their biennial Talisman Sabre military exercise along the Australian coast that this year involves 13 nations and more than 30,000 personnel as global concerns intensify over an increasingly assertive China.

The first of the new four-engine Hercules is expected to be delivered in 2027 and the new aircraft will eventually replace the fleet of 12 Hercules currently operated by the Royal Australian Air Force from RAAF Base Richmond near Sydney, Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said.

The purchase "will almost double the fleet and represents a massive uplift in capability, in mobility and transport for the Royal Australian Air Force," Conroy told reporters.

"Almost doubling the fleet gives us more capacity to deploy them on multiple operations at the same time, and that's the critical driver," Conroy added.

The Australian air force also operates eight of the larger Boeing C-17A Globemaster heavy transport jet aircraft.

The deal was confirmed ahead of U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken meeting with their Australian counterparts for annual talks late this week in the Australian city of Brisbane.

It is Blinken's third trip to Asia in less than two months, highlighting U.S. efforts to counter growing Chinese influence in the region.

A closer bilateral military relationship with Australia was underscored Saturday when the USS Canberra was commissioned in Sydney. The Independence-variant littoral combat ship, built by Australian manufacturer Austal, became the first U.S. warship to be commissioned in a foreign port.

The original Canberra was a U.S. cruiser launched in 1943 and named after the Australian cruiser HMAS Canberra, which was torpedoed by the Japanese in 1942 with a loss of 193 lives while supporting U.S. Marines landings in the Solomon Islands. The Australian warship was named for Australia's capital.

The Solomons are again a security concern for the United States and its allies over recent security agreements that the South Pacific nation signed with China.

Conroy, who is also Australia's minister for international development and the Pacific, flew to the Solomons later Monday to mark the 20th anniversary of the arrival in the capital, Honiara, of an Australian-led force of Pacific Islands troops and police.

The Regional Assurance Mission to Solomon Islands was invited by the Solomons government to end years of civil unrest. The force left in 2017, but Australian police and military personnel returned in late 2021 at Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's request to quell anti-government and anti-China rioting. Australian peacekeepers remain in Honiara.

https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/australia-buy-20-130-hercules-aircraft-us-66-101596578

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/adf-to-buy-20-c130j-hercules-from-us-in-98bn-deal/news-story/9c98dfd5dce146451650f4ee060212db

#19226478 at 2023-07-23 10:54:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226476

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Media reports claimed this year is the first time that Germany has participated in the exercise, sending 210 paratroopers and marines. Chinese experts said since Merkel left office, Germany's diplomatic independence has been undermined, but they questioned whether Germany would really take more actions to back the US military adventure and the symbolic significance of Germany's participation in the exercise far outweighs the substantive significance.

For Australia, Chen said located in the South Pacific region where is safe and peaceful, Australia can be hardly challenged in terms of security, but unfortunately, it has been growingly pushed into a blind alley by the manipulation of the US and has become a pawn in the US' chess game. Australia will be equipped with nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS deal and has become more aggressive militarily by investing more in the development of military equipment, the expert noted.

Chen reminded Australia to maintain its strategic independence in order to protect its national interests. Excessive military adventurism will only put Australia on a more insecure position and hinder its own development, Chen warned.

Japan's Self Defense Force is scheduled to conduct a live fire demonstration of its Type 12 Surface-to-Ship missile (SSM) at a weapons range at Jervis Bay, south of Sydney on Friday, according to ABC.

South Korea has brought two warships and self-propelled howitzers as well as a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) known as Chunmoo to the exercise. It will showcase its rocket technology during the Talisman Sabre, the ABC report said.

Song told the Global Times that both Japan and South Korea have their own intentions in developing their military industries by attending the Talisman Sabre. Testing equipment in Australia is taken as a way to prove their equipment can well adapt to different climates and be utilized across the globe, which will boost their arms exports.

Chinese experts also slammed Western hype surrounding the sailing of a Chinese ship off the coast of Australia that labeled it as a spy ship.

Rebuking commentators from the US and Australia who described China's act of sending ships to regional waters as "aggressive," Chen said such claims are baseless and unfounded, and that the US and Australia should respect the right of other countries to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in international seas and airspace.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1294863.shtml

#19226476 at 2023-07-23 10:53:52 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
>>19226465
Largest ever Australia-US joint military exercise a 'paper tiger,' experts say

GT staff reporters - Jul 22, 2023

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The largest ever ongoing Australia-US joint military exercise, which involves 13 countries, has been deemed as a "paper tiger" by Chinese experts. Though impressive on paper, the exercise cannot really persuade all participants to serve the US' purpose, experts said.

The two-week-long military exercise, known as Talisman Sabre 2023, officially commenced on Friday. It is the largest since 2005, with more than 30,000 military personnel from 13 countries participating, according to media reports. Reuters described it as a "show of force and unity at a time when China has emerged as an increasingly assertive power in the Indo-Pacific."

"The most important message that China can take from this exercise and anything that our allies and partners do together, is that we are extremely tied by the core values that exist amongst our many nations," US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro was quoted as saying by Reuters during an opening ceremony in Sydney.

The US' purpose of roping in countries such as Australia and other allies in its Indo-Pacific military encirclement of China, as well as preparing for future military adventures, is evident through the "unprecedented" military exercise, Chen Hong, executive director at the Asia Pacific Studies Center of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Saturday.

Chen criticized the US for continuously exacerbating regional tensions and insecurity.

The military exercise also coincides with the upcoming visit of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to visit Papua New Guinea and Australia next week, during which Austin plans to join US Secretary of State Blinken to attend Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) and observe military exercises.

However, the military excise that has been labeled by the West as "the largest in the 18-year history of the exercise" that is intended to send a clear message to China was more of a "paper tiger," Chen noted.

US officials often brag about the "core values" shared by their allies and partners. However, Chinese military expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times that the US has been trying to coerce these countries in the name of "defending their security and democratic values" and kidnap them by hyping up threats involving China, Russia and North Korea.

By playing word games, the US is only aiming to maintain its own global hegemony and participating countries also have their own petty calculations, Song noted.

Though impressive on paper, the exercise cannot really persuade all participants to serve the US' purpose, even Australia has certain reluctance, not to mention the rest, the two experts noted.

(continued)

#19226465 at 2023-07-23 10:45:50 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19226439
Talisman Sabre: Chinese spy ships moving into position to monitor war game exercise

Sky News Australia

Jul 23, 2023

Live demonstrations of the latest military firepower are on display as part of the largest ever US and Australia-led war gaming exercise, Talisman Sabre.

Chinese spy ships are moving into position to monitor the exercise for the next fortnight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbaPtjZy9qk

#19226439 at 2023-07-23 10:32:04 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19204909
Talisman Sabre 2023: Firepower demonstrations 1,000 miles apart signal start of massive exercise in Australia

ALEX WILSON, STARS AND STRIPES - July 23, 2023

SHOALWATER BAY TRAINING AREA, Australia - Dozens of mortar shells and rockets screamed across the Australian bush into a mountainside over the weekend, one of two live-fire demonstrations that kicked off the largest-ever Talisman Sabre exercise.

Troops from seven countries gathered at Shoalwater Bay Training Area - 442 miles north of Brisbane in eastern Australia - on Saturday to watch American, Australian, South Korean and Japanese crews fire artillery during a simulated attack. Behind the scenes, support personnel from France, Germany and New Zealand also participated.

"This event here is very, very important for us, because it's not just the missiles shooting, it's about us working with each other; being able to work with another military or another nation is about the human connectivity," Brig. Gen. Nicholas Foxall, commander of the Australian army's 1st Brigade, told reporters before the demonstration. "That is what this event is all about."

At Beecroft Weapons Range, 1,000 miles south of Shoalwater Bay near Jervis Bay on Australia's eastern coast, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force kicked off Talisman Sabre with its own live-fire demo. It launched a Type 12 surface-to-ship missile from Australian soil for the first time, the Australian Defence Force said in a Saturday news release.

Now in its 10th year, the biennial Talisman Sabre is expected bring more than 30,000 personnel, nearly double the number of troops deployed in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with additional participants from the United Kingdom, Canada, Indonesia, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea.

The exercise provides an opportunity for the individual nations to practice teamwork and communication in the event of "whatever crisis may exist in our region in the future," Lt. Gen. Greg Bilton, the Australian Defence Force chief of joint operations, said Friday during the exercise's opening ceremony in Garden Island, Australia.

That threat isn't from any specific country, according to Talisman Sabre officials.

A Chinese surveillance ship was already off Australia's east coast, not an unusual event, Bilton said at the ceremony, according an Australian Defence Force transcript.

"They've done this for a number of years," he said. "We're well prepared for it."

Foxall said every nation has the right to navigate international waters.

"We just expect those who are in those international borders to respect our rights and we ask them for that space," he told reporters Saturday.

Saturday's three-hour demonstration at Shoalwater began with four U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters from the amphibious assault ship USS America waiting off the coast. The jets launched 500-pound laser-guided missiles at a fictitious enemy stronghold.

U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Australian army crews quickly followed the strike with their own barrage from M777 howitzers. South Korean crews manning a K9A1 Thunder howitzer, and a K239 Chunmoo missile launcher entered the fray as well. The exercise also marked the first use of a Chunmoo on Australian soil.

A U.S. AC-130 Ghost Rider gunship followed up with covering fire ahead of two series of launches from four High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.

A Japanese Type-03 Chu surface-to-air missile system scheduled for its first operational use in Australia failed to fire due to radar issues, Australian army Maj. Gen. Greg Bilton told reporters after the demonstration.

The system fired successfully during the previous day's rehearsal, exercise spokeswoman Emma Brown told Stars and Stripes after the event.

https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2023-07-23/Talisman-Sabre-live-fire-exercise-australia-10827285.html

https://www.facebook.com/TalismanSabre/posts/653712716786722


>Talisman Sabre

>MAGIC SWORD

https://qalerts.pub/?q=Operation+Specialists

https://qalerts.pub/?q=magic

#19221167 at 2023-07-22 04:13:58 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19204909
>>19204923
Chinese 'spy ships' expected to sit off Darwin and Central Queensland during Talisman Sabre military exercises

Andrew Greene - 22 July 2023

Officials are preparing for two Chinese "spy ships" to arrive off Australia's coast next week to monitor the multinational Talisman Sabre military exercises opening in Sydney this morning.

Since 2017, China's Navy has deployed at least one Auxiliary General Intelligence (AGI) vessel to snoop on each of the biennial training drills involving the United States, as well as other partner nations.

Defence and security sources told the ABC they were expecting a pair of People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) vessels to head towards Australia over the next few days.

Brigadier Damien Hill, the director of Talisman Sabre 23, said Defence would again take appropriate precautions to protect sensitive military information and the Chinese were free to operate in Australia's exclusive economic zone.

"We monitor our borders very carefully and that includes nations such as the PLA operating - and as long as they do so in accordance with international law there will be no issues from us," he said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, one official said the ADF was anticipating one Chinese vessel could station off the Northern Territory coast, while the second would monitor activity around Queensland's Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Brigadier Hill has declined to comment on the assessment, but acknowledges this year's military drills are spread widely across the country.

"The exercise is quite expanded as far as geography is concerned - that's part of the exercise construct itself - there'll be activity from Western Australia to Norfolk Island," he said.

A record 30,000 personnel from 13 countries are taking part in Talisman Sabre this year, though Brigadier Hill said China had not requested to be an official observer or participant.

"They've never asked, so I don't say never is never, but at this stage they haven't asked to participate," he said.

"But if they do, I'm sure that the powers-that-be will make a very careful decision."

Rain delays start of Talisman Sabre

A planned live firing of a Japanese anti-ship missile in Australian waters has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

This morning, Japan's Self Defence Force was scheduled to demonstrate its Type 12 surface-to-ship missile in a foreign country for only the second time.

Officials say rough seas at Jervis Bay, south of Sydney, mean the live firing, which was to coincide with today's formal opening of Exercise Talisman Sabre, will have to be delayed.

On Friday afternoon, Defence Minister Richard Marles will join US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro on board HMAS Canberra at Sydney's Garden Island Naval Base to officially open Exercise Talisman Sabre 23.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-21/china-spy-ships-to-sit-on-australia-coast-during-Talisman-Sabre/102629390

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_klRU3gZ_E

#19221161 at 2023-07-22 04:11:40 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19204909
>>19204951
Japan's top general inspects anti-ship missile ahead of historic Australian launch

Tim Fernandez - 22 July 2023

Japan's top military officer is in Australia inspecting his country's most advanced anti-ship weapon as part of his country's largest ever participation in joint military exercises.

Japan's Self Defence Force (JSDF) was scheduled to carry out a live test of its Type 12 Surface-to-Ship missile (SSM) for just the second time outside of Japan at the Beecroft Weapons Range on the New South Wales south coast.

But the Australian Defence Force has delayed the exercise due to unfavourable sea conditions, and plans to resume the launch over the next few days.

The exercise is part of the biennial military operation Exercise Talisman Sabre, with Japan sending its largest military deployment to the war games.

Among the senior military figures in attendance was JSDF Chief of Staff Yoshihide Yoshida, Japan's top military officer.

Brigadier Damien Hill, the exercise director for Talisman Sabre, said it shows the strengthening of ties between Japan and Australia.

"It's great to see General Yoshida here amongst a number of other Japanese dignitaries," he said.

"The exercise will host upwards of up to 1,500 Japanese defence force personnel which is the largest contribution they've made to Exercise Talisman Sabre."

The missile test will give the ADF first-hand experience of the weapon's capability which Australia currently does not possess.

Carrying out the test in Australia will also avoid the difficulties of firing a missile into the waters off the coast of Japan.

"It is a great opportunity for them to operate outside of a region that they live in, which is quite complex, and it reduces any uncertainty about operating any missile systems in their region," Brigadier Hill said.

Japan 'leaning forward'

The increased participation in the war games reflects recent changes to the Japanese military amid growing concerns about China's military ambitions in the region.

In 2014 Japan announced a change in its post-WWII military policy to permit counter strike capability against Japan or an ally.

Last year the government announced plans to spend $320 billion over five years to build up its missile arsenal.

The country also developed a strategy to increase cooperation with allies such as the United States and Australia.

"I think it is true recognition of how they are applying changes to their constitution," Brigadier Hill said.

"It is great to see the Japanese leaning forward."

Fellow Pacific ally South Korea will also be taking part in Talisman Sabre for just the second time.

They will be testing the K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher for the first time in Queensland at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-21/japanese-top-brass-attend-historic-rocket-launch-in-australia/102631954

#19211280 at 2023-07-20 11:39:01 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19204909
>>19211276
Boxers and boots on the ground: tightening military ties with Germany

Andrew Tillett - Jul 20, 2023

Germany's army chief has downplayed the prospect of a lucrative arms export deal for Australian-made armoured cars being canned, even if the Albanese government snubs a German design in favour of a Korean bid for a separate military vehicle contract.

Visiting Australia to mark the inaugural involvement of German troops in Australia's premier war games, Lieutenant-General Alfons Mais also indicated his country's armed forces, known as the Bundeswehr, planned to deepen ties with Indo-Pacific militaries as democracies unite to stand up for the international rules-based order.

"Germany's commitment in the Indo-Pacific region is permanent and comprises a wide range of areas," he said.

"We are here to strengthen relationships with partners. Not only the Australian Defence Force, but the US and France are participating, so partners we know already. It's a signal to show the relevance of the region and where we can contribute."

About 170 German paratroopers and 40 infantry from the navy's Sea Battalion have come to Australia for Exercise Talisman Sabre, which begins on Saturday.

This year's Talisman Sabre involves 30,000 military personnel from 13 countries taking part in fortnight-long military drills, including troops from Japan, Britain, New Zealand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and South Korea.

For the Germans, it's a far cry from their usual training scenarios involving land-locked European exercises, exposing them to amphibious operations.

"We will … practice fighting in the Australian jungle together with our international partners," General Mais said.

He said German personnel would be back for 2025's Talisman Sabre. It is understood the German navy and air force will also return to Australia next year after deployments in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

General Mais visited German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall's factory near Brisbane on Tuesday. The factory is producing Boxer combat vehicles for the Australian army, and an export deal worth $1 billion has been struck for Rheinmetall to produce 100 of the variants for the German army.

However, there are concerns this deal is tied to the Albanese government selecting Rheinmetall's Lynx design for the army's new infantry fighting vehicle contract ahead of Korean rival Hanwha's Redback design. A decision could come as early as next week.

General Mais said Australian-made Boxers would play a pivotal role in meeting the German army's requirements, amid a scramble among militaries for new armoured vehicles following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"I'm totally convinced, and I hope that our parliament will decide in the fourth quarter of 2023 that the contract can be signed. I'm expecting the first vehicle in 2025," he said.

General Mais said the response to "Russia's war of aggression" against Ukraine had been unequivocal, with increased security co-operation among partners, a focus on collective defence, and resolute support for Ukraine for as long as it takes.

"The whole military world is influenced by what we see in Ukraine, that's for sure," he said.

https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/boxers-and-boots-on-the-ground-tightening-military-ties-with-germany-20230720-p5dpva

#19211276 at 2023-07-20 11:34:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19204909
Talisman Sabre military exercise brings foreign troops to Australia for war games

Lily Nothling and Mia Knight - 20 July 2023

Thousands of troops from 13 countries have descended on Queensland for the Talisman Sabre war games, the largest to date.

The biennial military exercise involving Australia and the United States has expanded over the past decade to include military partners and observers from many more countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

Tent cities have been set up to accommodate an influx of 30,000 troops across the state's north, which has become a hive of activity with armoured vehicles, warships and aircraft.

"It's the biggest, most ambitious military exercise Australia has conducted in recent memory," Commander of the Australian Army's Combat Training Centre, Colonel Ben McLennan, said.

"People have come from all over the world, equipment has come from all over the world, building up over months to get to this point."

The exercise is designed to strengthen international ties and test warfighting capabilities.

Military personnel from France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Indonesia and Pacific nations such as Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Tonga are among those taking part.

Germans join the fold

For the first time, Germany has joined the exercise, sending 170 paratroopers to participate amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

German army chief, Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, told the ABC the country wanted to boost its presence in the contested region.

"When the international rule-based order is under question or challenge I think it's good to get into contact with partners in order to understand what's going on, what are the dynamics and what are the key players?" Lt Gen. Mais said.

"That's why we are here.

"We want to send a message that we are interested in what's going on here, we want to portray ourselves as a reliable partner, where we share common values with Australia and other partners in the region."

Lieutenant General Mais said the new terrain would test the German soldiers.

"The German Army has never been in Australia and the environment here is completely different than in Central Europe... and the climate."

Tent cities

Much of the activity during Talisman Sabre will be concentrated around the Townsville Field Training Area.

Thousands of soldiers from participating countries will sleep side-by-side in a sprawling tent city called Camp Star.

The camp's kitchen manager, Sergeant Shaun Brennan, is responsible for keeping hungry troops fed during the exercise.

"This area has about 7,000 soldiers out here at this time - we're feeding 3,200 meals a day," he said.

The kitchen operates 24 hours a day, but those not allocated a meal rely on ration packs.

"No one is going more than one or two days of being fed a fresh meal," Sergeant Brennan said.

"Everyone loves a steak between two pieces of bread and some sauce - that's generally what I find the soldiers enjoy the most."

Another tent city has been set up at Australia's largest army base - Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.

Base manager Michelle Miller said the barracks, which was usually the base for about 4,000 soldiers, would host an additional 4,500 troops over the duration of the exercise.

"Because of the amount of people ... that need to be accommodated, we have used up every available bed in a building on the base," she said.

Talisman Sabre runs until August 4.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-20/Talisman-Sabre-war-games-townsville-tent-city/102611442

#19211252 at 2023-07-20 11:23:04 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19204909
>>19204962
>>19205012
Bruce Highway reopens after multi-vehicle crash involving US tank

Katrina Beavan, Paul Culliver, and Jasmine Hines - 20 July 2023

Both lanes of the Bruce Highway are now open, as investigators piece together the chain of events that led to a fiery multi-vehicle crash involving a US military tank in central Queensland.

The seven-vehicle crash happened near Bajool, south of Rockhampton, yesterday morning.

It involved multiple caravans, a B-double truck and a semi-trailer carrying a US army tank en route to a military exercise.

Three of the vehicles were on fire when police arrived.

Six people were taken to hospital.

Two remain in stable conditions and others have been discharged.

Capricornia District Police Inspector Ben Carroll said earlier this morning there was still one vehicle being removed from the scene.

"The heat of that fire would've melted a lot of the [bitumen] so we'll have to do a lot of work to clean it up," he said.

'Absolute mess'

Inspector Carroll said police were still piecing together the cause of the crash but initial investigations suggest a passenger vehicle failed to stop for an escort vehicle accompanying the semi-trailer carrying the tank, causing a domino effect.

The tank was being transported from Gladstone port to the Shoalwater Bay training area for Exercise Talisman Sabre, a biennial training event involving Australian and US troops.

"That's our initial understanding ... our crash investigators are still piecing it together," Inspector Carroll said.

"We were absolutely flabbergasted that no-one was killed out of that crash.

"[That] was the most pleasing thing, because it was an absolute mess."

Truck driver Charitha Schivanka said he felt incredibly lucky to walk away from the crash.

"It all happened in a couple of seconds," he said.

"The first thing I did was get out of the truck ... and there's a huge fire and one of the cabins is burning - it was really hard to see.

"It was massive, flames and tyres blasting.

"It was burning for a good couple of hours."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-20/bruce-highway-partially-reopens-after-fiery-crash/102623750

#19211239 at 2023-07-20 11:17:34 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19211235

2/2

Under Menendez's proposal, the US administration would have to submit a report to congressional committees every two years setting out progress on AUKUS.

It says the report should identify "the defensive military capability gaps and capacity shortfalls that the AUKUS partnership seeks to offset" and the total costs to the US of the submarine project.

Congressional committees would also be seeking "a detailed explanation of how enhanced access to the industrial base of Australia is contributing to strengthening the United States strategic position in Asia".

The report would provide a "detailed explanation of the military and strategic benefit provided by the improved access provided by naval bases of Australia".

It would include "a detailed assessment of how Australia's sovereign conventionally armed nuclear attack submarines contribute to United States defense and deterrence objectives in the Indo-Pacific region".

Kurt Campbell, the White House Indo-Pacific coordinator, told a thinktank last month: "When submarines are provided from the United States to Australia, it's not like they're lost. They will just be deployed by the closest possible allied force."

However, the Australian government has repeatedly said it will maintain sovereign control of the submarines, including at least three Virginia-class submarines that it will buy from the US in the 2030s.

While AUKUS has bipartisan support in the US, it remains unclear what version of the legislation will make it to the president's desk for signing.

Menendez said his amendment "streamlines the export of US military technology, while ensuring that technology is safeguarded from adversarial espionage".

"I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the Senate and House to pass this bill which will cement the AUKUS partnership for decades to come," he said in a statement last week.

AUKUS will be on the agenda when Blinken and the US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, travel to Australia for annual talks with foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, and defence minister, Richard Marles.

The meeting will be held in Brisbane late next week. Marles and Austin are due to travel to north Queensland afterwards to watch troops participating in the Talisman Sabre exercise.

Marles told ABC TV on Wednesday there had been "a significant move forward in terms of force posture initiatives in Australia", including the planned rotation of US submarines in Western Australia from 2027.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/20/australia-us-aukus-military-defence-equipment-priority-access-export-control

#19205012 at 2023-07-19 11:58:31 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19204909
>>19204962
Multiple people injured in Bruce Highway crash involving US military tank

Rachel McGhee, Jasmine Hines, and Katrina Beavan - 19 July 2023

A United States military tank, multiple caravans and a B-double truck have been involved in a seven-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway south of Rockhampton, injuring several people.

The incident happened late this morning on the highway near Bajool.

Police said vehicles in the crash included a semi-trailer carrying a US military tank, a flat bed truck carrying two caravans, a B-double truck, three cars and a four-wheel drive towing a caravan.

Three of the vehicles were on fire when police arrived at the scene and the other four were extensively damaged.

Video shows military police and numerous emergency vehicles and personnel at the scene.

Police have revoked an emergency declaration made under the Public Preservation Act and the exclusion zone established earlier has been dissolved.

Motorists are still being urged to avoid the area while the incident is investigated.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the US tank involved was being taken by truck from Gladstone Port to the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area when the crash happened.

"Thankfully there were no fatalities but it was a serious crash," he said.

"There will obviously be an investigation by the relevant authorities ... wherever Defence can assist, it will."

Six hospitalised

Officer in charge of the North Rockhampton ambulance station Dominique Johnson said six people involved in the crash were taken to hospitals in Rockhampton and Gladstone.

One of the patients taken to Rockhampton was in a serious condition and the other two were stable.

All three people taken to Gladstone Hospital were stable.

"It's extremely fortunate that no one was severely injured here today... given the impact on ... the vehicles," Ms Johnson said.

She said there were a range of injuries sustained, including spinal injuries and burns.

The Bruce Highway is closed and there were a number of fires in the area as a result of the crash.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services zone commander Superintendent John Pappas said a significant number of resources were needed to get the situation under control.

"With two semi-trailers involved in the fire, as well as fuel from the various vehicles, it has taken a number of hours to render the area safe," he said.

"The loads of the two semi-trailers were on fire, as well as the trucks themselves, which were carrying several hundred litres of fuel - that's the fuel that has been burning this afternoon.

"It is quite remarkable that the people have survived this impact and fire today."

Superintendent Pappas said crews were also hampered by a lack of water to the location of the crash.

Senior Sergeant Hedy Farrell said forensic officers were investigating, but at this stage the cause of the crash was still unknown.

"This section of road is not known to be a particularly dangerous section," he said.

"But we have had a number of heavy vehicles ... one carrying a military tank vehicle and a number of civilian cars in the area at a narrow bridge way."

Freight operator Aurizon has confirmed that a portion of rail line in the area has been closed at the request of emergency services.

The incident comes ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre, a biennial training event involving Australian and US troops, which is set to begin at Shoalwater Bay in central Queensland on Saturday.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-19/us-military-tank-in-bruce-highway-crash-bajool/102619784

#19204962 at 2023-07-19 11:43:54 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19204909
American tank on way to Talisman Sabre in big central Queensland car crash

SARAH ELKS - JULY 19, 2023

A US military tank - believed to be on the way to the Talisman Sabre military training exercise - has been caught in a fiery multi-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway in central Queensland.

Six people were taken to the Rockhampton and Gladstone hospitals, three with suspected spinal injuries.

Queensland Police confirmed the forensic crash unit was investigating after the accident at Bajool, south of Rockhampton, at about 11.30am on Wednesday, involving seven vehicles.

"Upon arrival, three vehicles were located on fire and another four were extensively damaged, including a B-double truck, a semi-trailer (carrying a military tank), a flat-bed truck carrying two caravans, three cars, and a four-wheel-drive towing a caravan," a Queensland Police Service statement said.

Motorists were told to avoid the area or expect long delays because the highway would be closed for an extended period.

A Defence spokeswoman said a truck carrying a US Abrams tank was involved in the incident.

"Defence will provide support as required," she said.

Exercise Talisman Sabre will run from July 22 to August 4, and is the largest combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force and the US military.

Exercise locations in central Queensland include the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, which is about 130km north of Bajool.

The crash sent a huge plume of smoke into the sky and sparked grassfires near the highway.

Queensland's Fire and Emergency Services said three vehicles caught fire in the crash, spreading to the surrounding grass area.

"The fire is now under control," the QFES said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/american-tank-on-way-to-Talisman-Sabre-in-big-central-queensland-car-crash/news-story/2d0c15248ccaa09062154cc2c744cc1b

#19204951 at 2023-07-19 11:40:23 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19204909
Japan to fire advanced ship-killing missile on Australia's shores

Andrew Greene - 19 July 2023

Japanese forces will fire their most advanced anti-ship missile into Australian waters for the first time, ahead of large-scale multinational military exercises that begin later this week.

The ABC can reveal Japan's Self Defense Force (JSDF) is preparing to soon conduct a live fire demonstration of its Type 12 Surface-to-Ship missile (SSM) at a weapons range in Jervis Bay, south of Sydney.

Friday's activity will occur on the same day Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 is formally opened in Sydney, which will this year see South Korea also showcase its much-lauded Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system.

Chief of staff for Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force, General Morishita Yasunori, has told the ABC his country's participation in the biennial military exercise is expanding.

"Exercise Talisman Sabre is important because it strengthens cooperation with Australia and the US, which will help maintain and strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific," General Yasunori said in a statement.

"I believe the SSM firing exercise in conjunction with the Australian Navy will enhance a high level of trust between Australia and Japan."

The Type 12 Surface-to-Ship missile is a truck-mounted weapon developed by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2012 which has a range of around 200 kilometres.

Japan has begun working to induct an upgraded ship-launched variant of the Type 12 SSM by 2026, which will boast an extended range of between 200km and 1,000km.

A senior defence source told the ABC this week's Japanese missile firing on Australian soil is a logical progression for the growing military relationship with the former World War II enemy.

"It makes a lot of sense for Japan to test fire these missiles in Australia's relatively open space rather than its own crowded and contested neighbourhood," the high-ranking officer said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Over recent years Australian and Japanese forces have conducted more frequent and ambitious defence exercises together as both nations become increasingly concerned over China's military ambitions in the region.

Talisman Sabre exercise director Brigadier Damian Hill confirmed the JSDF would fire its Type 12 SSM from Beecroft Weapons Range into the East Australia Exercise Area off the coast of Jervis Bay.

"This is the first time the JSDF have tested this capability in Australia and is an example of how our partnership continues to grow and deepen," Brigadier Hill told the ABC in a statement.

"Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 will also involve a live-fire activity at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, incorporating Multi-domain Strike."

"Multi-domain Strike is one of the ADF's newest joint war-fighting concepts and involves synchronisation of kinetic and non-kinetic actions from all joint war-fighting domains (Land, Maritime, Air, Space and Information & Cyber)."

The 10th iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre will run from July 22 until August 3 and will be the largest on record, with more than 30,000 military personnel participating from 13 nations.

This month, Japanese soldiers conducted live-fire artillery support for Australian troops in Queensland as part of Exercise Southern Jackaroo, a lead-up activity to Talisman Sabre, which also included US forces.

South Korea to showcase rocket technology rivalling America's HiMars weapon

South Korean forces are this year participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre for the second time, bringing with them two warships and self-propelled howitzers, as well as a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) known as Chunmoo, which is similar to the American HiMARS technology.

Approximately 720 personnel from South Korea's Navy and Marine Corps will take part in Talisman Sabre after the country was first invited to the exercises as official observers in 2019.

During Talisman Sabre, South Korea's Chunmoo MLRS will be fired on Australian soil for the first time, as part of a large firepower demonstration at the Shoalwater Bay Training area in Queensland.

Unlike other militaries, Australia's Defence Force has so far been reluctant to consider acquiring the Chunmoo technology despite it being equipped with double the number of rockets compared to the American HiMARS, as well as boasting in-flight correction.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-19/japan-to-conduct-live-missile-firing-on-australias-shores/102616950

#19204925 at 2023-07-19 11:27:59 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19204923

2/2

Hill said it was also the first time a number of Pacific nations - including Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Tonga - would be integrated within the ADF units in Talisman Sabre.

"So we've had them around the exercise before, but not in the nature that we have this time. What we've tried to do is incorporate them more fully into the exercise," he said.

"We share the same region, we are effectively geographic families and so we should be working more closely together more often.

"The great benefit of working with people in the region is that if there is a disaster, or something that needs to be done, we can immediately speak to the person who we may have exercised with a year ago or five minutes ago."

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, told reporters in New Delhi in March that India had been invited to participate in Talisman Sabre - but the country has since confirmed that it won't join this year.

Hill said India was fully committed to the upcoming exercise Malabar and had "made a careful decision based upon what they can and cannot do".

"But it's great that we've got four Indian officers participating once again as observers - and we're working very hard with India to offer them the opportunity to participate fully in 2025."

Logistics will be a key focus of this year's exercise, with the US planning to build a 540m-long temporary pier in Bowen in north Queensland over 10 days.

"Then we'll bring some US army and other amphibious vessels alongside and then effectively deliver vehicles, armoured vehicles and the like from offshore onshore and then drive them through the streets of Bowen - carefully - and then up to the exercise area in Townsville," Hill said.

Australia and the US are also planning to establish a logistics and medical headquarters at Gallipoli barracks in Brisbane, with "nodes" connected to all of the areas where the exercises will be happening.

"The exercise is more geographically spread than it ever has been ... it's about 6,000km from the westernmost part of the exercise to the easternmost part, which is the distance between Hawaii and Chicago.

"It requires very careful logistics and medical planning. So we've created two combined headquarters, that are specifically looking at how do we support and protect the people operating across vast distances.

"Even though we're doing this in Australia, it absolutely could be replicated if we were operating in the region."

The US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, and the Australian deputy prime minister, Richard Marles, are expected to visit troops participating in the exercise in north Queensland.

Austin and the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, will first travel to Brisbane next week for annual talks with Marles and the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong.

The Australian government said the meeting would focus on "ways to deepen collaboration across the breadth of the relationship, including on defence and security cooperation, climate and clean energy and economic resilience".

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/19/chinese-intelligence-monitor-australia-Talisman-Sabre-military-excercise-tianwangxing

#19204923 at 2023-07-19 11:27:22 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19204909
Chinese intelligence expected to monitor Australia's Talisman Sabre military exercises

Thirteen countries, including the US, Japan and Indonesia, are part of the two-week training exercises, which have logistics as a key focus

Daniel Hurst - 19 Jul 2023

1/2

The Australian defence force expects that Chinese intelligence will seek to monitor Talisman Sabre, a military training exercise involving 30,000 personnel from 13 countries including the US and Pacific neighbours.

There is precedent for such monitoring attempts. In 2021, the Australian government said it was keeping an eye on the Chinese auxiliary general intelligence vessel Tianwangxing as it approached Australia's east coast in the run-up to Talisman Sabre.

Germany and Indonesia will be among the countries participating for the first time in Talisman Sabre. The two-week exercise begins on Friday and will be held across numerous locations including Queensland's Shoalwater Bay.

The director of the exercise, Brigadier Damian Hill, said he expected Chinese intelligence to seek to monitor the event again this year.

"Even though they're not invited, they still turn up," he said. "But they haven't asked to be invited either."

Hill said such monitoring had not impeded previous Talisman Sabre exercises, and Australia's expectation was that any such vessels operate in accordance with international law.

In 2021, the Tianwangxing was reported to remain outside Australian territorial waters but within Australia's exclusive economic zone.

Hill declined to say whether the ADF had already detected any Chinese vessels in transit, saying it was "not within my remit to do so" but added: "Our expectation is that there will be."

He confirmed that Australia and other countries put in place measures to protect communications during the exercise: "Absolutely we do."

Hill said it was "fantastic" to have Germany participate in Talisman Sabre for the first time and for South Korea to be making an "expanded commitment" since the last exercise. Japan, he said, would fire its type 12 surface-to-ship missile in Jervis Bay, south of Sydney.

"It's really great to see more nations - specifically nations that either have a Pacific strategy or are actually in the Indo-Pacific - participating in the exercise," he said.

Indonesia, which will be a full participant in Talisman Sabre for the first time, would have two focus areas.

"The first one is integrating and undertaking amphibious activities, so they'll be integrating with us some Indonesian marines," Hill said.

"The second one is they'll undertake a parachute insertion into Shoalwater Bay in early August alongside our US friends as well, which is a particular interest to them."

(continued)

#19204909 at 2023-07-19 11:19:21 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

Talisman Sabre Facebook Post

19 July 2023

3 days to go!

3 days left until the start of #TalismanSabre2023!

https://www.facebook.com/TalismanSabre/videos/3-days-to-go/245807178265970/

#19204894 at 2023-07-19 11:05:52 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

Blinken, Austin to visit Brisbane for AUSMIN talks

Phillip Coorey - Jul 19, 2023

United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Brisbane next week for the annual dialogue with their Australian counterparts Richard Marles and Penny Wong, at the same time the ALP membership continues to agitate against AUKUS.

Following the talks, Mr Marles and Mr Austin will travel to north Queensland to witness the annual Talisman Sabre joint training exercise involving Australian and US forces and 11 other partner nations.

Choosing Queensland as the venue for the AUSMIN talks, which the two countries take turns in hosting each year, will also give the Albanese government an opportunity to lift its political stocks in a state which is critical to its fortunes at the next federal election.

The talks come against the backdrop of Australia thawing its relationship with China, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers meeting his Chinese counterpart Liu Kun on the sidelines of the G20 finance ministers meeting in India on Tuesday night.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to accept an invitation to visit Beijing this year and Dr Chalmers hinted on Tuesday night the Chinese would have to move further on lifting trade sanctions if the visit were to go ahead.

"The message that I was able to convey to Minister Liu was we would like to see these trade restrictions lifted, and we'd like to make progress on that in advance of a prime ministerial visit to China ideally later in the year," he said.

It also comes against the backdrop of rising discontent in the Labor rank-and-file over the tripartite AUKUS security pact involving Australia, the US and the United Kingdom.

That dissent is expected to be on display at Labor's triennial national conference to be held next month, also in Brisbane.

On Tuesday night, AUKUS was condemned in a motion passed by the Sydney Federal Electoral Council of the ALP.

Maintaining regional stability

"AUKUS is not in the interests of the Australian people, threatens a regional arms race, and could take Australia into an unnecessary and devastating war," it said.

"The ALP should prioritise spending commitments that contribute to the social good of our society rather than wasting hundreds of billions of dollars on a dangerous and unnecessary weapons program.

"The values of the ALP and trade-union movement dictate that the focus of public funds should be on public education, public health, aged care, housing, social security, the manufacturing industry, and the transition to a renewable energy economy."

It called on the Australian government "to withdraw from the AUKUS alliance and cease any program in pursuit of the acquisition of nuclear submarines".

A similar motion is expected to be put at National Conference, but factional bosses will ensure it is defeated so as not to embarrass the government.

In a statement confirming AUSMIN, Mr Marles said: "Australia's defence cooperation with the United States is unprecedented in scale, scope and significance."

"Our partnership is built on an enduring foundation of trust, a long record of achievement and a shared vision for upholding the global rules-based order.

"Australia will continue to work with our partners, including the United States, to build a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous, including through the longstanding US Force Posture Initiatives in Australia."

Senator Wong said it was an important part of maintaining regional stability.

"Our Alliance is continuing to evolve with our strategic circumstances. We are broadening AUSMIN to integrate new areas for cooperation in line with the region's priorities, including emerging technologies, the clean energy transition and the essential role of critical minerals," she said.

"Australia and the United States want to better support our partners in the region, and to promote peace, protect sovereignty and foster prosperity."

https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/blinken-austin-to-visit-brisbane-for-ausmin-talks-20230719-p5dphn

#19188872 at 2023-07-16 09:27:52 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#30 - Part 19
Australian Politics and Society - Part 19
>>19154790 German troops join US in Australian war games - Hundreds of German troops will arrive in Australia this week and join with the United States and 11 other nations in extensive military exercises as a part of a "productive relationship that we are developing with our German friends" to boost defence in the Indo-Pacific. The German military will take part in the comprehensive exercise, called Exercise Talisman Sabre, in Jervis Bay, NSW, Darwin and across Queensland alongside troops from Fiji, France, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand Papua New Guinea, Tonga, the United Kingdom and Canada. As well, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand will be observers. Talisman Sabre is to test planning and conducting combined and joint military operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability between Australian and United States' forces and other partner nations.
>>19154951 Plastic surgeons call for age limit as young teenagers line up for 'top surgery' - Leading surgeons are calling for the national medical regulator to step in to set "clear and specific guidelines" on gender-affirming surgery, including consideration of whether the age at which transgender adolescents are ?legally allowed to go under the knife should be raised to 18. Australia is one of the most liberal countries in the world in sanctioning children under 18 to get double mastectomies, a practice that is rare but appears to be increasing despite only a handful of surgeons around the country being willing to perform such procedures. The case of a 15-year old child in Queensland having "top surgery" has prompted Mark Ashton, a plastic surgery specialty elected counsellor to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Melbourne University professor of surgery, to question the lack of regulations.
>>19160207 NATO summit: Australian eyes in the sky join fight for Ukraine - Australia will send one of its most sophisticated surveillance planes - the Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft - to Europe for six months to help protect key wartime logistics hubs, in a significant step up of assistance to Ukraine. The deployment of the Wedgetail will help protect the uninterrupted delivery of key military and humanitarian assets into Ukraine via Poland and other neighbouring countries. As many as 100 Australian military personnel will be based in Germany, from where the plane will operate, for the six months to fly and service it. The Australian government said in a statement: "Along with ongoing military and humanitarian assistance support, this ?deployment reinforces that Australia remains a key partner in international endeavours to assist Ukraine repel Russia's illegal and immoral attack. This deployment will help to ensure the continued and uninterrupted flow of military and ?humanitarian assistance into Ukraine."
>>19160241 Video: Major changes to abortion access as all doctors and nurse practitioners can prescribe - All doctors and nurse practitioners will be able to prescribe the pregnancy termination pills, and all pharmacies can stock it as new rules are brought in. Until now, prescribers and dispensers of the two-part medical abortion treatment needed extra certification or registration, meaning only about 10 per cent of doctors and 30 per cent of pharmacists are currently able to deal with the pill. But from August 1, restrictions around 'MS-2 Step' will be removed, in a move the government says will "improve equitable access to healthcare for all Australians". Nurse practitioners - who represent about one per cent of nurses - will also be able to prescribe the medications under the PBS. The changes follow an application from MS Health to the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The pill, known as RU486 overseas, was first registered by the TGA a decade ago for use on pregnant women up to nine weeks gestation. Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney said it was a "very safe, very practical move" that met global guidelines.
>>19160276 What is abortion drug mifepristone MS 2-Step and who will be able to prescribe it under new access rules in Australia? - Major changes to abortion access in Australia will take effect from August 1, with all doctors and nurse practitioners to be authorised to prescribe them. Here's everything you need to know: What is the abortion pill MS-2 Step? - When do the abortion pill changes take effect? - Who has prescribed abortion pills up until now? - How much do abortion drugs cost? - What is MS Health? - What has been the government's response?

#19188868 at 2023-07-16 09:26:38 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#30 - Part 15
Australian Politics and Society - Part 15
>>19109666 Video: Ukraine ambassador asks Foreign Minister Penny Wong to visit Kyiv amid calls for more weaponry - Ukraine's ambassador to Australia has made a public invitation for Foreign Minister Penny Wong to visit the besieged capital Kyiv and gain a fresh perspective on the conflict. Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko told ABC Insiders he wanted Senator Wong to see the war for herself, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did in July last year. "When you visit it gives you a different angle," Mr Myroshnychenko said. "It gives you a bit of hands-on, I mean I've seen it with your prime minister, I was there on that trip ... we were able to hear the stories out there, shared [by] people under the Russian occupation."
>>19114971 Defence, NT government strike deal to house Australian, international military personnel at Darwin's Howard Springs facility - The Northern Territory facility that gained national prominence as the "gold standard" for quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic will house thousands of troops from both Australia and overseas under a new lease agreement struck by the federal and NT governments. Under the deal, which is effective immediately, the 3,500 bed Howard Springs centre on the outskirts of Darwin will be converted to a defence accommodation precinct for housing Australian and international defence personnel.
>>19114980 Telstra partners with Elon Musk's Starlink - Telstra has signed an agreement to become the first telco globally to offer rural broadband and voice services with Elon Musk's satellite provider Starlink. Expected to launch in late 2023 with pricing to be confirmed, Telstra chief executive Vicki Brady said the offering would provide additional connectivity options for people and businesses where distance and terrain made it difficult to reach with existing networks. Starlink, a low earth orbit satellite system owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, was launched in Australia in 2021 and offers unlimited data for $139 per month along with a hardware fee of about $900. Its speeds are similar to that of NBN's 100Mbps plans.
>>19115008 Australian firm sues Twitter for $665,000 for not paying bills - An Australian project management firm has filed a lawsuit against Twitter Inc in a U.S. court seeking cumulative payments of about A$1 million ($665,000) over alleged non-payment of bills for work done in four countries, court filings showed. Sydney-based private company Facilitate Corp on June 29 filed the suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District Of California claiming breach of contract over Twitter's failure to pay its invoices. Facilitate said from 2022 through early 2023, it installed sensors in Twitter's offices in London and Dublin, completed an office fit-out in Singapore, and cleared an office in Sydney. For those works, Twitter owed the company about 203,000 pounds, S$546,600 and A$61,300, respectively, Facilitate said.
>>19120629 Visa extension, climate finance agreements as Indonesian President Joko Widodo visits Sydney - Australia will ease some visa rules for Indonesians visiting the country, as part of a series of agreements struck during President Joko Widodo's visit to Sydney. The head of state met with business and political leaders today, in what is expected to be his last visit as president as he nears the end of a second and final term in office. Following bilateral talks, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Indonesians will have immediate access to an extended visa from three to five years.
>>19120663 Talisman Sabre Facebook Post - Video: We are counting down the days to the start of #TalismanSabre2023! #TS23 is the largest bilateral military training exercise between Australia and the United States. This year, 12 other nations will take part in the exercise which will take place across the top end of Australia. Stay tuned for more announcements as the countdown begins!
>>19132052 Donald Trump Jr's Australian speaking tour delayed, promoter says - A speaking tour from the son of the former US president Donald Trump has been delayed, the tour promoter announced on Wednesday. Donald Trump Jr was to speak at events in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, kicking off this Sunday. However Turning Point Australia announced on Wednesday that "due to unforeseen circumstances" the appearances would be postponed. "Ticket holders are urged to hold onto their tickets, with details of the rescheduled date to be confirmed in the coming days," the announcement said. "Ticket holders will be contacted directly ... with details." In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Turning Point Australia wrote, "It seems America isn't the only country that makes it difficult for the Trumps. "Hold onto your tickets, this is a short delay nothing more #CancelCulture. "Apologies for any inconveniences especially those who had long travel plans."

#19188867 at 2023-07-16 09:26:20 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#30 - Part 14
Australian Politics and Society - Part 14
>>19103648 Nazi salute banned in Tasmania in an Australian first - Tasmania has become the first state to ban the Nazi salute, with six months jail for repeat offenders, in a move hailed by Jewish leaders but criticised by some free speech advocates. The landmark legislation, similar to that foreshadowed in Victoria amid a national debate on how to tackle Neo-Nazism, was passed by Tasmania's upper house on Thursday night. "Nazis will not have a refuge here in Tasmania, and this sends a very clear message that Nazi symbols and salutes are not welcome in Tasmania," said Attorney-General Elise Archer.
>>19104379 Labor Left to push Anthony Albanese on free abortions and to close Nauru - Anthony Albanese will be urged to provide free abortions across Australia, end offshore processing and close Nauru at Labor's upcoming national conference, as the party membership pushes to government to adopt a more left-wing agenda. The Australian can reveal the motions that will be put up by Labor for Refugees and the influential women's group Emily's List, which is co-convened by NSW Left faction MP Sharon Claydon. With the Prime Minister reluctant to pursue abortion reform after the issue hurt Labor with faith communities in the 2019 election, Emily's List will call for the ACT model of free abortions to be implemented nationally.
>>19104403 Video: Is she or isn't she a spy? The mother accused of working for Russia - The murky business of espionage usually exists in the shadows. But not this week on 60 MINUTES. In an intriguing and at times robust encounter, Tara Brown interviews a woman our spy agency, ASIO, claims is an agent tasked by Russia to gather sensitive information. Her name is Marina Sologub, and up until earlier this year she'd been living and working in Adelaide for three years. Now she's in immigration detention waiting to be kicked out of the country. As Brown reports, cases like this would normally be kept top secret, but quite remarkably a very bold Sologub is refusing to go quietly, denying accusations she's a spy, and vowing to fight her deportation to the bitter end.
>>19104595 Talisman Sabre Facebook Post - TS23 - Message from Exercise Directors - "An important part of a significant military exercise like Talisman Sabre are the planning events that are required to train together in dynamic situations across an area as large as northern Australia." Hear from the Director of Exercise Talisman Sabre, Brigadier Damian Hill, as he shares more about the deep planning that goes into #TalismanSabre2023. This year, more than a dozen nations personnel are set to take part in the Australia-United States-led bilateral exercise. Partner Nations Fiji, France, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Indonesia will work together to enhance interoperability and strengthen key strategic partnerships.
>>19105135 OPINION: Anti-democrat Donald Trump Jr should not be allowed into Australia - "Donald Trump Jr, the eldest son of disgraced former US president Don?ald Trump and executive vice-president of The Trump Organisation, will be in Australia for a promotional tour speaking at events in Sydney on July 8 and continuing to Brisbane and Melbourne. But Trump should not be granted a visa to enter Australia because he fails multiple character test requirements under the Migration Act. Trump is an anti-democrat who encouraged the overturning of an election. He is a conspiracy theorist who spread misinformation about the Covid-19 pandemic. And he leads an organisation found guilty of tax fraud and document falsification. It is completely unacceptable to allow Trump Jr to come to Australia to give voice to the undermining of democratic elections, disrespecting the rule of law, denigrating people based on their race, religion or sexuality, and provoking political unrest. He has done all of these things and will do so in Australia, in search of a willing antipodean MAGA audience. The Migration Act is clear that if there is a risk the person entering Australia would vilify segments of the Australian community, harass or intimidate people, or "incite discord" with their views, then they should be denied entry on character grounds. There is plenty of evidence that this is what Trump Jr plans to do in Australia." - Troy Bramston, senior writer and columnist with The Australian - theaustralian.com.au

#19188863 at 2023-07-16 09:25:14 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#30 - Part 11
Australian Politics and Society - Part 11
>>19044210 US sailors and Marines flock ashore as mega war ship USS America docks in Brisbane - Seeing koalas and kangaroos are high on the agenda for most of the crew of the USS America which arrived in Brisbane this week. The largest amphibious assault ship in the US Navy's Seventh Fleet docked to allow its 2500 embarked US Marines and sailors to enjoy a port visit before participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, Australia's largest bilateral combined military training activity with the US. The 257m-long ship is designed to accommodate F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters and a combination of rescue, combat and support helicopters including MV22 Ospreys and CH-53E Super Stallions. US Marine Captain Erik Carlson, an F-35 pilot, said the Americans loved working with the Australian military. "We work with the Australians a lot and we love that relationship," he said. "It's good to have close friends down here."
>>19044241 Video: American navy ship USS America arrives in Brisbane - Brisbane is about to be invaded by a large military force ready to take on the town. The massive navy vessel USS America is in Australia for vital training exercises, but first, its crew is coming ashore. - 7NEWS Australia
>>19044256 Video: Why this American warship has just docked in Brisbane - Queensland has thrown out the welcome mat to 2,000 US marines and navy sailors ready to explore Brisbane. The USS America is the largest amphibious warship in the US Navy's 7th fleet. It has sailed in for a port call before heading north to participate in the military exercise Talisman Sabre. - ABC News (Australia)
>>19051042 Australia issues Elon Musk's Twitter with a 'please explain' notice over surge in online hate - Elon Musk's social media platform Twitter has been issued with a demand from Australian authorities for information on what it is doing to tackle online hate. Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said about one-third of the complaints her agency received about online hate involved content on Twitter, noting a surge in harmful posts since the Tesla chief bought the platform last year. Twitter has 28 days to comply with the "please explain" notice, or face fines of almost $700,000 for every day it misses the deadline.
>>19051054 Australia to Elon Musk: Explain how you're dealing with hate on Twitter - Australia has ordered Twitter to explain what it is doing to tackle online hate, saying there had been a sharp increase in "toxicity and hate" since Elon Musk took over the company last year. Twitter could be fined as much as $475,000 a day if it doesn't comply, under an online safety law that Australia touted as world-first when it was introduced in 2021. Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety commissioner and a former Twitter executive, said Thursday that she issued the notice after a "worrying surge of hate online" and specifically a sharp increase in reports of serious online abuse since Musk bought the company in October. - Frances Vinall - washingtonpost.com
>>19051106 Ukraine moves to become a cashless society in anti-corruption bid - Ukraine says it wants to make its economy cashless as soon as possible to stamp out corruption and secure the hundreds of billions of dollars from private investors that it will need to rebuild after the war. The plans follow the direct urging to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by Australia's richest man, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest, who has unveiled a new investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction, kick-started with $US500 million ($735 million) paid for via his private company, Tattarang.
>>19051159 George Papadopoulos Tweet: The Australian "diplomat" who lied about me (the reason the sham crossfire investigation investigation went nowhere) also just happened to earmark $25 million to the Clinton foundation while he was Australia's foreign minister. Are you catching on yet?
>>19058367 Russian Federation launches High Court action against decision to block new embassy in Canberra - The Russian Federation has officially launched legal action in the highest court in Australia as it challenges the government's decision to block its plans for a new embassy in Canberra. Lawyers acting on behalf of Russian Ambassador Alexey Pavlovsky filed an injunction in the High Court on Friday afternoon against new laws that tore up the Kremlin's lease for the proposed embassy site in Yarralumla. The Kremlin is challenging the new laws on constitutional grounds, arguing the commonwealth didn't have just terms for terminating its lease, according to court documents.

#19188862 at 2023-07-16 09:24:41 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#30 - Part 10
Australian Politics and Society - Part 10
>>19037075 Daniel Andrews defends Israel, saying he would have voted against his faction's Palestine motion - Daniel Andrews has issued a staunch defence of Israel's sovereignty, voicing his opposition to his own faction's motion on Palestinian recognition, which passed without dissent at Labor's Victorian conference on Sunday. Recommitting to comments he made three weeks ago that the Jewish homeland represented the "only true democracy" in the Middle East, the Victorian Premier indicated he would oppose any motion regarding the recognition of Palestine at the national ALP conference due to be held in August. "My position on Israel has been very, very consistent and clear. It's not always popular, but it's my view, and it won't change," the Premier said.
>>19037159 Donald Trump Jr. Faces Calls to Be Banned From Australia - Donald Trump Jr. is facing calls for his banning in Australia ahead of his upcoming tour there. Trump, the eldest son of the former president and a prominent conservative voice in his own right, will be headed Down Under for a three-city speaking tour presented by the nonprofit organization Turning Point Australia, with stops in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, from July 9 to 11. He is expected to be joined by former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage. Trump Jr.'s scheduled appearances have generated calls for the Australian government to block him from entering the country. His Australian critics have launched petitions to ban him from obtaining a visa to come into the country and have vowed to disrupt his speaking engagements. One Change.org petition, titled "Stop Donald Trump Jr getting an Australian Visa," has gained over 14,000 signatures.
>>19037218 Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023: Largest US amphibious assault ship USS America to dock in Brisbane - The largest amphibious assault ship in the US Navy's Seventh Fleet is expected to arrive in Brisbane on Tuesday afternoon. It will be the second time in three years the USS America, which carries fighter jets and tiltrotor aircraft such as MV22-Ospreys, has visited Queensland, but only the first time it has been allowed to dock and its crew to come ashore. With US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit on board, the warship is pulling in for a port call before heading off to participate in the 10th iteration of Australia's largest bilateral combined military training activity with the US, Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.
>>19044137 'A real head-scratcher': Australia's commitment to Ukraine questioned - The Australian government has been criticised for failing to send a minister to represent the nation at the Ukraine recovery conference taking place in London on Wednesday. Foreign Minister Penny Wong will skip the conference, instead opting to attend parliament and send a pre-recorded video message. "The Albanese government continues to send all of the wrong signals about Australia's commitment to Ukraine," Birmingham said. "It's staggering that the Albanese government is a repeated ministerial no-show at important discussions about Ukraine's future."
>>19044166 Left-wing activists try to ban Trump Jr. from Australia ahead of speaking tour - Left-wing activists are pushing to derail Donald Trump Jr.'s planned speaking tour in Australia, and a petition to deny him a visa into the country has netted more than 17,000 signatures. Former President Trump's eldest son is launching a three-city speaking tour of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne from July 9-11 that's being held by Turning Point Australia, a sister organization of the American conservative group founded by Charlie Kirk. A Change.org page was launched in response calling for Trump Jr. to be blocked from even setting foot in Australia, which as of Tuesday morning has just over 17,200 supporters. "Donald Trump Jr is an illegal drug-taking bigoted person who should not be allowed to enter Australia for the purpose of earning himself and possibly his father any 'Campaign Contributions'. Ban him from this country," wrote Kris Eriksen, the petition's founder.
>>19044192 Amphibious assault ship ready for Talisman Sabre drills - The commander of a US Navy amphibious assault ship says he is "prepared" for attempts by other nations to seize maritime territory in the region. The USS America docked in the Port of Brisbane on Tuesday for a three-day visit ahead of the Talisman Sabre training exercise in northern Australia involving land combat, amphibious landings and air operations. The $A5 billion, 257-metre warship is crewed by 2000 sailors and marines and carries 20 aircraft including six F-35B Lightning II joint strike fighters with vertical take-off and landing capability.

#19188854 at 2023-07-16 09:21:21 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#30 - Part 3
Australian Politics and Society - Part 3
>>18945832 Health leaders reject the need for oversight of transgender medicine - Australia's most senior health leaders have dismissed suggestions the commonwealth should take a greater oversight and regulatory role in the prescription of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to children as the federal government admits it has no idea how widely the drugs are being prescribed off-label for gender dysphoria.
>>18946058 Talisman Sabre Facebook Post: The countdown is on for Talisman Sabre 2023 - The largest bilateral military training activity between #YourADF and the United States is set to take place from 22 July - 4 August in Queensland. This year's exercise will be the biggest yet in terms of geographical spread and number of partner nations participating. Fiji, France, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Indonesia will all take part and contribute to the exercise's outcomes. Read more - https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2023-05-15/planning-key-success-Talisman-Sabre - #TalismanSabre2023
>>18946058 Talisman Sabre - MAGIC SWORD - https://qalerts.pub/?q=Operation+Specialists - https://qalerts.pub/?q=magic
>>18949906 Kyiv 'needs to wait' for fresh support, says Anthony Albanese - Anthony Albanese has pushed back at Ukraine's suggestion his government is preparing to unveil fresh support for Ukraine next month, saying announcements would be made "when they're ready to be made". "My governments is a considered, adult government," the Prime Minister told reporters on Saturday during a visit to Vietnam. "I can confirm that we make the announcements when they are ready, when they've been considered by all of our processes, including our cabinet."
>>18955343 Devin Nunes Truth: Good morning #Australia - Glad to have you here @truthsocial
>>18955343 Karina Samperi Truth: Thank you @DevinNunes for finally letting #Australia join #TruthSocial. We have been waiting patiently to be let in support of the #Patriot movement that will affect #Australia
>>18960235 US Marines to join allied troops in Australia for combined force exercise - U.S. Marines in Australia will kick off a month of field training alongside Australian and Japanese troops next week, a precursor to one of the largest military exercises in the Pacific the following month. The exercise, Southern Jackaroo, is taking place between June 15 and mid-July, Maj. Matthew Wolf, a spokesman for Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, said. Next month, all three nations will participate in Talisman Sabre, a biennial exercise in Australia that's scheduled to draw approximately 30,000 personnel.
>>18960257 Hawkei armoured cars bound for Ukraine war in Australian support deal - Australia is set to give Ukraine the missile-capable, four-wheel-drive armoured cars that it has been requesting for months - the Hawkei - as the centrepiece of a forthcoming support package. Although a formal commitment has yet to be sealed, there has been serious progress informally and Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov told the Herald and The Age the vehicles were number one on his list of "demands" from Australia. He described the Australian-made vehicles as "very, very famous armed vehicles with air defence systems" in an interview in Singapore after meeting his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles, at the weekend. The Hawkei is a seven-tonne armoured car designed to be fitted with the same Norwegian-American air defence system that protects the White House.
>>18965978 Video: Nigel Farage said he decided to join Donald Trump Jr.'s Australian speaking tour because the former president's son is 'blooming-good fun' - Former Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage has announced he is joining Donald Trump Jr.'s speaking tour of Australia. The eldest son of the former US president is set to appear in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne between 9 and 11 July, this year. Speaking to Sky News Australia's Paul Murray, the former UK politician-turned GB News host said he had decided to join the tour - which will also include South Australian senator Alex Antic - at the last minute. "I'm coming, well for a couple of reasons really: One, I don't think you get quite enough real, proper conservative conversation down in Australia these days; number two, I want you all to realise that whatever madnesses you're facing, we're facing them in America and in Britain; and number three, I really like Donald Trump Jr., he's blooming-good fun, and it's going to be a great time," Mr Farage said.

#18401579 at 2023-02-24 05:56:38 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #27: THEY ARE IN FULL BLOWN PANIC MODE Edition

China to ASEAN: Don't pick sides

AMANDA HODGE and JOANNA PANAGOPOULOS - FEBRUARY 22, 2023

China's new foreign minister has warned Southeast Asian nations against engaging in "group politics and bloc confrontation", just hours after Defence Minister Richard Marles announced Australia and The Philippines were exploring possible joint military patrols in the South China sea.

Qin Gang delivered the message in a joint press conference with Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi - his first visit to the region as Beijing's new foreign envoy - where he also counselled Jakarta to "make independent judgments and choices".

"I told madam foreign minister that a new cold war or major country rivalry should not take place in our region, the Asia ?Pacific," Mr Qin said during the online conference in the Indo?nesian capital in which neither minister took questions.

"Regional countries should not be forced to pick sides.

"We hope and trust that Indonesia and other ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries will bear in mind peace and stability and prosperity of the region and make independent judgment and choices."

Mr Qin said while China ?supported the regional bloc's strategic independence and inclusive regional architecture, "we stand against group politics and bloc confrontation".

Beijing is betraying rising concern over a series of strengthened defence pacts between its Southeast Asian neighbours and Quad member states the US, Australia and Japan in the wake of last August's Taiwan Strait crisis in which the Chinese military encircled Taiwan and conducted three days of live fire drills.

The drills, retaliation for former US Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the Taipei capital, raised fresh alarm among ASEAN nations over a possibility of being caught in the middle of a Great Power conflict and underscored the need to shore up their security.

In Manila, Mr Marles hailed Australia and The Philippines as "strategically aligned" countries - both allies of the US who count China as their largest trading partner - with a mutual determination to "deepen the opportunities where Filipino servicemen and women can work alongside Australian servicemen and women".

"To that end, we are building upon the training occurring right now and looking at ways in which we can pursue joint pat?rols together in the South China Sea, looking at ways in which we can do more exercises together," Mr Marles told a joint news conference with Philippine defence secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

Australia would send one of the largest military contingents to The Philippines' multilateral Balikatan exercises and looked forward to The Philippines participating for the first time in the Australia-hosted Talisman Sabre in August, he said.

Philippines President Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos' readiness to strengthen ties with Western partners and allies since his election in May is in sharp contrast to predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who sought to decrease Manila's reliance on Washington and build ties with Beijing.

Mr Marles's announcement on joint patrols in the disputed South China Sea comes after a Philippines maritime official revealed similar discussions with the US over joint coastguard pat?rols of the resource-rich waters, which China claims as its own.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/china-to-asean-dont-pick-sides/news-story/951712b82d48a3135946c5a3ef58840c

#18401575 at 2023-02-24 05:55:38 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #27: THEY ARE IN FULL BLOWN PANIC MODE Edition

>>18401571

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The Navy's top officer, who has taken shots at industry for not listening to his guidance in the past, pointed out that the service has provided industry with "a really clear set of headlights in terms of what our demands are looking out 20 years, and so there's no secrets there."

Three areas remain for industry to improve in, he said. Top of the list is pretty simple: "Getting the production work done on time, with little to no rework required. And so that's typically a stumbling block, if you will, with respect to schedule."

Gilday noted that when workers have to correct mistakes it just slows production. The good news, he said: "the trend lines are beginning to move in the right direction, but we need to move even faster and more precipitously, to put us in a better place."

Getting materiel in place and ready to be used is second on the list: "We need to get the material on site ready to go early, so there are no delays." Congress, he noted, has helped with this, approving advanced procurement of key materiel.

The final focus has to be on the workforce. "I think it's really tied to number one with respect to rework or driving down rework." And key to that is having a mature, well trained workforce. Interestingly, he pointed out that companies are beginning to generate efficiencies in the workforce by subcontracting out some work to smaller shipyards.

"The thing that I probably ought to mention is the fact that what we're seeing both Electric Boat and Newport News shipbuilding do now is to [subcontract] some of their work out to smaller companies. I think that's a step in the right direction. That's going to create efficiencies for them inside the shipyard for the larger work that needs to be done on those on the sub production line."

As an example, he pointed to the recent agreement for Austal USA, the Mobile, Ala.-based shipyard best known for its aluminum-hulled Littoral Combat Ships, to produce two modules for Electric Boat for Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines. They are building the Command and Control System and Electronic Deck modules that will be used by both classes.

That tension between the Columbia and Virginia boats was a key factor in the decision by two senior defense senators to warn President Biden against pushing the industrial base to the "breaking point" in the effort to assist Australia in building a nuclear attack submarine fleet.

During his visit, Gilday also declared the pursuit of All Domain operations "vitally important" for the two countries. At a speech to the Australia Defense College, he noted "the need for complementary nature of comms from seabed to space."

He pointed to exercises coming up this year in the Indo-Pacific - Pacific Sentry, Pacific Source, Talisman Sabre and others - as proof that the focus on All Domain is hitting the real world.

"These are all high exercises that are also multi-domain," he said. Because Australia and the US are members of the Five Eyes countries that share the most sensitive information, "we're able to share more than just intelligence. We're able to share technical data at a highly classified level with those systems I spoke to earlier." He'd mentioned the P-8, Next Generation Jammer, F-18 Growlers, Aegis Baseline 9, SM-6 missiles as examples of high-end systems Australia has either bought or is buying.

Australia has some very advanced programs that may end up providing the United States with examples to follow as it pursues JADC2, the backbone of All Domain warfare for the Pentagon, designed to link satellites, submarines, ships, tanks, soldiers and planes.

https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/exclusive-in-aussie-visit-us-navy-chief-talks-sub-challenges-all-domain-needs/

#17439923 at 2022-08-25 10:32:58 (UTC+1)
Q Research Australia #25: My Koala Hates Spam Too Edition

Exercise Predator's Run: Marines train for littoral combat in scorching Australian Outback

SETH ROBSON, STARS AND STRIPES - August 25, 2022

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MOUNT BUNDEY TRAINING AREA, Australia - There is plenty of sun but little shade in the sparse Outback of Australia's Northern Territory, where U.S. Marines and sailors are honing amphibious warfare skills with troops from three other nations.

On Sunday, Sgt. Steven Wilson, 28, of Huntingtown, Md., led six Marine snipers and two Australian forward observers into the 290,000-acre Mount Bundey training area, a former cattle station.

They arrived in dune buggy-style tactical vehicles, humped two more miles and set up an observation post, Wilson explained on Wednesday. They scanned for opposing forces and sweltered in heat that reached 102 degrees over three days, Wilson said. But they spotted only wallabies and dingoes.

"In this area there's a million trees and no shade," he said. "We were burning up out there."

Exercise Predator's Run, which began Aug. 19 and runs through Sunday, pits the multinational force of Marines and Indonesian and Philippine troops under the Australian Army's 1st Brigade against other Australian troops role-playing as the enemy.

The Marines, from 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment out of Twentynine Palms, Calif., have been in Australia with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin since March.

The battalion includes more than 800 Marines and sailors, two rifle companies, a battery of M-777 howitzers and a weapons company armed with Javelin missiles, Mark-19 grenade launchers, .50 caliber machine guns and snipers, the unit's commander, Lt. Col. Tyler Holt, 41, told Stars and Stripes in the training area Wednesday.

The Marines there have been batting away flies, warning off wild dingoes and seeking shade beneath sparse gum trees sprouting from the dusty red landscape.

Australian troops conducted an amphibious landing near Darwin to simulate the way they'd join the fight in a coastal battlespace, Holt said as he clutched a rifle while his troops took cover amid the gums.

Disputes with China

Amphibious forces could be key to victory in any conflict in the Western Pacific, where China is aggressively expanding its territory by occupying small islets, reclaiming land and building military facilities in the South China Sea.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia have territorial disputes with China in those waters.

The newly formed 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment conducted amphibious training in the Philippines during the annual Balikatan drills in April.

Australia sent an infantry company and Malaysia sent observers to the Super Garuda Shield exercise involving 2,000 U.S. troops, including Marines, and 2,000 Indonesian service members in Indonesia earlier this month.

In recent years the Royal Australian Navy has commissioned its largest-ever warships, the amphibious landing helicopter docks HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide. Meanwhile, the Australian Army, with the U.S. Marines' help, has learned how to launch forces from those ships.

The Marines and Australian Army have conducted a wide range of amphibious training together, including at the biennial Talisman Sabre drills in Queensland last summer.

Australia will seek to increase training with other nations' amphibious forces, 1st Brigade commander Brigadier Nick Foxall said in an Australian Army news release Aug. 16.

"The 1st Brigade will lead Army's thinking on the establishment of the littoral formation," he said.

(continued)

#17069131 at 2022-08-06 10:50:41 (UTC+1)
Q Research Australia #25: My Koala Hates Spam Too Edition

US, Australian militaries join forces to retaliate China's Pacific rise

Australia's reaction time to a threat could be cut from 30 minutes to less than four under a new military alliance with the US.

Charles Miranda - August 5, 2022

Exclusive: Australia will join the "kill chain" of United States' air and missile defence capabilities in a move that could cut our militaries' reaction times from 30 minutes to less than four.

An interoperable American-Australian force in the Pacific has long been a dream for commanders where ships, planes and radars of both operate as one for a real time joint interception.

Now a series of "sensor to shooter" integration trials using surveillance and fighters from both countries have proved successful, paving the way for an unprecedented future forces alignment.

The shift to integrate warfare systems will significantly advance Australia's strategic strike power in the region and particularly the Australian Defence Force's ability to respond to a long-range threat.

It is also likely to see more US ships, troops and aircraft including the B-21 stealth in Australia which could act as a logistics base.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has reportedly expressed enthusiasm over the urgency of the Albanese government to further the AUKUS pact beyond just shared nuclear-powered submarine tech to broader war-fighting integration.

Defence Minister Richard Marles was coy on the detail but said as China sought to "reshape" the world, the alliance and forces' interoperability was of critical importance.

"What that looks like is doing more exercises at a higher level, meaning more complex exercises, the military jargon would be 'high end war fighting', where greater interoperability is practised," Mr Marles told News Corp Australia.

"I think we seek to build interoperability, I have used the word interchangeability as well as I guess an expression of the highest level of interoperability, we do want to see us develop that with the United States forces. There is considerable scope for greater complexity of exercises."

Mr Marles said disputes were better mediated and resolved through the rule of law rather than "might and power", particularly in the South China Sea and Australia's trade sea routes, but Russia's invasion and war with Ukraine was a warning to all.

"Given the global rules based order is under more stress or as much stress as it has been since any point since the end of Second World War our interest lies in maintaining an American presence in the East Asian time zone. I mean it very clearly does so I think it is very much in our interest for us to be doing more with America and us making sure that we keep America engaged in this part of the world."

The so-called "kill chain" term refers to the process of identifying a target threat through surveillance and reconnaissance, choosing the best option to confront it and deploying a strike.

Trials have been conducted by both forces during Talisman Sabre exercise last year off the coast of Brisbane, the "Black Flag" exercise in Nevada in the US two months ago where RAAF strike fighters were used in the kill chain trial and the ADF as official observer to the American Scarlet Dragon program where AI decision making is being trialled.

Trials showed automated bilateral data transfer removed human error in transposing intelligence and cut response times from 25-30 minutes to up to four minutes.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/us-australian-militaries-join-forces-to-retaliate-chinas-pacific-rise/news-story/e45ea2c12f2778388d7a7cdd977c6297

#17068773 at 2022-08-06 07:39:30 (UTC+1)
Q Research Australia #25: My Koala Hates Spam Too Edition

>>16948507
ADF to up the ante in Indonesia

AMANDA HODGE - AUGUST 3, 2022

Australia's new army chief says he will increase military exchanges and expand bilateral defence exercises with Indonesia to include ?regional partners and allies in more sophisticated war games, as the Asia-Pacific region confronts a heightened risk of conflict.

Three weeks into the job, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart would not comment on broiling tensions over Taiwan as he oversees Australian Defence Force participation in the largest Garuda Shield military exercises in Indonesia that, for the first time, sees Australia, Japan and Singapore join Indonesian and US forces in complex military drills and simulated fighting.

As the Albanese government undertakes the most comprehensive reassessment of the ADF in 35 years, the army commander said closer and more sophisticated defence co-operation with regional partners and allies would also be key to Australia's preparedness for any future war in the Indo-Pacific.

"If you look at our history, we have what we have on the day, and our challenge is to make sure we have optimised that," General Stuart told The Australian from South Sumatra, where 100 Australian soldiers from Darwin's First Brigade are embedded with an Indonesian battalion for a fortnight's exercise.

"What's really important is we are not going to be able to do it alone, and neither is any of our partners. So that's the focus of activities like Garuda Shield: to make sure that together we are capable of (meeting those) challenges.

"We have had a longstanding relationship with Indonesia at an army-to-army level, but the strategic circumstances apparent today mean we need to work more closely and in a more focused way."

Australia has at least 20 bilateral military activities annually with Indonesia and many of those - in particular Talisman Sabre 2023 - could be expanded to include other multilateral partners in more sophisticated exercises "because that's what our operating environment demands".

The army chief said changed strategic circumstances, including the rise of China and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, had "focused all of our minds" on the need to train and strategise with partners and ?allies committed to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

"That's in everybody's interests, and from Australia's perspective we rely on a free and open Indo-Pacific for maritime trade, as do many of our regional partners, so the stakes are high ... in this environment, we can't have too many friends."

Russia's invasion of Ukraine was being closely monitored and discussed for lessons that could be applied in our region, though what was already clear was the importance of logistics and supply chains, and that new and emerging military technology did not guarantee victory in the face of a resolute population, he said.

Washington and Jakarta have said this year's "Super" Garuda Shield was not aimed at any one ?nation, though US defence media spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Travis Dettmer told The Australian it had expanded to include more partners "because if we were to go to war, that's how we fight - as a combined and joint force".

Nine observer nations - Britain, New Zealand, South Korea, India, France, Canada, Malaysia, PNG, and East Timor - have also joined the war games, which this year include combined paratrooper drops, amphibious landings on an island on the southern edge of the South China Sea, and jungle fighting.

Some defence analysts say Australia has failed to prepare for war in the Indo-Pacific, but General Stuart said the ADF was "seized with the requirement" to prepare for all contingencies with its partners.

"That's what we're doing every single day in Australia and in the region with our partners. It's the focus of the government's modernisation plan and there's more work being done to continue the reform of our national posture through a force posture review."

The government's defence ?review is likely to consider the need to scale back investments with less relevance to Australia's maritime security challenges but the army chief insisted Australia's land-based force would remain critical to any future conflict.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/adf-to-up-the-ante-in-indonesia/news-story/f01f643ccac13e3870571135ea995c09

#16948507 at 2022-08-02 12:22:38 (UTC+1)
Q Research Australia #25: My Koala Hates Spam Too Edition

Indonesian-led war games 'send strong signal' to China

AMANDA HODGE - AUGUST 1, 2022

Australian defence forces have joined thousands of troops from Indonesia, the US, Singapore and Japan for two weeks of "unprecedented" joint military exercises that will include combined paratrooper drops and amphibious landings on an island near the southern edge of the South China Sea.

US officials have insisted this year's "Super" Garuda Shield - usually a bilateral exercise with Indonesia - is not aimed at readying for conflict with any specific nation but to "advance regional co-operation to support a free and open" Indo-Pacific, despite heightened tensions over China's regional assertiveness.

Last week Assistant US Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific security affairs Ely Ratner warned it was "only a matter of time before there is a major incident or accident in the region" as a result of Chinese military aggression toward other forces.

US defence media Garuda Shield spokesman Travis Dettmer told The Australian the significantly expanded exercises were "not designed to be a threat ?toward any one entity but to build more interoperability so we can work together when we have to work together".

But Lieutenant Colonel Dettmer said: "When we do what we do as military, especially in this day and age, we do it as a combined and joint force. This exercise was designed to include more partners this year because if we were to go to war that's how we fight - as a combined and joint force."

At least 4000 Indonesian and US forces from the navy, air force, army and marines, will share war tactics, simulate fighting and search and rescue operations with forces from Australia, Singapore and Japan in South Sumatra and on the Riau islands, the gateway to Indonesia's Natuna waters on the South China Sea.

Canada, France, India, Malaysia, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Britain are also participating as observer nations.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, confirmed his ?nation's participation in Garuda Shield only last week during bilateral talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Jokowi's visit was part of a three-nation tour that began with a rare diplomatic visit to Beijing and talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping where the two leaders discussed closer economic engagement.

Southeast Asia security analyst Collin Koh said the timing of ?Jokowi's Beijing visit "could not be more interesting" given China's previous objections to the expanded exercises.

Beijing has kept quiet in recent weeks though Dr Koh said it could still register its displeasure by moving military assets closer to the Natuna waters to monitor the drills, as it did during the 2021 Talisman Sabre military exercises with the US in northern Australia.

"That can't be discounted. The exercise area is within reach and in an area China is familiar with," he told The Australian.

Indonesia's decision to host the largest ever Garuda Shield comes as China continues to push for any defence exercises in the South China Sea region to be staged in consultation with all other signatories to a code of conduct that is still being negotiated with ASEAN states.

Dr Koh said this year's drills - unprecedented in scale and sophistication - were an "indirect Indonesian answer to China that it will carry on its military engagement with partners in line with its national interests and won't be dictated to by anyone else". The fact that more than 4000 troops from five nations would be conducting simulated war fighting in a "country with a stake in the South China Sea sends strong signals to those up north".

"No other South China Sea ?nation, other than The Philippines, have hosted similar exercises - very likely because they wanted to avoid controversy. But Indonesia has been trying to showcase what it calls its free and active foreign policy. That's why we see these strange arrangements where last week it went to China and this week it conducts these exercises."

Indonesia is not a formal claimant in the territorial dispute between China and other Southeast Asian nations over its occupation and militarisation of islands in the South China Sea, but it too regularly contends with Chinese incursions in its North Natuna waters.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/indonesianled-war-games-send-strong-signal-to-china/news-story/881e8ba49c2123642731c254c25f82d2

#16761738 at 2022-07-19 11:51:40 (UTC+1)
Q Research Australia #25: My Koala Hates Spam Too Edition

>>16761730

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Lt. Sam Laidlaw, a flight control officer on the ship, told reporters during the visit the ship takes a more conservative approach to operating with foreign aircraft, as a kind of safety bubble for the ship crew and the aircrew as they aren't as familiar with each other and how the wind and sea states affect behavior.

Marines had sent some CH-53E heavy lift helicopters to Canberra earlier in the week, Laidlaw said, for familiarization and deck landing procedure training.

"Whenever we do international operations, the most challenging thing tends to be communications," he said. "We do briefs beforehand; before any aircraft come across here, we sit down and do a face-to-face brief with them. If we can't do that, we have a PowerPoint presentation we put together where we try and spell out all those little differences."

The day the CH-53s flew out to the ship, the Australian and American teammates discovered one fundamental issue as the aircraft were on approach: the Australian ship crew was giving its position in true north, and the American pilots were expecting to receive it in magnetic north. The ship was pointed about 10 degrees off from what the Marine pilots were expecting.

"This is the reason why we have more conservative helicopter operating limits, because we don't all do things all exactly the same way," Laidlaw said.

Hutchison said Canberra had landed American CH-53s, MV-22s and MH-60 Seahawks, as well as the Japanese variant of the Seahawk, and that he hoped to cross-deck with a few more countries before RIMPAC ends.

"When we operate together in either a peacetime, non-warlike, [humanitarian assistance and disaster relief] scenario, or even in time of conflict, it's much better to be able to form a partnership and be able to use compatible equipment and compatible forces to create a more efficient outcome," the captain said.

The Marine Rotational Force-Darwin will participate in the Talisman Sabre exercise in 2023. Hutchison said he expects those forces to continue working on integration between the Canberra-class amphibs and the American MV-22s.

Asked whether there might eventually be a full deployment with U.S. Marines on Canberra or Adelaide, Hutchison said the pairing makes sense if they can work through technical integration issues.

U.S. Marines operate out of Darwin for six months of the year, but there typically aren't any American amphibious ships nearby to support them.

Canberra and Adelaide have in the past been tasked with responding to natural disasters throughout Oceania and the southwest Pacific. Given that disaster relief is within both countries' authorities and priorities, "that's the perfect partnership for us to take out into those regional areas and support as a collective," Hutchison said.

"There's no reason why we couldn't see MRF-D and their aircraft embarking an Australian ship while they're in Australia," the captain said, "and in fact we would probably want that to occur just as a continuing development of that partnership."

https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2022/07/18/american-mv-22s-move-to-australian-ship-for-rimpac/

#16580338 at 2022-07-02 13:22:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #23: HOUSE OF CARDS Edition

>>16580333

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To accommodate the huge influx of troops and the services required to support their needs, the Americans together with Australians built the necessary infrastructure: warehouses, roads, water pumping stations, electrical power plants, miles of pipes and cables, hospitals, mess halls, latrines, air raid shelters and an airfield to supplement Rockhampton's existing aerodrome.

Northeast of town artillery units set up a huge practice area at Ironpot among the range of jutting volcanic plugs. Remnants of the entrance gate to the camp of an artillery unit can still be seen along Artillery Road.

For recreation, there was an American Red Cross in downtown Rockhampton. The town had no shortage of places to get a drink; like most typical Australian towns, there seemed to be at least one hotel at every major street intersection. Buses struggled to ferry the Americans to the long, pristine beaches at Yeppoon and Lammermore.

To bolster morale, Eleanor Roosevelt visited briefly in 1943. Gary Cooper, one of the biggest Hollywood stars of the day, devoted several weeks visiting the troops in and around Rockhampton and the popular comedian Joe E. Brown, put on shows.

It was a time that radically transformed Rockhampton and its citizens. GIs were often hosted by Australians in their homes for meals. Friendships resulted and romances too. Rockhampton contributed its fair share of war brides, many of whom relocated to the US after the war.

There are numerous reminders, remnants and memorials to the American presence. Most prominent is St. Christophers Chapel, an open-sided building in Nerimbera, erected by US Army engineers in 1943. The chapel still stands and a mass is conducted every year on the Sunday closest to the 4th of July to commemorate the enduring partnership between Australia and the US. Written on the support beams of the chapel are the names of GIs and their home states who set records in athletic competitions held for morale and physical conditioning. The records are especially impressive considering the GIs were wearing full combat gear and their backpacks.

As many locals will know, before the Covid pandemic, the US usually dispatches tens of thousands of Marines, sailors and soldiers, along with aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships and their escorts to the Talisman Sabre exercise. In 2021, the exercise was drastically scaled back in size but expanded international participation with small contingents of British, Japanese, Canadians, South Koreans and New Zealanders.

The next Talisman Sabre exercise, if normal timing holds, will be held in 2023. Perhaps by then, conditions will permit a return to large scale participation by Australians, Americans and others. As always, the exercise will harken back to the days when Central Queensland was the genial home for so many American troops in the early, dark days of the war in the Pacific.

The annual celebration of the United States' Independence Day will be held at St Christopher's Chapel, Nerimbera, on Sunday, 3 July, at 2pm.

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/07/02/rockys-us-invasion/

#16444242 at 2022-06-14 12:45:24 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #23: HOUSE OF CARDS Edition

US Marines Put to the Test in Australia's Top End

Steve Milne - June 14, 2022

Amid the backdrop of the United States and Australia strengthening military co-operation while tensions in the Indo-Pacific ramp up, U.S. Marines are currently undertaking protection and evacuation training in Australia's Northern Territory.

The group, part of a contingent of more than 2,000 marines based in Darwin until October, are stationed on Bathurst Island, part of the Tiwi Islands north of Darwin, and have spent the past week training to carry out evacuation missions.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), marines are taking part in Exercise Darrandarra and are training with a replica of a U.S. Embassy.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Robert Robinson said marines carried out non-combatant evacuation exercises about once a year.

"We can always be called upon to do it and we never know when that time's going to happen, so we have to be prepared when the time comes," he told the ABC.

Young marines need to be alert for days on end during the scenarios, as angry mobs threaten to breach security fences and challenge them.

"What we want to do is prod them and poke them over a couple of days and see if we can't get under their skin," Robinson said.

Dealing with intruders, suspicious packages thrown over the fence, and suicide bombers are some of the challenges the marines are confronted with, and the command team meets daily to come up with new ways to test them.

Lieutenant Tess Miller said inserting new role players lifts the tension, giving the marines a more realistic experience.

"We start off very small and then build up and build up and then like ... it gets like the worst case scenario," she said.

"And then how do you respond? We kill off their leadership or we take away comms and then they have to deal with it."

Exercise Darrandarra is as part of the Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D), which started in 2012 and sees a contingent of U.S. marines and their equipment stationed in northern Australia during the dry season, from May to October.

Working with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and regional partners, the MRF-D participate in a range of activities, exercises, and training.

Team members also engage broadly with local communities, volunteer at schools and in Aboriginal communities, and support natural disaster clean ups.

Another major event to be held soon is Exercise Talisman Sabre, the principal Australia-U.S. bilateral military training activity, conducted biennially and focuses on high-end warfighting.

John Coyne of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said deploying marines in Darwin was pivotal for the United States.

"It provides the U.S. military with a forward operating base from which it can launch into the [Indo-Pacific] region," he said. "There is clear evidence that the U.S. government is going to invest more, ensuring that supply chain defence logistics facilities are present in northern Australia and ready to support a range of contingencies."

Coyne went on to say the U.S. military presence in northern Australia provided a strong deterrent, and displayed the commitment the United States had to the ANZUS Alliance and bilateral ties between Australia and the United States.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/us-marines-put-to-the-test-in-australias-top-end_4531438.html

#16259820 at 2022-05-12 10:52:29 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #22: THIS IS NOT ANOTHER 3-YEAR ELECTION Edition

>>16066080
>>16248730
Marines hold 'major warfighting exercise' Down Under with Japan and Australia

SETH ROBSON, STARS AND STRIPES - May 12, 2022

Hundreds of U.S. Marines and sailors, Australian soldiers and Japanese Self-Defense Force members are conducting a major warfighting exercise in Australia.

Southern Jackaroo 22 at Queensland's Shoalwater Bay Training Area will run until May 27, Australia's Department of Defence said in a statement announcing the start of the drills on Tuesday.

Around 200 members of the 2,200-strong Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, who began a six-month rotation to the Northern Territory in March, are involved in the exercise, Capt. Joseph DiPietro, a spokesman for the rotational force, said in an email Tuesday.

They'll train alongside 400 Australian soldiers and 100 Japanese troops, he said.

Infantry live fire and combined arms drills involving tanks will be part of the training, said Brigadier Michael Say, commander of 7th Brigade, Australian Army.

"Exercise Southern Jackaroo is a great example of how our regional partners integrate with Australian forces to conduct realistic combat team training for combat operations," he said in the Australian statement.

Shoalwater Bay, where the training is taking place, is an arena for the biennial Talisman Sabre exercise, which involved 17,000 U.S., Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, South Korean and British troops last summer.

Australian politicians reacted with alarm earlier this month after revelations that the Solomon Islands, 1,200 miles northeast of Shoalwater, was negotiating a security pact with China.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday refused to say how his government might respond if China attempted to establish a military base in the islands, according to a report by The Associated Press that day.

Morrison has said that a Chinese naval base on the impoverished South Pacific island nation would be a "red line" for both Australia and the United States, AP reported.

Meanwhile, the U.S., Australia and Japan have shown a united front opposing Russia's war in Ukraine with all three nations helping supply Ukrainian forces and imposing sanctions on Russia.

"Considering the current world situation, the trilateral exercise is very significant, and it is very useful for improving the capability of units and all soldiers," Lt. Col. Ryozo Asano, commander of Japanese troops involved in Southern Jackaroo, said in emailed comments provided by DiPietro on Tuesday.

The exercise has taken place each year since 2015. The training builds on past activities and enhances their strengths, the Marine rotational force's commander, Col. Christopher Steele, said in comments provided by DiPietro.

"We are looking forward to enhancing our combined interoperability and developing our relationships," he said.

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2022-05-11/southern-jackaroo-military-exercise-australia-japan-us-marine-corps-5973082.html

#16248730 at 2022-05-10 18:15:16 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #22: THIS IS NOT ANOTHER 3-YEAR ELECTION Edition

>>16066080
US Marines and sailors join Japanese and Aussie soldiers in large live-firing training exercise

More than 650 military personnel including US Marines and sailors have joined Japanese and Australian soldiers for a large-scale, live-fire training exercise this month.

Jodie Munro O'Brien - May 10, 2022

One of several large warfighting training exercises to be held in Queensland between Australian, US and Japanese militaries this year has commenced.

More than 650 military personnel are participating in Exercise Southern Jackaroo, a trilateral training activity designed to strengthen combat readiness and interoperability between the three forces.

The exercise, which will include live firing, comprises 400 Australian Defence Force (ADF) soldiers, 190 US Marines from Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D) and 70 soldiers from the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF).

It started Monday and is scheduled to take place throughout the heritage-listed, 453,700 hectare Shoalwater Bay Military Training area, about 80km north of Rockhampton in Central Queensland, through to May 27.

Brigadier Michael Say, Commander of the Brisbane-based 7th Combat Brigade, said the combined arms exercise would include tank integration and live fire between infantries.

"Exercise Southern Jackaroo is a great example of how our regional partners integrate with Australian forces to conduct realistic combat team training for combat operations," he said.

"Our combined capability to co-ordinate ground forces demonstrates adaptability and interoperability that can be applied to disaster relief or warfighting operations."

JGSDF Training Unit Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ryozo Asano said the exercise was timely.

"Considering the current world situation, the trilateral exercise is very significant, and it is very useful for improving the capability of units and all soldiers," he said.

MRF-D Commanding Officer Colonel Christopher Steele said Exercise Southern Jackaroo continued to build on the relationship between Australia and the US.

"MRF-D is excited to continue the outstanding tradition of Southern Jackaroo alongside our trusted Australian and Japanese allies," he said.

"We are looking forward to enhancing our combined interoperability and developing our relationships."

The MRF-D is a US Marine contingent that rotates through Northern Australia during the dry season in order to undertake various training exercises with the ADF and regional partners.

The first group of Darwin-based Marines comprised 200 in 2012 but had increased to 2500 by the 2019 rotation.

A contingent of about 2200 US Marines, sailors and a US Army detachment arrived in the NT in March for a six month rotation, with most personnel from the 5th Marine Regiment based in San Diego in California.

The group is scheduled to participate in several combined training exercises with ADF throughout the year.

Along with several other nations, Japan and the US also participate in Australia's largest military training exercise every two years, Talisman Sabre.

First used by soldiers deploying to the Vietnam War, the Shoalwater Bay Training Area has been one of Australia's prime military training areas since 1965.

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/us-marines-and-sailors-join-japanese-and-aussie-soldiers-in-large-livefiring-training-exercise/news-story/610475674c4819939258173e6eff113d

#15648219 at 2022-02-17 07:59:52 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #21: MIL-CIV ALLIANCE Edition

Visiting US General Charles Flynn endorses Australia's new multi-billion-dollar American tanks

Andrew Greene - 17 February 2022

One of America's most senior generals is strongly backing Australia's decision to spend billions of dollars on new army fighting vehicles and tanks, saying they will be crucial for any major future conflicts.

Commander of US Army Pacific General Charles Flynn has flown to Canberra, where he is promoting closer cooperation with like-minded nations such as Australia to provide a "powerful counterweight" to any threats posed by China in the region.

Last month, Defence Minister Peter Dutton confirmed $3.5 billion would be spent on more than 120 tanks and other armoured vehicles from the US, to upgrade Army's existing Abrams.

The federal government is soon also expected to unveil the winning design for the Australian Army's new Infantry fighting vehicles, worth between $18 billion and $27 billion.

As concerns grow over China's growing military might, some defence experts have questioned the need for such large spending programs on armoured vehicles, arguing the money could be better spent on more missiles, fighter aircraft and submarines.

Speaking alongside Australia's Army Chief, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, the visiting US General, argued strongly in favour of armoured land forces.

"I believe that in the future for a peer, or near-peer fight, that the impact of combined arms manoeuvre, particularly in dense urban areas, you're gonna want armour forces, you're gonna need tanks," General Flynn said.

He continued: "And so I think that combined arms manoeuvre of both over-the-shoulder attack aviation, light infantry, motorised infantry and armour forces are absolutely critical today, and they're going to be that way into the future."

The Australian Army Chief agreed modernisation of his armoured forces was crucial and interoperability with the United States was constantly improving.

"Armies operate on the land where people are aware - it's a complex environment, urban terrain, all sorts of terrain, and our troops need to be protected and our troops operate as part of a combined arms system," General Burr said.

"And the most protected and most lethal part of that system is the tank. So it's organic to that system so that you can operate in the most difficult areas and make sure our troops can achieve their mission."

As part of everything that we're doing there is an eye to what we call human-machine teaming - so robotics and autonomous systems working in conjunction with our manned systems to give us more scale, more mass, more effects over a broader area."

General Flynn, the younger brother of former president Donald Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, said he wanted to see closer cooperation with Australia and others in training exercises such as the biennial Talisman Sabre.

"Create opportunities for multiple countries to come together to again deepen our relationships, seek opportunities for interoperability and I think that that is a powerful counterweight to some of the destabilising activities that do happen in the region," he said.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-17/us-general-charles-flynn-endorse-new-tanks/100838958

#15342236 at 2022-01-10 07:31:01 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #20 - INSURGENCY Edition

>>15325248
Opinion: New agreement with Japan a historic step for Australia in South-East Asia

A new agreement places Japan as our most important military partner outside the "Five Eyes" countries - but you may have missed it, writes Christopher Pyne.

Christopher Pyne - January 10, 2022

1/2

A monumental announcement was made by the Australian government last week that did not get the attention it deserved.

The media was full of stories about the virus that dare not speak its name.

The preoccupation with announcing the numbers of confirmed Covid cases, to what end is beyond me, jostled with reporting of the even less relevant anniversary of the January 6 riots on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.

No, the big story last week was the signing of the reciprocal access agreement (RAA) between Japan and Australia. It's historic.

The RAA is a serious military agreement. It is only the second such agreement that Japan has signed with any nation. The first was with the United States of America in 1960.

For Australia, it clearly places Japan as our most important military partner outside the Five Eyes countries of the UK, US, Canada and New Zealand.

Our relationship with Singapore would be a close second to Japan after the signing of the RAA.

The RAA allows Australian and Japanese military personnel to operate in each other's sovereign territory with a freedom and with protections not afforded nations without such an agreement. It will lead to more serious military exercises between Australia, Japan and the US.

While Japan already takes part in important exercises alongside Australia and other like-minded nations through exercises like Talisman Sabre, Malabar and Bushido Guardian, the RAA will take this to a new level.

Through the RAA, Japanese and Australian military platforms and equipment will be able to be made more interoperable through training and remaining in each other's theatres for longer.

While the RAA stops short of encouraging basing of platforms in each other's countries, it is the next best thing.

Co-operation on research and development of new technologies and war fighting capabilities will be easier. New contracts for the defence industry in both countries will be made easier. Exchange of intelligence will be smoother.

It has been in negotiation for many years.

As defence industry minister, and then defence minister, I took part in negotiations to bring about the RAA.

I even travelled to Tokyo in early 2019 with the specific intention of concluding the negotiations in preparation for the prime ministers to ink the deal.

It took even longer than we expected back then.

The fact that it has taken many years to broker is a good sign. It means that the agreement actually achieves something. It isn't a hollow profession of good intentions to bring something about at some unspecified time in the future. It ties us even more closely to Japan in a military sense.

In a wider sense, it also strengthens the Quadrilateral - the grouping of the US, Japan, Australia and India.

While the Quad is not a military alliance, the fact that its members are drawing ever more closely together in different ways gives added meaning to the association of four important economic and military powers.

(continued)

#15306365 at 2022-01-04 11:24:15 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #20 - INSURGENCY Edition

Japan, Australia to sign defence deal

JOE KELLY - JANUARY 4, 2022

1/2

Japan will sign a landmark defence agreement with Australia this week, upgrading military co-operation, joint exercises and military deployments.

Hailed as a "pivotal moment" in Japanese-Australian relations by Scott Morrison, the new agreement will mark the beginning of a much closer defence relationship between Canberra and Tokyo, but was still being finalised late on Tuesday night.

Japanese and Australian sources were optimistic the deal would go ahead despite Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan being forced to cancel his trip amid the spiralling Omicron outbreak across the world.

The Reciprocal Access Agreement has been under negotiation since 2014 and is the first agreement of its kind that Japan is finalising with another nation, with Tokyo and Canberra moving to strengthen regional security amid a period of heightening strategic uncertainty and tensions in the Indo-Pacific fuelled by a more assertive Beijing.

Before it was cancelled, the trip was to have been the first bilateral visit made by Mr Kishida since he became prime minister in October and a symbol of the tightening relationship with Australia and shared commitment to democratic values, human rights, open markets and the rule of law.

Mr Morrison and Mr Kishida are scheduled to hold a virtual meeting to accompany the signing of the agreement, which will relax entry arrangements for foreign troops and military equipment, slashing red tape as the tempo of joint operations ticks up.

It will be seen in Tokyo as the most significant defence agreement after the US Status of Forces Agreement, signed in 1960, under which America maintains about 45,000 troops in Japan. Japan is also in negotiations for a similar arrangement with Britain, and France has expressed an interest in striking its own arrangement with Tokyo.

Japanese ambassador Yamagami Shingo told The Australian the agreement with Australia would open a "new chapter in our co-operation" and argued that Mr Kishida had established a strong rapport with Mr Morrison on the sidelines of the COP26 meeting in Glasgow late last year.

"We will increase joint exercises in terms of both number, quantity as well as quality," Mr Yamagami told The Australian. "Already we have been conducting such joint exercises of Talisman Sabre, or Southern Jackaroo among our armies or Bushido Guardian between our air forces.

"There are various kinds of joint exercises already conducted between Australia and Japan. I do expect that number will increase significantly. But not only that, perhaps more importantly, we will upgrade the quality of our joint exercises.

"This will certainly increase our interoperability. Already discussions are being made to conduct air-to-air refuelling - that's one of the most difficult operations between air forces. Things like this will open a new chapter in our co-operation."

In an interview with The Australian, Mr Yamagami said Japan was "facing a security environment in which we have to address ever increasing difficulties in areas such as the South China Sea and the East China Sea or throughout the Indo Pacific region".

"In this regard we believe Australia and Japan are in the same boat sharing basic values such as democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and a market economy. Also, more importantly we do share strategic interests. We would like to establish a free and open Indo-Pacific. So, there is a lot we can do together."

(continued)

#15229914 at 2021-12-21 07:47:39 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #20 - INSURGENCY Edition

This will be India's century, says Australian envoy O'Farrell, talks of more military exercises

In exclusive interview, Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell says Canberra is hopeful of interim trade pact by 2021 end, understands agriculture is a 'politically sensitive' subject.

NAYANIMA BASU - 20 December, 2021

1/2

New Delhi: India and Australia will see an increase in joint military exercises and interoperability between their armed forces in the coming years, and continue to jointly participate in several key multilateral exercises, according to Barry O'Farrell, High Commissioner of Australia to India.

In an exclusive interview with ThePrint, the Australian envoy said that the Quad, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is not against any particular country, and that the grouping is focussed on addressing some "existential and critical issues" that the world is facing.

He also highlighted that India and Australia will soon sign an interim trade deal, followed by a larger Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) by 2022.

"I think we are going to see increasing joint activities and increasing interoperability between our two countries. We've had two very successful Malabar exercises. Earlier this year, we also participated with France in Exercise La P?rouse," O'Farrell told ThePrint.

In June 2020, India and Australia upgraded their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and signed a Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) for enhanced defence cooperation.

"Given the challenges the world faces, India's approach to plurilateralism, its approach to partnering with those countries which are like-minded, that share common perspectives, in order to amplify their influence in this region and across the world, is only going to continue," he said. "And that will happen particularly because of the geostrategic challenges we are facing."

The Australian envoy added that Canberra is "looking forward" to Indian forces participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre next year. The biennial exercise is Australia's largest, led by the Australian Defence Force and the US military, involving large numbers of troops on land, sea and in the air.

The participation of Indian forces in this exercise was announced at the inaugural India-Australia 2+2 dialogue in September 2021.

Explaining the need for more joint military exercises, O'Farrell said these were needed so that "countries are able to operate more effectively together".

"It's about ensuring that when we do come together and undertake these exercises, we know how the other partners operate, and that means we can work closely together," he added.

This year, the Malabar maritime exercise took place in two phases - August and October - with participation from the navies of India, Australia, the US and Japan.

"This is going to be the Indian century. We are seeing the strategic power shift from the Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific," O'Farrell said.

'Australia hopeful of interim trade pact with India by end of 2021'

O'Farrell said Australia is "still expecting" that an interim trade agreement will be signed between India and Australia, which will later be upgraded to a much larger CECA that will also include investments.

Earlier this year, during his visit to India, Australia's Trade Minister Dan Tehan and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had set the deadline for signing the interim pact by December 2021 and the CECA by 2022.

"India's economy is growing, and the more it is able to trade with the world, the better it's going to do," O'Farrell said, adding that trade deals are "hard" because both countries are democracies.

Australia understands that agriculture is a "politically sensitive" subject, he said, and hence it becomes difficult to negotiate that segment in any kind of trade deal.

"There's nothing special about the fact that agriculture is a sensitive issue in this democracy in India, because it's the same in every democracy in the world. Farmers in all democracies get very excited about free trade agreements," he said, adding that this was why a successful trade pact should be beneficial to both countries.

(continued)

#15081741 at 2021-11-26 09:38:51 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #19 - THE ONLY WAY IS THE MILITARY Edition

>>15081740

2/2

Defence Minister Peter Dutton confirmed the sighting but said "they didn't break any laws".

"So they stayed out of our territorial waters," he told Nine's Today program.

"It was not the first time. As you're aware during Operation Talisman Sabre, which was a big training exercise up off the Queensland coast, the PLA had deployed some vessels up there as well. So they will be involved in intelligence collection, signals collection. They'll be looking to survey different attributes and have that general presence. So let us know that they're there. And it was a prolonged period that they were very close to Australian waters off the east coast, unusually."

Asked if the move was provocative, Mr Dutton said Australia was "just going to be realistic about the situation now in the Indo-Pacific".

"As we know, China has in its fleet up to 355 ships and submarines, that goes to 460 within the next nine years or so. It's a concerning time and that's why Australia's got to be strong and stand up for our values. And I think it's right that people have a clear picture of what's going on."

A Defence Department spokeswoman said Australia "monitors all vessels operating in our maritime approaches".

"We are aware that the People's Liberation Army (Navy) General Intelligence Ship Yuhengxing operated off Australia's east coast in August 2021," she said.

"Australia supports and respects the rights of all states to exercise lawful freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace, just as we expect them to respect our right to do so. Australia expects all foreign vessels entering our maritime zones to abide by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)."

It comes amid escalating tensions between Canberra and Beijing, with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week attacking the new AUKUS partnership between Australia, the UK and US.

In a speech to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Mr Xi implied Australia's deal for nuclear submarines would lead to the acquisition of nuclear weapons.

"We need to pursue dialogue instead of confrontation, build partnerships instead of alliances, and make concerted efforts to address the various negative factors that might threaten or undermine peace," he said.

"China will never seek hegemony, still less bully smaller countries. China supports ASEAN's efforts to build a nuclear weapon-free zone."

Mr Dutton earlier this week refused to back down on warnings over China, amid criticism from Labor's foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong that he was talking up the prospect of war over Taiwan as an election tactic.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian also accused Mr Dutton of being "driven by selfish political games".

"This is the propaganda of the Communist Party," Mr Dutton said.

"The Communist Party at the moment has 355 ships and submarines in her fleet, and by 2030 that goes to well over 400. So let's be clear about where China is. They've got 20 points of presence in the South China Sea. They are bumping up against Japanese assets in the East China Sea. There's $20 billion worth of economic coercion against our own country."

Mr Dutton said Australians had to be realistic about the threat.

"I think if you look at what's happening in the Indo-Pacific at the moment and you see the ramp up by the Communist Party of China, we need to be realistic about the threat now and over the course of the next couple of decades," he said.

"And there is no sense sticking your head in the sand pretending it is not happening."

https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/military/chinese-spy-ship-spotted-circling-australias-coast-for-three-weeks/news-story/819f0cd9f7f7d8367b5a365be3223b79

#15081740 at 2021-11-26 09:38:03 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #19 - THE ONLY WAY IS THE MILITARY Edition

Chinese spy ship spotted circling Australia's coast for three weeks

Scott Morrison says the revelation that a sophisticated Chinese spy ship circled Australia's coast earlier this year highlights the "very serious situation".

Frank Chung - November 26, 2021

1/2

Scott Morrison says the revelation that a sophisticated Chinese spy ship circled Australia's coast earlier this year highlights the "very serious situation" in the Indo-Pacific.

"I think the presence of the Chinese Navy - which we were aware of, and they were keeping a close eye on us and we were keeping a close eye on them - the importance of that is to highlight Australians that there is a very serious situation in the Indo-Pacific," the Prime Minister told reporters in Adelaide.

"They have every right to be where they are. We knew they were there. They are able to be there under international maritime law. But don't think for a second that we were not keeping an eye on them as they were seeking to keep an eye on us."

Mr Morrison said it showed "Australia has to be able to stand up, and that requires great strength".

"I have been criticised by many for the strong stance I have taken on this issue," he said.

"You need strength to take Australia through a time like this. There is never a time for weakness when it comes to leading a federal government, particularly at a time when you are dealing with these very significant security issues and the economic challenges that we have. We are seeing that at large in the South Pacific even now in the Solomons where we have people on the ground right now."

The Daily Telegraph first reported on Friday that the vessel had been spotted circling Australia's coast for three weeks in August and September, collecting electronic intelligence as it travelled past sensitive military installations.

It was believed to be a Dongdiao-class spy ship, similar to one which monitored the Talisman Sabre military exercises between Australia and the US earlier this year.

The Dongdaio-class is capable of monitoring communications and radar signals and the electromagnetic spectrum as well as employing other surveillance methods such as optical sensors.

Defence sources told The Daily Telegraph the ship entered Australia's 200km exclusive economic zone off the coast of Darwin in August before slowly heading south, hugging the coastline.

It reportedly monitored a number of crucial military training areas as it travelled as far south as Sydney, before heading across the Tasman towards New Zealand.

Defence and government officials this morning confirmed the report.

"I can certainly confirm there was a Chinese military vessel operating off the east coast of Australia that transited through the Torres Strait," Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews told Seven's Sunrise program on Friday.

"We are very closely monitoring all vessels that approach Australia and whilst this particular vessel was in our exclusive economic zone and we respect the sovereignty of that particular vessel, we will always respect that level of sovereignty, we do closely monitor any vessel as part of our routine border protection matters but of course, we are very conscious of any vessel is that are in or approaching our waters."

Under United Nations freedom of navigation rules, it is legal for foreign vessels to enter another country's exclusive economic zone. Territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles from the coast.

China routinely sends spy ships to monitor military exercises near Australia, including in 2017 and 2019.

But the appearance this time was reportedly considered unusual as there were no exercises or war games taking place.

(continued)

#14789304 at 2021-10-15 08:58:20 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #19 - THE ONLY WAY IS THE MILITARY Edition

Notables
are not endorsements

#18 - Part 1
Australian Politics and Society - Part 1
>>14385947 Video: Peter Dutton warns the Taliban: The world is watching Afghanistan
>>14386058 Video: Afghanistan rescue flight carrying Australians lands in UAE, with more Kabul evacuation missions planned
>>14389239 Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority must rewrite draft curriculum: Alan Tudge - "draft diminishes Australia's western, liberal, and democratic values"
>>14395372 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Tweet: Here Comes the Boom! #USMC High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division fire rockets during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 on Shoalwater Bay Training Area, #Australia.
>>14395401 Department of Defence Tweet: #YourADF & @USMC & sailors of @MrfDarwin will enter a fictitious contested area of operations under a combined command throughout August. Exercise Koolendong is the most integrated, realistic, high-end activity conducted in MRF-D's 10-year history.
>>14395405 Soldiers and marines prepare for training: Exercise Koolendong 2021 - Captain Carla Armenti - defence.gov.au
>>14395486 Peter Dutton suggests some Afghans who worked with Australia have 'shifted allegiances', gone on to work for the Taliban and al-Qaeda
>>14395498 Former Prime Minister John Howard: Donald Trump cannot escape blame for Afghanistan crisis
>>14404893 ABC Media Watch Tweet: Video - ABC's satanic slip-up. What was going on here?
>>14404893 ABC Media Watch Tweet: Video - It appears the footage came from this Noosa Temple of Satan livestream (8.00 mark) - Everyone Welcome to our Satanic Black Mass at Noosa - 30 October 2020
>>14404893 ABC Media Watch Tweet: They've been in the media recently: Devil in the detail as satanists' fight with Education Dept hits Supreme Court

>>14404893 Q Post #1432 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
>>14404893 Q Post #1432 - ''"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
- 1 Cor 13:4-13''
>>14411454 Shocking new TV investigation shows why Australia should be on red alert for the next neo-Nazi mass slaughter
>>14412582 Video: Unmasking an international neo-Nazi group's Australian recruiter, Matthew Golos
>>14412603 From kickboxing to Adolf Hitler: the neo-Nazi plan to recruit angry young men - An unprecedented look inside Australia's radical fringe and their deep links to violent international groups
>>14414104 Australia in the US Tweet: Ambassador @A_Sinodinos & Embassy Defence personnel visited @LockheedMartin's Huntsville, Alabama facility yesterday. They had productive discussions on space & Lockheed's plans to support Australia's sovereign guided weapons establishment. #USwithAus
>>14414434 Video: MAJOR INVESTIGATION: Targeting Australia's largest neo-Nazi group - 60 Minutes Australia
>>14421203 More than 300 people evacuated from Kabul airport on four RAAF flights
>>14434031 Shameful Afghanistan retreat has shaken my faith in America - Alexander Downer - afr.com
>>14434058 Rogue crossbencher Craig Kelly to run with Clive Palmer's United Australia Party at the next election
>>14434139 Video: ADF supports Afghanistan evacuees - Department of Defence Australia

#14789210 at 2021-10-15 08:33:46 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

Notables
are not endorsements

#18 - Part 1
Australian Politics and Society - Part 1
>>14385947 Video: Peter Dutton warns the Taliban: The world is watching Afghanistan
>>14386058 Video: Afghanistan rescue flight carrying Australians lands in UAE, with more Kabul evacuation missions planned
>>14389239 Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority must rewrite draft curriculum: Alan Tudge - "draft diminishes Australia's western, liberal, and democratic values"
>>14395372 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Tweet: Here Comes the Boom! #USMC High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division fire rockets during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 on Shoalwater Bay Training Area, #Australia.
>>14395401 Department of Defence Tweet: #YourADF & @USMC & sailors of @MrfDarwin will enter a fictitious contested area of operations under a combined command throughout August. Exercise Koolendong is the most integrated, realistic, high-end activity conducted in MRF-D's 10-year history.
>>14395405 Soldiers and marines prepare for training: Exercise Koolendong 2021 - Captain Carla Armenti - defence.gov.au
>>14395486 Peter Dutton suggests some Afghans who worked with Australia have 'shifted allegiances', gone on to work for the Taliban and al-Qaeda
>>14395498 Former Prime Minister John Howard: Donald Trump cannot escape blame for Afghanistan crisis
>>14404893 ABC Media Watch Tweet: Video - ABC's satanic slip-up. What was going on here?
>>14404893 ABC Media Watch Tweet: Video - It appears the footage came from this Noosa Temple of Satan livestream (8.00 mark) - Everyone Welcome to our Satanic Black Mass at Noosa - 30 October 2020
>>14404893 ABC Media Watch Tweet: They've been in the media recently: Devil in the detail as satanists' fight with Education Dept hits Supreme Court

>>14404893 Q Post #1432 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
>>14404893 Q Post #1432 - ''"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
- 1 Cor 13:4-13''
>>14411454 Shocking new TV investigation shows why Australia should be on red alert for the next neo-Nazi mass slaughter
>>14412582 Video: Unmasking an international neo-Nazi group's Australian recruiter, Matthew Golos
>>14412603 From kickboxing to Adolf Hitler: the neo-Nazi plan to recruit angry young men - An unprecedented look inside Australia's radical fringe and their deep links to violent international groups
>>14414104 Australia in the US Tweet: Ambassador @A_Sinodinos & Embassy Defence personnel visited @LockheedMartin's Huntsville, Alabama facility yesterday. They had productive discussions on space & Lockheed's plans to support Australia's sovereign guided weapons establishment. #USwithAus
>>14414434 Video: MAJOR INVESTIGATION: Targeting Australia's largest neo-Nazi group - 60 Minutes Australia
>>14421203 More than 300 people evacuated from Kabul airport on four RAAF flights
>>14434031 Shameful Afghanistan retreat has shaken my faith in America - Alexander Downer - afr.com
>>14434058 Rogue crossbencher Craig Kelly to run with Clive Palmer's United Australia Party at the next election
>>14434139 Video: ADF supports Afghanistan evacuees - Department of Defence Australia

#14600631 at 2021-09-17 11:13:11 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

>>14593101
>>14593108
Austin Announces Increased Air Operations, Force Deployments to Australia

Abraham Mahshie - Sept. 16, 2021

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III revealed Sept. 16 further air defense cooperation measures with Australia and that more U.S. troops will be heading there, going beyond President Joe Biden's announcement a day earlier that the United States and United Kingdom will share nuclear submarine technology with the Pacific ally in the face of a growing threat from China.

Speaking alongside Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and their Australian counterparts at the State Department, Austin said the U.S. and Australia will increase exercises, training, and sharing of defense technology.

"We will continue to explore ... greater and more frequent engagement and air capabilities," Austin said. "More training opportunities for our ground forces and increasing our logistical footprint in Australia as well."

In his first hint at what the now overdue force posture review may reveal, the Secretary indicated Australia will receive more U.S. troops.

"Today, we endorsed major force posture initiatives that will expand our access and presence in Australia," Austin said in his opening statement, noting further force integration and interoperability would be part of that effort.

Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton said that would mean more basing for American troops.

"I do have an aspiration to make sure that we can increase the numbers of troops. Through the rotations, the air capability will be enhanced, our maritime capability enhanced, and certainly the force posture enhanced," Dutton said. "And if that includes basing and includes the storage of different ordnances, I think that is in Australia's best interest."

The Australians said the air cooperation agreement would span all platforms, with Dutton pointing to the multinational Talisman Sabre exercise with the U.S. in July.

In August 2020, B-1s operating from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and B-2s from Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia participated in a training exercise, dropping training bombs at three Australian training locations. In November, the U.S. and Australia formalized an agreement to cooperate on the development of long-range prototype hypersonic weapons. Austin did not respond to specific questions about the bombers or hypersonic weapons cooperation.

Dutton also said Australia and the U.S. reached a "space framework agreement" to increase his country's space knowledge and capabilities, but Austin declined to elaborate.

A China Heavy Meeting

The annual "2+2" meeting, held in Washington, D.C., this year due to tight COVID restrictions in Australia, focused heavily on security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Australia and China are in a detente stretching 12 months since Australian comments that the origin of the new coronavirus needs further investigation. China slapped back with export restrictions on Australian agriculture and wine.

China also reacted swiftly to the deal for sharing nuclear submarine technology, calling the move an arms race and promising retaliation.

Australian China-watchers predict further Chinese cyberattacks on Australia but admit the relationship is already at a low with no high-level dialogue occurring between the two nations.

Blinken sought to assure that the United States will not leave Australia alone "on the pitch."

"The United States will not leave Australia alone," the Secretary of State said. "We've raised publicly and privately our serious concerns about Beijing's use of economic coercion against Australia."

(continued)

#14576884 at 2021-09-14 08:08:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

>>14569284
South Korea talks boost military ties

Andrew Tillett and Michael Smith - Sep 13, 2021

1/2

An agreement to bolster military ties with South Korea is the final leg of a three-country sweep through Asia by Defence Minister Peter Dutton and Foreign Minister Marise Payne to shore up regional security alliances ahead of the first face-to-face Quadrilateral Security Dialogue leaders meeting in Washington DC.

The upgraded links mean the two countries' troops will step up military training drills, with the likelihood of an increased South Korean presence in Australia's flagship war games, Exercise Talisman Sabre.

A trilateral agreement between Australia, South Korea and the US has also been struck on defence research co-operation, at a time when the Australian army is evaluating selecting a South Korean armoured troop carrier for a $27 billion contract.

Other initiatives include multilateral trade co-operation, such as World Trade Organisation reform; a memorandum of understanding on setting global rules and norms for cyberspace and critical technology; and working together on building supply chain resilience, a response to both lessening dependence on China and disruption wrought by the pandemic.

The South Korean agreements come after Mr Dutton and Senator Payne visited New Delhi and Jakarta last week, inviting India to take part in Exercise Talisman Sabre and greater maritime intelligence sharing, while Indonesian military units will undertake training on Australian soil.

Mr Dutton and Senator Payne will also lay the groundwork for Prime Minister Scott Morrison's participation in the Quad leaders' summit next week and likely first bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden when they travel to the US for annual talks with their American counterparts.

The Quad leaders' meeting - comprising Mr Morrison, Mr Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan's outgoing leader Yoshihide Suga - is expected to take place on September 24 in Washington.

In New Delhi and Seoul, Senator Payne and Mr Dutton also had meetings with Mr Modi and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who welcomed stronger "strategic communication" with Australia.

"Korea and Australia are middle powers and exemplary democracies representing the Asia-Pacific region," Mr Moon said.

Australian Institute of International Affairs president Allan Gyngell said the choice of Indonesia, India and South Korea to visit before Senator Payne and Mr Dutton reached the US was significant.

"They will arrive in the US having taken the temperature of west Asia, north Asia and south-east Asia," he said.

"Indonesia is the country that matters most to Australia in south-east Asia. We have to manage an increasingly complex relationship with China with one eye on what our partners in south-east Asia are thinking as well.

"South Korea is a country which more than any other is geographically in China's armpit and has a very sensitive antenna about what is going on in the region. It is independent of Japan and it is always interesting to get a sounding from Seoul on regional affairs because it will be very different to what you get from Tokyo."

(continued)

#14569284 at 2021-09-13 08:07:39 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

>>14551779
S. Korea, Australia vow to boost defense cooperation during ministerial talks

en.yna.co.kr - September 13, 2021

SEOUL, Sept. 13 (Yonhap) - South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook met with his Australian counterpart, Peter Craig Dutton, on Monday in Seoul and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the security and defense industry fields, the defense ministry in Seoul said.

The talks took place as Dutton was in Seoul to attend the "two plus two" foreign and defense ministers' talks set to be held later in the day.

During the meeting, Suh and Dutton noted that South Korea had taken part in the large Australia-U.S. naval exercise named Talisman Sabre in July and plans to participate in the Australia-led multilateral air exercise named Pitch Black next year for the first time ever, according to the ministry.

The two sides agreed that such exercises would improve interoperability between the two militaries.

The two ministers also discussed their major defense programs and agreed to continue to work closely to deepen cooperation in the related industries, while vowing to "launch discussions to come up with a new, future-oriented institutional mechanism," according to the ministry.

"As Minister Suh explained the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, Dutton vowed his country's continued support for Seoul's efforts to engage with North Korea."

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210913004600325

#14563305 at 2021-09-12 05:32:35 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

>>14551779
Australia and India vow to strengthen military ties during first meeting of defence and foreign ministers

Stephen Dziedzic - 12 September 2021

Australia and India are vowing to expand their military relationship after holding their inaugural meeting between defence and foreign ministers in New Delhi.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton said he had formally invited India to take part in the massive Talisman Sabre military exercises that the United States and Australia hold every two years.

Several other nations - including Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom - took part in the most recent Operation Talisman Sabre in northern Queensland, which involved around 17,000 military personnel.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh did not say if India would accept the invitation to the next Talisman Sabre, which will not be held until 2023.

But drawing India into Talisman Sabre would broaden the coalition of participating nations and stir suspicion in China, which sent two spy ships to monitor the exercises earlier this year.

Mr Singh said there had been "remarkable progress" in the Australia-India relationship and both countries wanted to pursue "greater military engagements, better information sharing, and cooperation in emerging defence technology".

Australia's role in the Malabar naval exercises - with India, Japan and the United States - appears to have been cemented, with Mr Dutton saying Australia would "continue to participate" in Malabar in future years.

Australia and India have also agreed to intensify information sharing between their two navies, which have been participating in bilateral maritime exercises off the coast of the Northern Territory this week.

Both countries hailed the inaugural 2+2 meeting as a significant milestone in the relationship and analysts have said it is a sign that Australia and India's strategic interests are continuing to converge.

That is partly because both countries share unease and uncertainty about China's growing military might.

Beijing and New Delhi are still locked in a standoff in the wake of violent border clashes, while Mr Dutton intensified his criticism of China earlier this week, accusing it of engaging in "increasingly coercive" behaviour.

Both Mr Dutton and Foreign Minister Marise Payne emphasised India's growing heft in the region while visiting New Delhi, with Mr Dutton calling it a "rising Indo-Pacific great power and an increasingly significant security partner for Australia."

"We both depend on free and open access to sea lanes ... and we share an unwavering commitment to upholding the rules based in international order," he said.

Senator Payne said both Australia and India wanted to see "a natural multipolarity" prevail in the region.

"Australia is confident about our role in such a region and it is obvious that India is a natural leader within the rules-based system," she said.

Mr Jaishankar said Australia and India's shared democratic values also gave them common ground.

But he pressed Senator Payne over the fate of Indian students who have been unable to travel to Australia to commence their studies because of Australia's closed borders, saying their frustrations were "completely understandable".

Senator Payne said she understood India's concerns and stressed Australia would welcome international students back in as soon as its vaccination rollout permitted borders to reopen.

Ian Hall from the Griffith Asia Institute said the 2+2 meeting was an "important moment" that "showed how far we've come in this relationship in a relatively short period of time".

But he said the recent revival of long-stalled free trade negotiations between the two nations showed there was plenty of work still to be done to develop economic ties.

"While an 'early harvest' economic deal would be good, it is obvious that we're a long way from a full agreement," Dr Hall said.

"It is also clear that Australia is still doing a lot of the lifting, as it were, bringing new things like Talisman Sabre to the table."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-12/australia-and-india-vow-to-strengthen-military-ties/100454992

#14551786 at 2021-09-10 08:32:10 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

>>14551785

2/2

Former prime minister Tony Abbott originally promised the first submarine would be operational in the mid-2020s. But it is now estimated it won't be in the water until 2035 even though Defence officials warned last year the country no longer had a 10-year window to defend itself from an attack.

After meeting with their French counterparts last month, Mr Dutton and Foreign Minister Marise Payne agreed in a joint communiqu? to begin negotiations on "enhancing and diversifying France's military co-operation with Australia, in support of France's force posture in the region".

France and Australia's relations in the region haven't always been smooth, with Canberra uneasy about French nuclear testing in the 1990s and the bombing of Greenpeace boat Rainbow Warrior in 1985. But France has been looking to boost its alliances in the region in recent years, and in a speech at the Garden Island military base in Sydney in 2018, President Emmanuel Macron described his country as an "Indo-Pacific power" for the first time.

Mr Jennings said there was room for France to project more of a military presence throughout the Indo-Pacific and it would be ideal to do this from Australia.

"That could lead to a bigger and regular French military presence in Australia," he said.

"The possibility of a French naval ship being based at HMAS Stirling [in Western Australia] or even in Sydney Harbour would be a powerful way for France to demonstrate its interests in Indo-Pacific security. And if they were to do that, there is no country better than Australia to host that presence."

French fighter aircraft will next year participate in the Royal Australian Air Force's "Pitch Black" exercises, while France will for the first time in 2023 join the Talisman Sabre naval exercises being held off the Queensland coast with the US and Australia.

A spokesperson for the French embassy in Canberra said the region was seeing "profound strategic changes and France "as a fully fledged Indo-Pacific country, seeks to maintain an area that is open and inclusive, free of all forms of coercion and founded on multilateralism and the respect of international law".

"In this context, Australia being a major partner of France in the Indo-Pacific, we naturally look to enhance our bilateral defence relationship," the spokesperson said. "In the coming years, the French Armed Forces will continue to look at developing their inter-operability with the Australian Defence Force in order to be able to jointly operate in the region and globally."

There have been a number of visits by French troops to Australia this year. The Vend?miaire frigate made a port visit in Darwin and the French Foreign Legion is currently participating in joint exercises with Australian soldiers.

Canberra is also working with other European countries on boosting their military presence in the region. Australia and Germany in June signed an "enhanced strategic partnership" that committed to enhancing their "security and defence co-operation, including through training and exercises, in particular in the maritime domain and in partnership with countries in the region."

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/france-could-access-australian-military-sites-as-countries-look-to-boost-ties-20210909-p58q7j.html

#14551779 at 2021-09-10 08:25:03 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

Indonesian troops may regularly join training on Australian soil as defence ties deepen

Peter Dutton meets with Jakarta counterpart, who says the two countries 'would like to be even closer friends'

Daniel Hurst - 9 Sep 2021

1/2

Indonesian troops could join regular training exercises on Australian soil, as part of a deepening of defence ties with Australia.

While Indonesia regularly joins naval exercises with Australia, and has participated in occasional joint military exercises on Australian land, the two countries have flagged plans to "step up" their joint training in the coming years.

Australia's defence minister, Peter Dutton, and foreign minister, Marise Payne, met with their Indonesian counterparts in Jakarta on Thursday, on the first leg of a four-country trip that will also include India, South Korea and the United States.

Indonesia's defence minister, Prabowo Subianto, said he and Dutton had discussed "the possibility of Australia opening their training areas for the participation of Indonesian units to be training together with Australia".

"I think this is a historical first," Prabowo said.

Speaking after he and Dutton agreed to update the countries' defence cooperation arrangement, Prabowo said: "We are close neighbours and we would like to be even closer friends."

Increasing joint military training will be seen as a deepening of the relationship between Australia and its northern neighbour, which at times has been strained - including over East Timor, asylum-seeker boat turnbacks and spying revelations.

Indonesian personnel were among observers at this year's Talisman Sabre training exercise between Australian and US military forces in Queensland, whereas Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the United Kingdom actively participated.

Indonesian national armed forces have also "observed" and "shared their significant operational experiences" in the Northern Territory during a disaster relief exercise known as Exercise Crocodile Response, led by Australia and the US.

In 2016 the ABC reported that members of Indonesia's armed forces had joined a comprehensive joint training exercise in Darwin.

Dutton said Australia and Indonesia were bolstering their security cooperation in "an increasingly contested region".

"Of course our navies regularly exercise together already, but there will be more that they can do together," Dutton said.

"Our renewed defence cooperation arrangement will see Australia and Indonesia step up our training initiatives, our joint training initiatives, and defence operational activities over the coming years."

Dutton said Australia would provide 15 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to Indonesia for use in peacekeeping operations, and the two countries would also deepen their defence education programs.

"I look forward very much to hosting the cadets from the Indonesian National Armed Forces studying at Australian defence education facilities, building relationships among future leaders from both sides," Dutton said.

(continued)

#14538995 at 2021-09-08 06:45:13 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

Peter Dutton's US missile memo: share your know-how

BEN PACKHAM - SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

1/2

Peter Dutton has signalled greater access to US missile technology will be a key test of the ANZUS ?alliance, ahead of an Australian push for unprecedented defence industry co-operation at high-level talks in Washington.

The Defence Minister, who will travel to the US with Foreign Minister Marise Payne next week for the discussions, said the allies needed to "pool our know-how and resources" to develop new long-range strike weapons, ?offensive cyber and unmanned capabilities - including autonomous and "swarming" drones.

But Mr Dutton, speaking at a closed American Chamber of Commerce in Australia session, said doing so would require the US to deliver on its commitment to ?integrate its closest allies' defence industries into its congressionally mandated National Technology and Industrial Base.

The NTIB was expanded in 2017 to include Australia and Britain, after the inclusion of Canada in 1993. Despite promising a ?"defence free-trade area" for America's closest allies, it has so far achieved only limited success in breaking down US export ?control barriers.

Mr Dutton, ahead of the Australia - US Ministerial Consultations, said Washington's support for Australia's proposed sovereign guided weapons enterprise would strengthen the nations' military interoperability. "Bilateral industry support for the enterprise will be a practical demonstration of the strength of our inclusion in the US National Technology and ?Industrial Base," he said.

Mr Dutton and Senator Payne will arrive in the US on September 16 for the "2+2" AUSMIN talks, after meeting counterparts in South Korea, Indonesia and India.

The Defence Minister said he was confident his first face-to-face meeting with Biden administration counterparts Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken would "see our alliance level-up".

Speaking at the same event, US charge d'affaires Michael Goldman said he expected the AUSMIN talks to deliver "ambitious announcements on force posture, joint exercises and deployments".

"Exercise Talisman Sabre and (the US marine deployment in Darwin) are excellent initiatives and I expect them to be built upon," Mr Goldman said.

"On the civilian side I think you will see a renewed focus on Covid, but we will also see clear-eyed recognition of the challenges posed by our strategic competitors and a reinvigorated commitment to dealing with those challenges ?together."

Scott Morrison will seek to progress the meeting's outcomes during an expected trip to Washington in October or November.

Growing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea and Beijing's trade bans against $20bn worth of Australian exports will be key AUSMIN agenda items.

Mr Dutton said the Australia-US alliance had become more ?important in combating Beijing's "increasingly coercive" behaviour.

"(China's) activities undermine the sovereignty of other nations and grate against the rules-based international order - an order from which they have happily benefited for decades," he said. "We must invigorate new energy into defence thinking and preparedness, so we are poised and ready for any eventuality."

(continued)

#14490432 at 2021-08-30 07:10:18 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

>>14490430

2/2

MALABAR MIND GAMES

Coming hot on the heels of Australia's Talisman Sabre and the United States' Large Scale Global Exercise, this year's Malabar war game represents a shift in emphasis.

Where Australian and US exercises focused on large-scale amphibious assault operations, the focus is now on a high-seas clash.

Warships, submarines and aircraft are being pitted against each other off Guam in the Western Pacific. Their manoeuvres include live-fire weapons drills.

Australia's multipurpose frigate HMAS Warramunga is showing the flag. The Indian frigate INS Shivalik and corvette INS Kadmatt have travelled to Guam "as part of their ongoing deployment to nations in South-East Asia and the Pacific Ocean".

Japan has sent three warships, including a helicopter carrier, and a submarine along with surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft. The United States is contributing three warships, P-8 anti-submarine aircraft, anti-submarine helicopters and special forces units.

While not formally taking part in the operation, Britain has its new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and support ships operating off Okinawa with US and Japanese vessels.

Malabar 2020 was the first time all four nations of the Quad participated in the war games at the same time. The move has attracted Beijing's ire as an "attempt to contain" its territorial ambitions. But it was China's attempt to push back its border with India in the Himalayan Ladakh region last year that prompted a strengthening of Quad ties.

BEIJING BITES BACK

"The strengthening of the Quad mechanism reflects the fact that China's military growth is for sure putting enormous external pressure on the US in the Indo-Pacific region," boasts the Communist Party's Global Times news outlet.

But it also warns of continued escalation and a new arms race.

"As for China, there is definitely a need for it to counter the US' strengthening of the security co-operation among the Quad countries."

Beijing has been eager to be seen to be standing up to Washington.

Live-fire drills in the East and South China Seas ended on Thursday - the same day Malabar kicked off. The full extent of these exercises is uncertain. However, open-source intelligence analysis of satellite imagery reveals a new helicopter assault ship put to sea off Hainan Island.

One unit entered the Miyako Strait, a gap between the disputed Senkaku Islands and Japan's Ryukyu Islands. Another flotilla, led by a new Type 055 guided-missile cruiser Nanchang, entered the Sea of Japan in a move touted as "a warning to Japanese right-wing forces and militarists".

State-controlled media boasted the 12,000-tonne warship was "the most powerful" in the world.

"With advanced weapons and equipment like the Type 055 large destroyer, the PLA is fully capable of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, no matter if it comes to the island of Taiwan or the Diaoyu Islands, or if foreign forces interfere," it said.

https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/technology/innovation/china-launches-livefire-drills-as-australia-joins-the-quad-allies-for-malabar-war-games/news-story/083117e7d4d7f210e5527bc1a6258e9b

#14395372 at 2021-08-19 07:35:33 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Tweet

Here Comes the Boom!

#USMC High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division fire rockets during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 on Shoalwater Bay Training Area, #Australia.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alyssa Chuluda)

https://twitter.com/MrfDarwin/status/1427767193400348676

#14385815 at 2021-08-18 07:27:21 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

#17 - Part 9
Australian Politics and Society - Part 9
>>14311676 Video: The Final Assault - The best of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - We'll continue to train together, and look forward to seeing you again for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Department of Defence Australia
>>14311723 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Facebook Post: .S. Marines with MRF-D and Australian soldiers reviewed the scheme of maneuver and training events during the rehearsal of concept for Exercises #Loobye and #Koolendong 2021
>>14322373 Marise Payne, Peter Dutton planning diplomatic visits to US, India and Indonesia
>>14342881 Australia will work with allied forces to extract citizens and visa holders from Afghanistan - Taliban making rapid battlefield gains
>>14346911 Special Counsel John Durham considering prosecutions and scrutinizing Trump-Russia tipsters: Report
>>14346925 https://qanon.pub/?q=Durham
>>14356371 Scott Morrison flags rescue mission for Afghan angels - locals who helped Australian troops during the two-decade conflict
>>14366085 OPINION: Joe Biden's defeat will echo for eternity - Miranda Devine - nypost.com
>>14366141 Threat of white-power race war 'grave concern' to ASIO, says chief
>>14375620 Scott Morrison delivers heartfelt message to diggers who fought in Afghanistan and asks them to do 'one more thing for us' - as he admits not all locals who fought alongside them will be evacuated
>>14375704 Marcus Jensen faces Perth Magistrates Court charged with impersonating Federal Police officer as part of an alleged operation to bring down the government

#14385812 at 2021-08-18 07:27:03 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

#17 - Part 8
Australian Politics and Society - Part 8
>>14265940 PDF: Diggers to fight on digital front - Australian Defence Force adopts new digital battle space strategy and modern warfare posture
>>14265963 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Exercise @TalismanSabre 21 has concluded, but (Japan and Australia's) journey to maintain and strengthen a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific steadily and resolutely continues
>>14265971 Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz Tweet: I had an excellent call with my Australian counterpart @peterdutton_MP, emphasizing the strong bond between our countries based on shared values
>>14274251, >>14274255 Academic papers from the 1960s reveal how a CIA-funded 'mind control' program came to Australia - MK-Ultra and Operation Midnight Climax
>>14274481 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Video - And that's a wrap! Seven nations worked, trained & fought side by side in some of the most realistic & challenging training activities yet. Thank you to all involved in #TalismanSabre2021 & thank you Australia. See you in 2023
>>14274492 Talisman Sabre wraps up - Nearly 17,000 personnel from Australia, the United States, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the United Kingdom worked, trained and fought side by side
>>14282328 Proposed AFP dark web powers get cautious tick - Australian Federal Police and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission would be given powers to hunt paedophile rings, terrorists and drug traffickers operating on the "dark web" under planned laws
>>14282642 Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Delighted to welcome to my Residence AFP @AusFedPolice Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM
>>14289308 US Consulate Perth Tweets: A new memorial has been unveiled at WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle in honor of American World War II submarine USS Bullhead - departed Fremantle on July 31, 1945…sunk in an attack by a Japanese army aircraft on August 6 in the Java Sea
>>14289327 U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Australia - New U.S. Submarine Memorial Unveiled in Perth - 6 August, 2021

>>14289709 Department of Defence Tweet: HMA Ships Canberra and Ballarat have arrived in the Western Pacific Ocean for the opening phase of the US-led Large Scale Global Exercise 21
>>14289712 Australian ships join US-led Large Scale Global Exercise 21 - defence.gov.au
>>14289723 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Tweet: Today we honor those wounded in action, understanding that some gave their last full measure of devotion. We thank those at @WWRUSMC for taking care of Marines on the road to recovery. Semper Fidelis
>>14303677 Video: Rationalist Society of Australia President Meredith Doig, leading voice behind 2021 Census 'No Religion' campaign praises Satanism
>>14303690 RSA Webinar: Michael Dove on 'The census and religion-Giving more Australians the freedom to choose' - Rationalists Australia
>>14303709 Q Post #1646 - NEVER IN OUR HISTORY HAVE THEY BEEN THIS EXPOSED. NEVER IN OUR HISTORY HAVE THEY COME OUT FROM THE SHADOWS TO FIGHT.
>>14303709 Q Post #4461 - Only when evil is forced into the light can we defeat it. Only when they can no longer operate in the [shadows] can people see the truth for themselves.
>>14303709 Q Post #4396 - God wins.
>>14304238 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Solemnly attended the bell ringing ceremony to remember the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki hosted by Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin. Expressed my sincere condolences and renewed my determination to work hard with (Australia) for peace and stability of this region.
>>14304266 III Marine Expeditionary Force Tweet: Marines with @MrfDarwin and @AustralianArmy soldiers reviewed a terrain model during a concept rehearsal. Leaders review schemes of maneuver during rehearsals to seamlessly complete the mission.

#14385811 at 2021-08-18 07:26:42 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

#17 - Part 7
Australian Politics and Society - Part 7
>>14236111 Making new mates on exercise Talisman Sabre: Australian-Japanese soldier Private Louii Hornibrook, 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment - Captain Dan Mazurek - defence.gov.au
>>14236173 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Tweet: Come out, come out, wherever you are #SouthernJackaroo #YourADF #MRFD #ADF #australianarmy #Australia #Darwin #IIIMEF #Marines #MarineCorps #freeandopenindopacific #JGSDF
>>14236208 Department of Defence Tweet: Ready for action - Preparations are underway for high-end warfighting Exercise #Koolendong, which is set to take place during August and September between elements of #AusArmy's 1 Brigade and the @MrfDarwin
>>14236219 Communications ready for Koolendong - The live-fire exercise will be held during August and September at the Bradshaw Field Training Area, NT - Captain Peter March - defence.gov.au
>>14243180 YouTube restricts Sky News Australia channel over 'COVID misinformation'
>>14245420 Vaccination the gold medal we aspire to - Prime Minister Scott Morrison - theaustralian.com.au
>>14248043 "Thought my Aussie's might enjoy this…. - QClock August 1, 2021 - Australia 5:5" - U.S. Marines Tweet - G'day, mates! @Australian_Navy
>>14249439 U.S. Marines Tweet: G'day, mates! @Australian_Navy - #Marines and Sailors of the America Expeditionary Strike Group greet the crew of HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) during an underway replenishment of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Coral Sea
>>14249699 Fake video purports to show Australian Federal Police boss Reece Kershaw plotting to overthrow government
>>14249700 Plot to oust government, replace AFP thwarted by counter-terrorism police

>>14249732 Man charged with impersonating Commonwealth official as search warrants executed in three states - Australian Federal Police - 2 August 2021
>>14249774 Man charged over fake video of AFP chief Kershaw 'plotting coup'
>>14249933 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Video - What's it like training with your Australian comrades? Hear from U.S. Special Operations personnel as they complete jump training with #YourADF from an MC-130J Air Commando II during #TS21
>>14249965 Talisman Sabre Tweet: - The end of #TS21 - #YourADF and International Military personnel who participated in #TalismanSabre this year marked the end of the exercise during a closing ceremony yesterday. But it's not the end of us! We still have lots to show you so stay tuned
>>14249989 U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Australia - Charg? d'Affaires Doug Sonnek Speech: Talisman Sabre Closing Ceremony - August 01, 2021
>>14250019 Defence Minister Peter Dutton flags participation of India in Australia's biggest wargames with the US, saying he'd like to see the nation's Quad partner at Exercise Talisman Sabre in two years' time
>>14257419 Talisman Sabre's theatre of war - Australia's biggest defence exercise with the US has grown into a significant multinational training event
>>14257474 Local, national and calls to mobiles will now be free from Telstra payphones
>>14257486 Foreign Minister Marise Payne Tweet: (Australia) is working with our closest partners on global health security, equitable vaccine access & promoting shared values of democracy & human rights. Today I met with Five Eyes counterparts…on Indo-Pacific priorities & challenges
>>14265858 Video: SkyNews Australia anchor slams YouTube for 'most extreme cancelation of free speech imaginable' - Fox News / Tucker Carlson Tonight

#14385809 at 2021-08-18 07:26:20 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

#17 - Part 6
Australian Politics and Society - Part 6
>>14220927 Defence Minister Peter Dutton Tweets: Earlier this week I visited some of our Australian and multinational troops participating in Talisman Sabre…Our troops are doing great work; we all should be so incredibly proud
>>14228351 Department of Defence Tweet: Yesterday, @USArmyAlaska #paratroopers jumped out of an #AusAirForce C-17A Globemaster III onto the Kangaroo Drop Zone as part of a simulated Joint Forcible Entry Operation during Exercise #TalismanSabre
>>14228354 Paratroopers in the skies over Queensland - Flight Lieutenant Chloe Stevenson - defence.gov.au
>>14228362 U.S. Army Pacific Tweet: Video: 'Spartan Brigade' paratroopers jump over Queensland, Australia - 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) paratroopers with the jump onto the Kangaroo Drop Zone as part of a simulated Joint Forcible Entry Operation during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 in Australia
>>14228622 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Strengthening our alliances - Check it out - #YourADF's integration with international partners is on show at #TS21 in the form of a multi-domain strike
>>14228626 Striking in a new way: Multi-domain strike - Synchronisation of traditional operating domains of Maritime, Land and Air with newer domains of Space and Information/Cyberspace - Petty Officer Jake Badior - defence.gov.au
>>14228786 Video: Prime Minister Scott Morrison says lockdowns to end once 80 per cent of the Australian population is vaccinated against COVID-19
>>14228864 Australian Defence Force and anti-abortion organisations banned from Australian National University Induction Day by ANU Student Association - Education Minister Alan Tudge considers cutting off funding to student organisations that attempt to stop the airing of views they oppose on campus
>>14233997 'Freedom' activists aim to harness anger for new political party - Monica Smit and Reignite Democracy Australia
>>14235604 Video: Talisman Sabre 21: US Marines, British Royal Marines, ADF & JGSDF Conducting Amphibious Landing - GEORGEnews

>>14235614 Video: A Multi-National Amphibious Assault was conducted as part of Talisman Sabre 2021. Coalition forces consisting of Royal Marine Commandos, United States Army, United States Marine Corps, the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force, and the Australian Defence Force landed at Forrest Beach near Ingham, Queensland - Department of Defence Australia
>>14235682 Video: Joint amphibious landing and air assault - Talisman Sabre 2021 - The troops took to the beaches and streets of Bowen, Queensland as part of simulated battles between two opposing forces. Scenarios included a beach landing, securing of airfields and strategic areas and storming of positions at various locations - Department of Defence Australia
>>14235711 Troops come ashore on quiet beach in final push - Private Jacob Joseph - defence.gov.au
>>14235784 Talisman Sabre Tweet: A picture can tell a thousand words - The calm before the storm is the perfect epitome for the @USArmyAlaska #paratroopers onboard an @AusAirForce C-17A Globemaster III, patiently waiting to step out into the open Queensland sky.
>>14235784 https://qanon.pub/?q=calm
>>14235790 Video: From Alaska to Queensland - U.S. paratroopers drop in on Talisman Sabre 2021 - United States Army troops from the 3rd Batallion, 509th Infantry Airbourne conducted an airborne assault dropping into 'Kangaroo Dropzone' near Charters Towers, Queensland for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia
>>14236056 U.S. Navy Tweet: Teamwork makes the dream work for a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific - @31stMeu and Sailors aboard USS America (LHA 6) conduct an underway replenishment with the Australian Navy's HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) in the Coral Sea, July 27, 2021, as part of @TalismanSabre
>>14236063 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Hidden beneath the deep blue sea lurks an unseen threat, keeping sailors alert during #TS21 - @Australian_Navy & @USNavy submarines are disrupting operations during a series of sub-surface training scenarios
>>14236071 Submarines add extra layer of realism on Talisman Sabre - Warrant Officer Class Two Max Bree - defence.gov.au
>>14236107 Talisman Sabre Tweet: How fitting that today is the #InternationalDayOfFriendship?! We celebrate all the new mates we have made on #TS21

#14385807 at 2021-08-18 07:25:52 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

#17 - Part 5
Australian Politics and Society - Part 5
>>14187200 Huawei hiring former Democratic super lobbyist Tony Podesta - Back in business after a Mueller-induced hiatus
>>14187418 The Mehdi Hasan Show Tweet: Do Fox and the Murdochs have blood on their hands for all the disinformation they've propagated? @TurnbullMalcolm: "They certainly have contributed to blood being shed."
>>14187427 Video: Former Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Slams Rupert Murdoch Over Fox's Involvement in 1/6 Insurrection and Vaccine Hesitancy Push
>>14187430 Video: Rupert Murdoch's Disinformation Media Empire | The Mehdi Hasan Show - The Choice
>>14187446 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Getting to the mission - #Marines with @MrfDarwin departed Townsville in several MV-22B Osprey aircraft last night to conduct night operations during #TS21.
>>14201082 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Our nations training together - Troops from #TS21 have descended on the town of Bowen in Queensland, as part of military drills to enhance their war fighting skills in an urban environment
>>14201083 War games begin in Bowen - Private Jacob Joseph - defence.gov.au
>>14206825 Video: 3rd Brigade's Battle Group Eagle conducts a firepower demonstration of the capabilities it can provide to the joint force during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia
>>14206828 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Tweet: Today marks 68 years since the cessation of hostilities in the Korean War. On this day, we pause to remember those Marines who served in legendary battles from the breakout at Chosin Reservoir to the amphibious landings at Inchon.
>>14206840 Pacific Marines Tweet: @USMC with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, @MrfDarwin, execute airfield assault training as part of Exercise @TalismanSabre 21 (TS21) in Bowen, Queensland, Australia

>>14206859 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Video: Check it out - @usairforce defenders are flying in! The Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element team complete training after exiting from an MC-130J during #TS21 at #AusAirForce Base Tindal
>>14213706 Video: Trilateral activity Exercise Southern Jackaroo involved soldiers from the ADF's 1st Brigade - Darwin, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, and United States Marine Rotational Force - Darwin - Department of Defence Australia
>>14213739 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Magnificent to see (Japan, Australia) and partners with shared strategic interests gathering in our region. @Japan_GSDF troops participating in Exercise @TalismanSabre had the honour of meeting with the Commander of 1st Division, MAJGEN Jake Ellwood
>>14213787 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force - Ground Component Command Tweet: [ #Talisman Saber 21 ] Photo: #Ground Component Command #Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade and Australian Army Combat Training (Urban Warfare ) Bowen City Alert
>>14213840 Video: Rosa Maria Maione, the so-called carer of Annie Smith, pleads guilty to her manslaughter in the disability neglect case that horrified Australia
>>14220773 Worldwide hacking warning issued on how businesses are being compromised during COVID-19
>>14220789 U.S., U.K., and Australia Issue Joint Cybersecurity Advisory - Australian Cyber Security Centre - July 2021
>>14220833 Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw says AFP has 'another ingenious plan' to further dismantle organised crime networks after pulling off Operation Ironside sting
>>14220859 Australian Bar Association calls for Attorney-General Michaelia Cash to reconsider controversial prosecution of Canberra lawyer Bernard Collaery
>>14220897 ADF, U.S. and Japanese joint amphibious assault - Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia

#14385805 at 2021-08-18 07:25:24 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

#17 - Part 4
Australian Politics and Society - Part 4
>>14153573 United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Tweet: Deterrence through partnerships and alliances is critical to America's defense. The @TalismanSabre exercise in the @INDOPACOM theater is a perfect example of that-with 17,000 personnel from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the ROK, and the U.K. participating.
>>14155417 Video: Talisman Sabre 21, Queensland, Australia, 07/19/2021 #KnowYourMil - GEORGEnews
>>14159692 Video: Talisman Sabre 21 live fire mission - Department of Defence Australia
>>14159708 Talisman Sabre Tweet: An Australian and US first - #TS21 jump training combined @USAirForce, @USArmy & #YourADF parachutists to conduct military free-fall operations from a U.S. aircraft using Australian parachutes for the first time.
>>14159731 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Building sea combat power - #HMASBallarat, #HMASBrisbane & #HMASParramatta are building navy-to-navy skills by conducting maritime manoeuvres with Republic of Korea Ship Wang Geon, USS Rafael Peralta & @jmsdf_pao_eng Japanese Ship Makinami during #TS21.
>>14159754 U.S. Marines Tweet: HIMARS w/ @3d_Marine_Div fire missiles during exercise @TalismanSabre at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, #Australia. #TS21 allows US, AUS and other partners to enhance interoperability by training in complex scenarios that address the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerns.
>>14159794 General James C. McConville Tweet: Soldiers assigned to @38thADA, @94thArmyAMDC fire a patriot missile during bilateral Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 at Camp Growl located in Queensland, Australia.
>>14166108 Australia and the US in talks to deepen military co?operation, plans for new exercises on Australian soil including joint training with American army soldiers
>>14166302 Video: Brisbane announced as 2032 Olympic Games host city at IOC meeting in Tokyo
>>14172466 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Facebook Post: So long, farewell, to you my friends - U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, Australian Army soldiers and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers commemorated the completion of Exercise Southern Jackaroo with a closing ceremony at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia

>>14172485 Talisman Sabre Tweet: That #TS21 partnership - Troops from #AusArmy's 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery & the @USArmy's @38thADA, at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, during Exercise #TalismanSabre2021.
>>14172502 Video: Gunfire exercise on board HMAS Ballarat - Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia
>>14172510 Video: RBS 70 anti-aircraft missile live fire - Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia
>>14172637 Repatriation flights considered for Afghan translators who worked with Australian troops
>>14180668 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Delighted to welcome to my Residence Mr Matt Anderson PSM, Director of @AWMemorial. Very much enjoyed our conversation on a wide range of topics as we both have diplomatic backgrounds. (Japan) and (Australia) fought alongside one another in WWI and the Cold War, followed by cooperation in Iraq
>>14180741 Video: Artillery joint-coalition live fire - Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia
>>14185225 U.S. Navy Tweet: Taking a (photo) with friends! Partner nations sail in formation as part of @TalismanSabre. The exercise consists of a series of training events that reinforce the strong U.S./Australian alliance and demonstrate the U.S. Military's unwavering commitment to a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.
>>14185244 Talisman Sabre Tweet: 11 ships, 5 nations - #USNSRappahannock, #ROKSWang Geon, #HMASParramatta, #USSAmerica, #USSRafaelPeralta, #JSMakinami, #USNSAlanShepard, #HMCSCalgary, #USSNewOrleans, #HMASBrisbane, and #USSGermantown sail in formation during #TalismanSabre2021.
>>14187021 President Joe Biden poised to nominate Caroline Kennedy as US ambassador to Australia
>>14187077 United States military invites Australia to join development of top secret missile strike program - Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2)

#14385803 at 2021-08-18 07:25:03 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

#17 - Part 3
Australian Politics and Society - Part 3
>>14127067 Department of Defence Tweet: The Talisman 'Sabre' has been drawn in Townsville, Queensland! #AusArmy troops have hit the ground running, ready to train alongside their United States counterparts.
>>14127077 Sabre drawn, troops ready for action - Flight Lieutenant Chloe Stevenson - defence.gov.au
>>14127084 Talisman Sabre Tweet: A #TS21 first - The @USArmy will fire a Patriot missile for first time in Australia during #TalismanSabre.
>>14127095 US Army to fire Patriot missile for first time in Australia during Talisman Sabre - Seth Robson - stripes.com
>>14127263 Defence Minister Peter Dutton wary of Taliban turncoats in considering Afghanistan visa applications
>>14134744 Video: 'Why I Spy': ASIO's new social media campaign to attract a more diverse group of recruits
>>14134789 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Here's a sneak peek of the US military rehearsing the first ever Patriot surface-to-air missile firing in Australia yesterday, with the actual firing taking place this morning at Shoalwater Bay. Stay tuned for the real footage
>>14134793 Patriot missile firing will be a first - Private Jacob Joseph - defence.gov.au
>>14141586 Talisman Sabre Tweet: An Australian first! The @USArmy MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile has been successfully fired on Australian soil for the first time during Exercise #TalismanSabre2021. Great job to all involved
>>14141592 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Video: HERE IT IS - Check out the footage from the first Patriot surface-to-air missile firing on Australian soil yesterday, improving the combat readiness of Australian and US forces

>>14141604 Video: First Patriot Missile launch in Australia - Department of Defence Australia
>>14141624 U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Tweet: U.S. @PacificMarines with @3dMarineDivision train during #TalismanSabre 2021; a large-scale, bilateral military exercise that enhances the (United States-Australia) alliance & provides peace and stability in the #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.
>>14141653 Department of Defence Tweet: Working in partnership - #AusArmy Private Louii Hornibrook will be taking part in Exercise Sea Raider, the amphibious element of Exercise #TalismanSabre. Standing with Private Hornibrook is (Japan) Seargent Kotaro Tsuda, (United States) Lance Corporal Christopher Hren & (United Kingdom) Lieutenant Jones
>>14141676 United States Pacific Fleet - Expeditionary Strike Group 7 arrives for exercise Talisman Sabre - Lt. Cmdr. Sherrie A. Flippin - cpf.navy.mil
>>14145027 Video: Second Chinese spy ship en route to Australia ahead of US military exercises - Sky News Australia
>>14153505 Defence Minister Peter Dutton Facebook Post: Talisman Sabre is Australia's largest military exercise with the United States. Some 17,000 personnel, including 8,000 from the ADF are engaging in multiple warfighting training scenarios…They are working hard together, strengthening the Australian-US Alliance, and improving combat readiness.
>>14153524 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Shots of yesterday's #LiveFire - Australian and American have fired on Shoalwater Bay in a combined strike during #TalismanSabre2021. Stay tuned for the footage!
>>14153531 Weapons unleashed in powerful demonstration - Warrant Officer Class 2 Max Bree - defence.gov.au
>>14153541 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Thank you, Townsville! The city and people of Townsville received a show of gratitude on behalf of #TS21 with a special flypast from @AusAirForce.
>>14153560 United States Department of Defense Tweet: During exercise #TalismanSabre, @3d_Marine_Div and @AustralianArmy are training together to support a peaceful, stable and #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.

#14385800 at 2021-08-18 07:24:41 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

#17 - Part 2
Australian Politics and Society - Part 2
>>14064462 Hundreds of Afghans linked to Australian-funded "hearts and minds" projects left vulnerable to advancing Taliban after being denied access to special visa program for those who supported Australia's two-decade presence in the country
>>14071862 Talisman Sabre Tweet: VideoL A message from Air Commodore Stuart Bellingham, ADF Director for Exercise #TalismanSabre2021. Since 2005, #YourADF and the @DeptofDefense forces have been welcomed into the @QldGov communities, and we are grateful for your ongoing patience and support!
>>14071867 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Tweet: We ride at dawn during #SouthernJackaroo trilateral support by fire training with #yourADF, and @Japan_GSDF
>>14079317 Spectacular delivery of extra Chinooks, as ADF's MRH-90 Taipan helicopters remain dogged by safety issues
>>14079345 Video: Heavy-lift aviation capability bolstered with arrival of new Chinooks from US - Department of Defence Australia
>>14079371 Opinion: Olympic values will deepen Japan's ties with Australia - Yamagami Shingo, Japanese ambassador to Australia
>>14086073 Tony Podesta turned to art dealing after becoming ensnared in the Trump-Russia scandal. With his friends running Washington, he is eying a return to lobbying
>>14086076 Q Post #1918 - https://wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/emailid/50428 - Nothing to see here. Q
>>14098466 National ay of commemoration to honour Australia's Afghanistan and Iraq troops
>>14098496 Video: Three international warships docked in Sydney Harbour tonight after a week of joint missile exercises, Exercise Pacific Vanguard - 7NEWS Australia

>>14119991 Talisman Sabre Tweet: 1 more sleep until #TalismanSabre! The opening ceremony will be held tomorrow & #TS21 activities will ramp up over the coming days
>>14119998 Talisman Sabre Tweet: We are on! Australia's largest joint exercise with the US #TalismanSabre is now underway with the opening ceremony held at #AusAirForce Base Amberley
>>14120003 Show of strength for Talisman Sabre - Major Cameron Jamieson - defence.gov.au
>>14120011 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Some shots from todays ceremony! #YourADF and @DeptofDefense marked the commencement of Exercise #TalismanSabre at #AusAirForce Base Amberley today
>>14120016 Royal Marines Tweet: Down Under... #RoyalMarines of @40commando have returned to Australia for @TalismanSabre. Commandos began their deployment acting as a 'pre-landing force' to pave the way for larger amphibious forces to land ashore
>>14120020 Royal Marines head on training raids in Australia - royalnavy.mod.uk
>>14120147 Australia 'very wary' of Chinese spy ship sitting off Queensland coast
>>14126998 Video: Talisman Sabre 2021 Opening Ceremony - Department of Defence Australia
>>14127001 Video: We are ready - Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia
>>14127057 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Attended opening ceremony of Exercise @TalismanSabre 2021. Japanese warship and 2nd Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment of #JGSDF @ModJapan_en are participating. Looking forward to many more exercises with Australia to maintain and strengthen a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific

#14385796 at 2021-08-18 07:24:10 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

Notables
are not endorsements

#17 - Part 1
Australian Politics and Society - Part 1
>>14030823 Final Australian troops leave Afghanistan as 20-year mission draws to a close
>>14035759 Labor leader Anthony Albanese backs Biden's approach on China
>>14036004 Arlington National Cemetery Tweet: Earlier today, Australian Ambassador to the U.S. @A_Sinodinos viewed the Changing of the Guard and participated in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
>>14036009 Arthur Sinodinos Tweet: Today, Elizabeth & I; and Maj. Gen Andrew Freeman and Jane Freeman had the great honour of laying a wreath on behalf of Australia in remembrance of US fallen service men & women at @ArlingtonNatl. This year (Australia) & (United States) commemorate 70 years of our unbreakable #ANZUS alliance
>>14036029 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Facebook Post: Last week, U.S. Marines, Australian Army soldiers and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers conduct a rehearsal of concept before their final training event during #SouthernJackaroo. The event exercised their combined capabilities to give mounted and dismounted support to small unit ground maneuvers, while utilizing multiple weapons systems, at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia.
>>14042216 Dutch court approves alleged drug syndicate leader Tse Chi Lop for extradition to Australia
>>14042873 Chief of Navy Australia Tweet: I have just conducted my inaugural call with incoming Japanese Defence Attache, CAPT Reona Aso & his predecessor COL Shigehiro Noshita - #AusNavy's partnership w @ModJapan_en is founded on shared strategic interests & building a secure, prosperous & inclusive Indo-Pacific
>>14042879 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Tweet: #Marines Posted during #ExerciseDarrandarra - Sharpening our embassy reinforcement skills with #yourADF
>>14042885 III Marine Expeditionary Force Tweet: "It was important for us to interact with the community so we could show our appreciation for the opportunity to train in Nhulunbuy. ." -Australian Army Lt. Col. Daniel Gosling - Read about @MrfDarwin and @AustralianArmy's training in Nhulunbym, Aus. https://dvidshub.net/r/89la9z
>>14042898 U.S. Marines in Australia complete embassy reinforcement and noncombatant evacuation operations exercise

>>14042906 Department of Defence Tweet: Exercise Southern Jackaroo. #YourADF, @USMC & @Japan_GSDF participated in the combined exercise recently, which included more than seven live-fire traces open simultaneously and the first Javelin fired in the Mount Bundey Training Area.
>>14042912 Tactical capability focus of Exercise Southern Jackaroo - Private Jacob Joseph - defence.gov.au
>>14042986 Video: 'The Alliance' | Episode 1 - How a shared sacrifice in both WW1 & WW2 established a close bond between Australia and the United States - Sky News Australia
>>14049526 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Facebook Post: Here comes the guns - U.S. Marines participate in support to ground maneuvers training during Exercise #SouthernJackaroo at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia, June 23, 2021
>>14050787 Court documents shed new light on man behind moniker 'Witness K' and how he met lawyer Bernard Collaery
>>14051007 Department of Defence Tweet: Allies unite! #YourADF is taking part in the multi-national Joint Warfighting Assessment in USA, practising fighting against a notional enemy alongside the @USArmy, @canadianarmy and @BritishArmy
>>14051012 Allies unite for exercise in US - Personnel from Brisbane's 7th Combat Brigade and supporting elements from the 6th Brigade take part in multi-national Joint Warfighting Assessment 2021 (JWA 21) at Fort Carson in the United States
>>14057971 Department of Defence Tweet: #AusNavy's HMAS Brisbane sailed into Sydney Harbour on 3 July with (Japan) @jmsdf_pao_eng destroyer JS Makinami, (South Korea) Navy destroyer ROKS Wang Geon and (United States) #USSRafaelPeralta. The contactless, COVIDSafe port visit is ahead of Exercise PACIFIC VANGUARD.
>>14057972 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Exercise Pacific Vanguard is the Air Maritime Integration Exercise workup activity, prior to Exercise #TalismanSabre!
>>14064316 PDF: Australian Security Intelligence Organisation - ASIO Corporate Plan 2021-2025 - Mike Burgess, Director-General of Security, 1 July 2021

#14019838 at 2021-06-30 06:15:35 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #16 - INFILTRATION NOT INVASION Edition

#16 - Part 2
Australian Politics and Society - Part 2
>>13805301 Department of Defence Tweet Australia's largest warfighting exercise, #TalismanSabre, is back! International forces will arrive gradually, ahead of the exercise commencing on 14 July 2021
>>13805305 TalismanSabre Tweet: We are back! International forces participating in #TalismanSabre will arrive into Australia throughout June and July for mandatory quarantine, ahead of the exercise!
>>13805305 TalismanSabre Tweet: #TalismanSabre is critical in maintaining #YourADF's preparedness and combat readiness however due to #COVID19, #TS21 will look a bit different from previous years.
>>13805309 Department of Defence Press Release: International forces to arrive ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre
>>13805319 Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 - The largest bilateral combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and United States (US) military
>>13805319 Talisman Sabre -MAGIC SWORD- https://qanon.pub/?q=Operation%20Specialists - https://qanon.pub/?q=magic
>>13812169 Scott Morrison and US President Joe Biden likely to meet at G7-plus next week
>>13819311 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Honoured and delighted to catch up with Prime Minister @ScottMorrisonMP at Australian Minerals Industry Parliamentary Dinner
>>13819343 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Facebook Post: U.S. Marines, Sailors, Australian Defence Force, the U.S Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and Australia's Department of Foriegn Affairs and Trade conducted Exercise Crocodile Response 2021, demonstrating our shared ability to provide disaster relief to nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
>>13833109 Washington Post Live - The Path Forward: Global Education with Julia Gillard, Former Australian Prime Minister & Board Chair, Global Partnership for Education
>>13833109 Q Post # 2401 - How many articles has the WASH POST released attacking the 'Q' movement? - https://qanon.pub/?q=washingtonpost - https://qanon.pub/?q=wapo

>>13833433 Video: Unprecedented co-operation between Australian and US law enforcement brings down Sydney drug lord, Zhen Tao Qi
>>13833648 U.S. Navy to christen USS Canberra littoral combat ship on Saturday, 5 June 2021
>>13833655 U.S. Department of Defense Press Release - Navy to Christen Littoral Combat Ship Canberra
>>13833661 Video: Austal USA - USS Canberra (LCS 30) Launch - Austal USA
>>13841161 Myanmar's ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her Australian economic policy adviser Sean Turnell will both face Supreme Court without legal representation
>>13845713 Video: Police in Victoria 'crossed a very dangerous and scary line' - Rowan Dean, Sky News Australia
>>13848153 Qantas infiltrated by organised criminals, says intelligence report
>>13848187 US Navy christens only warship named for a foreign capital - new littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30)
>>13848191 USS Canberra a shiny new symbol of US-Australia relations
>>13848196 Video: Austal USA hosts christening ceremony for the future USS Canberra - fox10tv.com

#13915363 at 2021-06-16 10:18:42 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #16 - INFILTRATION NOT INVASION Edition

>>13915359
Exercise explores all options

Captain Dan Mazurek - 11 June 2021

There is a lot going on in the air, on land and at sea in Exercise Sea Explorer, which is landing on Cowley Beach in North Queensland until June 15.

The annual Sea Series of exercises is a tiered training program that hones the skills of Australia's amphibious force, ensuring it is ready now and future-ready.

After last month's planning exercise Sea Horizon, Exercise Sea Explorer allows nearly 1600 Army, Navy and Air Force elements to rehearse and perfect the intricate process of moving people and materiel from HMA Ships Canberra and Choules to shore.

Exercise Sea Explorer is the amphibious force's preparation for July's Exercise Sea Raider in which they will support the broader ADF as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Coordinating the insertion of sailors, soldiers and vehicles - including main battle tanks - by air and sea requires a focused effort to overcome challenges while maintaining safe and effective training.

Commander Amphibious Task Force Captain Leif Maxfield said Army, Navy and Air Force personnel synchronised the complex management of the amphibious manoeuvre, while in the background, the ships' companies also maintained rigorous internal training and maintenance regimes.

"There is certainly a lot going on," Captain Maxfield said.

"Sea Explorer is our opportunity to bring our amphibious forces together to achieve initial training goals while ensuring we operate to the highest standards of safety before we pick up the pace on exercise Sea Raider.

"I am continually very proud of the hard work and professional approach of the embarked amphibious forces and crews of Canberra and Choules."

During Exercise Sea Raider, the focus will shift to tactics and further integration with a company of US marines from Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, a strike company of Royal Marines from Bravo Company, 40th Commando Royal Marines, and a platoon of Japanese infantry from the Amphibious Ready Deployment Brigade.

For more images of the exercise, see the Defence image gallery.

https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/S20211870

https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/exercise-explores-all-options

#13805319 at 2021-06-01 10:26:51 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #16 - INFILTRATION NOT INVASION Edition

>>13805301
Exercise Talisman Sabre 21

TS21 is the largest bilateral combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and United States (US) military

Welcome to Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21). Here you will learn about TS21, the importance of the exercise for preparing our military, and how we involve the community and protect the environment.

TS21 is the largest bilateral combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and United States (US) military. It is designed to test our respective forces in planning and conducting Combined and Joint Task Force operations and improve the combat readiness and interoperability between Australian and US forces.

Occurring every two years, Talisman Sabre reflects the closeness of our alliance and strength of our enduring military relationship.

TS21 is the ninth iteration of the exercise and consists of a Field Training Exercise incorporating force preparation (logistic) activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvre, urban operations, air combat and maritime operations.

COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Defence is adjusting how it does business while still maintaining operational readiness. TS21 is critical to Defence maintaining that readiness.

Defence will work with relevant authorities to understand and develop safe COVID practices while still allowing the exercise to achieve its objectives. Any community engagement that occurs will follow relevant government requirements at the time.

Where will TS21 take place?

TS21 exercise activities are planned to occur in Queensland including in the Charters Towers region and ADF Townsville Field Training Area (TFTA); coastal locations including Bundaberg, Stanage Bay peninsular, ADF Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), Mackay, Bowen, Proserpine, Ingham region, Lucinda, Forest Beach, ADF Cowley Beach Training Area (CBTA) and RAAF Scherger, as well as Evans Head in NSW.

Townsville will see increased military presence over this time, mainly at Lavarack Barracks and RAAF Townsville, and on the roads between there and Charters Towers.

When is it being held?

TS21 will run from late June to mid-August 2021, this time frame includes the initial surge of equipment and people and their subsequent departure after the exercise. Exercise activities will peak during 18-31 July 2021.

Lead up training will occur in Stanage Bay, SWBTA and the Townsville region prior to TS21. While that training is separate to TS21, please contact us if you have any questions and we will direct your question to the appropriate team to respond.

How are communities being involved?

The ADF has a long history of training and living in Queensland. For many it's our home and where our families live.

Community engagement is already underway with GBRMPA, graziers, local government, communities and businesses, indigenous representatives and industry groups such as AgForce.

We really appreciate the very strong support shown for TS21.

It is important that as many interested parties as possible hear about the exercise and are encouraged to provide input. The TS21 website will be the central point of information. You can also contact us by sending a query via the Contact Us page. Media should call Defence Media on (02) 6127 1999 (24 hrs), Email: media@defence.gov.au

Environmental management

Defence takes all necessary steps to safeguard the environment during TS21. The ADF protects endangered species and marine mammals through a comprehensive framework of risk mitigation procedures developed after careful analysis of all Defence activities, ensuring it complies with relevant Queensland and Commonwealth legislation. Further information is on our Environmental Planning webpage.

https://www1.defence.gov.au/exercises/Talisman-Sabre-21

https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/Home/Search?Query=%3Fq%3Ds20191584&Type=NavAlbum&TabIndex=1&AlbumName=Talisman%20Sabre%202019


>Talisman Sabre

>MAGIC SWORD

https://qanon.pub/?q=Operation%20Specialists

https://qanon.pub/?q=magic

#13805309 at 2021-06-01 10:24:14 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #16 - INFILTRATION NOT INVASION Edition

>>13805305
Australian Government - Department of Defence

International forces to arrive ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre

1 June 2021

International forces participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre, Australia's largest bilateral training activity with the United States, will arrive into Australia throughout June and July.

Participating foreign military personnel from the United States, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom will undertake 14-days mandatory quarantine in approved Defence managed facilities. France, India and Indonesia will participate as observer nations.

Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, said the scale of this year's exercise will be reduced due to COVID-19, with around 17,000 personnel expected to participate.

"Around 1,800 foreign military personnel will arrive in Australia for this year's exercise. We will also have part of the Marine Rotational Force - Darwin participating, as well as naval and air assets exercising exclusively off-shore," Lieutenant General Bilton said.

"The ADF, together with our United States and visiting partner nations, are committed to delivering a safe exercise, not just for the personnel involved, but the community as well.

"The exercise is fundamental to our alliance with the United States and critical to maintaining ADF combat readiness."

The exercise will take place at a range of Defence bases and non-Defence training areas, predominantly across central and northeast Queensland, but also off the east coast of Australia.

"Talisman Sabre would not be possible without the cooperation and ongoing support of the local community, councils, state authorities - including Chief Health Officers - and traditional owners," Lieutenant General Bilton said.

"Defence will keep the public well-informed of planned activities and movements, implement COVIDSafe plans agreed to with the states and territories to mitigate the risks of COVID-19."

With agreement from relevant state and territory authorities, the majority of international forces will quarantine in either Bladin Village in the Northern Territory or ADF managed hotels in Queensland. A small number will also quarantine in ADF managed hotels in New South Wales.

International forces will arrive gradually, in tranches of up to several hundred, from early June to mid-July. All international forces entering Australia will comply with mandatory quarantine and travel requirements. These include:

- Presenting a negative COVID-19 PCR test before departure to Australia;

- Mandatory 14-day quarantine in facilities approved by the relevant state or territory Chief Health Officer;

- COVID-19 testing on arrival and before exiting their mandatory 14-day quarantine period; and

- Daily health checks that include screening for COVID-19 symptoms.

No military member entering Australia will take the place of an Australian returning from overseas.

For more information on Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 visit: https://www1.defence.gov.au/exercises/Talisman-Sabre-21

Media note

The exercise will commence on 14 July 2021 with an opening ceremony at RAAF Base Amberley, with major events planned in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and the Townsville region. The exercise will conclude on 31 July 2021.

Media interested in opportunities throughout Exercise Talisman Sabre are encouraged to register their interest and availability with Defence Media.

Vision is available at: https://innovatehub.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/mediahub/ElY9rYcCtaVDi0UoPtsv-Q4B5I5zHsyPfXHGViBq6TOg8g?e=a5SOl9

https://news.defence.gov.au/media/media-releases/international-forces-arrive-ahead-exercise-Talisman-Sabre

#13658222 at 2021-05-14 09:32:28 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #15 - NEVER RETREAT FROM THE BATTLEFIELD Edition

>>13553469
>>13603946
Israeli company Elbit Systems to fight ADF snub on 'security' fears

BEN PACKHAM - MAY 14, 2021

Israel's biggest publicly listed ­defence company, Elbit Systems, has warned the Australian government it is prepared to wage a sustained legal battle to restore its global reputation after the army recently axed its battle management system over undisclosed ­security concerns.

The company told Defence Minister Peter Dutton's office it was blindsided by the decision, which it said was not based in fact, and it was left with no other ­option but to fight.

The Australian has learned one of the company's top executives is quarantining in Melbourne after flying from Israel for talks with the government.

Defence's surprise move to rip Elbit's BMS from army vehicles and servers has thrown the service's command and control processes back to the pre-digital age, after spending $2bn and 15 years developing the capability.

The decision is being likened in defence circles to the Seasprite debacle, in which the navy spent more than $1.3bn on 40-year-old helicopters, which were scrapped five years after they were ­accepted for service.

Senator Jim Molan will return to parliament next week - midway through cancer treatment - to demand answers from Defence officials on the growing scandal.

"Defence cannot afford ­another $2bn failure. It is my view that we cannot afford to start again on the BMS," the retired major general and former head of operations in Iraq told The Australian. "It is my intention to raise this in Senate estimates under privilege, and in the ­Defence subcommittee."

Defence sources said the Australian Signals Directorate warned of a possible "back door" in the Elbit system, but neither ASD nor Defence would confirm the allegation.

The Australian can reveal the company's Australian managing director, Paul McLachlan, met Mr Dutton's chief of staff Craig Maclachlan in Canberra this week, seeking answers for the ­abrupt decision.

A source familiar with the discussions said Mr McLachlan ­argued Elbit's source code had been available to Defence for years, and was validated by the US government. He said the decision had caused friendly forces, including those in Britain and Germany, to reconsider the ­security of Elbit's products.

Another source said the decision to axe the system was "so ham-fisted" the contract was only added to Defence's "projects of concern" list after the orders were issued to get rid of the system.

It is understood the company, which is close to Israel's government, will argue its treatment by Defence is inconsistent with the 2017 Australia-Israel Memorandum of Understanding on defence industry co-operation.

According to the Defence order issued last month: "The employment of the BMS-C2 ­system version 7.1 within army's preparedness environment is to cease no later than May 15, 2021."

It said memory sticks and software must "be withdrawn from issue to users and ... quarantined by signals support staff".

The decision has created a massive problem for Defence, leaving commanders facing the prospect of fighting a war using paper maps and pencils.

Defence sources said the army would go to the July exercise Talisman Sabre - the nation's largest bilateral war games with the US - without the ability to digitally manage its forces.

Elbit Systems, which has a 250-strong Australian workforce, said it "strongly refuted the security ­rumours" surrounding its BMS. "Elbit Systems of Australia utilises secure software ­development processes in collaboration with the Department of Defence, including the provision of all source code," the company said.

The army's relationship with Elbit Systems Australia was already strained before the alleged security issue was identified, amid a series of cost blowouts and delays.

A 2019 Auditor-General's report found the program was marred by poor acquisition processes and ineffective governance. The price was "severely unaffordable", and was already two years late by 2015. A plan to track individual soldiers was abandoned because the system was considered too unwieldy.

Sources warned it could be years before the capability gap was overcome, given the long lead times in rolling out complex technologies within Defence.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/israeli-company-elbit-systems-to-fight-adf-snub-on-security-fears/news-story/6117dec92d0c7a8702d60901bc31b43c

#13633861 at 2021-05-11 06:57:16 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #15 - NEVER RETREAT FROM THE BATTLEFIELD Edition

>>13553469
>>13603946
Army may have to fight next war with pencils and paper

BEN PACKHAM - MAY 11, 2021

The axing of a $2bn battle management system has set back the army's digital transformation by more than 15 years, leaving commanders facing the prospect of having to fight a hi-tech war using paper maps and pencils.

The Australian has learned ­Defence has terminated its relationship with Israeli company Elbit Systems on the advice of the Australian Signals Directorate, which raised the alarm over an alleged back door in its software.

The introduction of Elbit's digital Battle Management System - which incorporates communications, targeting and friendly force tracking - dates back to 2005 and was said to be the army's "highest priority project".

The system, designed to shift the army "from a paper-based ­system to a modern digital system", is now being ripped out of army vehicles and computer servers following an order from Defence headquarters.

Defence sources said the army would go to July's Exercise Talisman Sabre - the nation's largest bilateral war games with the US - without the ability to digitally manage its forces.

Defence is currently looking at alternative BMS options used by British and US forces.

But sources warned it could be years before the capability gap was overcome, given the long lead times in rolling out complex technologies within Defence.

Amid warnings of the growing risk of war with China over Taiwan, one senior defence source warned that the army was "almost non-deployable".

"The holy grail in modern war fighting is digitisation and connectivity," the source said. "This is like having an iPhone without the operating system."

The source, who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter within Defence, said it was unclear how any vulnerability had been missed for so long, given the system had been extensively tested with US support. Another senior source warned that the lack of a robust BMS would deny the army "decision ­superiority" against a modern ­digitally managed force.

(continued)

#13530344 at 2021-04-28 10:09:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #15 - NEVER RETREAT FROM THE BATTLEFIELD Edition

>>13529891
Let war games begin: ADF bases upgraded

GEOFF CHAMBERS and BEN PACKHAM - APRIL 28, 2021

1/2

Scott Morrison has ordered sweeping upgrades of military training bases in Northern Australia to enhance land combat capability and support simulated exercises in a major strategic step-up aimed at expanding "war gaming" with the US and defending the Indo-Pacific.

The Prime Minister will ­announce a $747m defence package in the Northern Territory on Wednesday after Home Affairs Department secretary Michael Pezzullo warned the "drums of war are beating" and that Australia must be prepared "to send off, yet again, our warriors to fight".

The upgrades of four training bases include an overhaul of weapons firing ranges, lengthening the Northern Territory's Bradshaw Field Training Area airstrip to support heavier aircraft and new training facilities for Australian Defence Force personnel and US marines.

"Working with the United States, our allies and Indo-Pacific neighbours, we will continue to advance Australia's interests by investing in the Australian ­Defence Force, particularly across Northern Australia," Mr Morrison said. "Our focus is on pursuing peace, stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific, with a world order that favours freedom."

Mr Morrison said the investment, part of a $270bn spend across the nation to ensure the ADF can respond to emerging challenges, would also maximise local jobs through a "targeted ­industry plan to contract local businesses throughout the entire supply chain".

"My commitment is keeping Australians safe and keeping Australians in a job," he said.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the funding boost would ­ensure the ADF's land combat capability was "equipped with the technology it will require to maintain our competitive advantage".

Defence strategists on Tuesday urged the government to increase investment in military capabilities to counter the growing threat of China following Mr Pezzullo's Anzac Day message to staff, which warned of rising strategic uncertainty and growing militarisation.

The Lowy Institute's Sam Roggeveen said Mr Pezzullo's message was "not pessimistic enough", ­arguing Australia could not rely with certainty on the US coming to its aid in a conflict.

Mr Roggeveen said Australia needed a bigger, more capable ADF which would make the 2 per cent of GDP benchmark for ­Defence spending "look more like a floor than a ceiling". He said Australia would continue to rely on the extended deterrence of the "US nuclear umbrella". But in conflicts short of nuclear war, "we need to be more prepared to look after ourselves".

Yet the US military is bolstering its presence in the Top End, with marines arriving in Darwin in groups of between 200 and 500 since February ahead of joint exercises with the ADF. By June about 2200 US troops are expected to be in the NT for operation Talisman Sabre, which will involve a range of training activities including ­humanitarian assistance, security operations and high-end live-fire exercises.

WA Premier Mark McGowan took issue with Mr Pezzullo's comments and urged the Morrison government to "tone it down". "What good does that do, saying things like that? It's totally unnecessary, it gets you a headline, no doubt, probably secures you some coverage around the world. And, you know, there may be elements in the community who cheer," Mr McGowan said.

"But it is in no one's interests, that sort of language. Diplomacy should be conducted diplomatic­ally, by people in elected office, and also by those who are public ­servants."

Mr Morrison also downplayed the comments, saying that Australia's objective was "to pursue peace" for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

(continued)

#12836663 at 2021-02-06 03:09:27 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #13 - THE WAR IS REAL Edition

>>12836590
Arrival of the 2021 Marine Rotational Force-Darwin

6 February 2021

United States Marines from the tenth Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D) will soon begin arriving in Darwin. They are the first group arriving in the Northern Territory over the next five months. Each group to arrive will be between 200-500 personnel.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the rotation would build on the success of last year's modified deployment.

"The ability for this year's MRF-D to go ahead under challenging global circumstances, is a testament to the endurance and adaptability of the Australia-US Alliance," Minister Reynolds said.

"The annual rotation demonstrates Australia's and the United States' commitment to Indo-Pacific stability and security.

"The MRF-D and Australian Defence Force (ADF) will conduct a comprehensive range of training activities, including humanitarian assistance, security operations and high-end live-fire exercises.

"COVID-19 permitting, the ADF and MRF-D will also train with partner countries throughout the year, including exercise Talisman Sabre. These opportunities are a priority for the US Force Posture Initiatives, developing people-to-people links, interoperability and the sharing of expertise."

A total of around 2,200 personnel will arrive in Darwin by June.

The procedures for managing the MRF-D's arrival, quarantine and possible cases of COVID-19 have been developed and agreed in full consultation with NT Health authorities and will strictly adhere to all Australian Government requirements to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

Measures in place include:

- A comprehensive COVID-19 risk management plan, agreed to by the Northern Territory Chief Health Officer;

- All US personnel undergoing COVID-19 testing within 72 hours of departure for Australia and presenting a negative result before boarding;

- All US personnel completing mandatory 14-day quarantine, including COVID-19 testing on arrival in Australia and again before exiting quarantine; and

- MRF-D and ADF medical personnel monitoring the health of personnel.

To accommodate the US Marines this year, the MRF-D has leased a secure facility outside Darwin for the majority of personnel to complete the mandatory 14-day quarantine. However, the first two groups will quarantine in isolated accommodation on a Defence base.

The use of the leased facility and Defence base will ensure the MRF-D's arrival has no impact on repatriating Australians from overseas, which remains a key national priority for the Australian Government.

"Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner and I have discussed the extensive arrangements that have been put in place to manage the risk of COVID-19. I have also reaffirmed the Morrison Government's commitment to Defence investment in the Northern Territory," Minister Reynolds said.

"I thank the Northern Territory Government for their continued support in facilitating these strategically important activities for our nation."

The extent of COVID-19 mitigations implemented underscores the seriousness with which the Australian, Northern Territory and US Governments are prioritising the health and safety of all Australians.

"Additionally, this year marks 10 years since the United States Force Posture Initiatives were announced by Australia and the United States, and 70 years of the ANZUS treaty. During my discussions with Secretary Austin last week, I conveyed that my focus for this year included progressing bilateral force posture initiatives," Minister Reynolds said.

The MRF-D's arrival will have no impact on the return of Australians from overseas, and Defence is working closely with other relevant government agencies to ensure no disruption to repatriation efforts.

https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/lreynolds/media-releases/arrival-2021-marine-rotational-force-darwin


>Talisman Sabre

>Magic Sword

#12836590 at 2021-02-06 03:03:10 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #13 - THE WAR IS REAL Edition

Thousands of US marines to touch down in Darwin before June 2021

Lauren Roberts - 6 February 2021

Thousands of US marines will begin arriving in the Northern Territory within days as part of an annual training rotation, the Department of Defence has confirmed.

About 2,200 marines will arrive in Darwin from the United States between now and June this year, arriving in batches of 200-500 marines.

The Department of Defence says each marine will have to do a coronavirus test within 72 hours of their departure and show a negative result before boarding the plane to Australia.

After they touch down in the Northern Territory, the marines will have to do another COVID-19 test and then undertake 14 days of quarantine. Before leaving quarantine, each person will be tested again for COVID-19.

To accommodate the large group, the Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D) unit has rented a secure facility outside the NT capital for most of the US arrivals to quarantine in.

The first two groups, however, will quarantine in isolated accommodation on an unnamed Australian Defence base.

Earlier this year, the use of a Darwin CBD hotel as a quarantine facility for international military arrivals was the subject of significant criticism from health groups, including the Australian Medical Association and the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the use of the leased facility and Defence base would ensure the marines' arrival had no impact on repatriating Australians from overseas, which remained a key national priority for the Australian Government.

Ms Reynolds said the rotation would build on the success of last year's modified deployment.

In 2020, the annual rotation of marines was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, and a modified rotation of about 1,200 - roughly half the usual numbers - trained in the Northern Territory.

"The ability for this year's MRF-D to go ahead under challenging global circumstances, is a testament to the endurance and adaptability of the Australia-US Alliance," Ms Reynolds said.

While in the Northern Territory, the US marines and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will do training activities including security operations and high-end live-fire exercises.

"COVID-19 permitting, the ADF and MRF-D will also train with partner countries throughout the year, including exercise Talisman Sabre," Ms Reynolds said

Exercise Talisman Saber is the largest bilateral combined training activity between the US and Australian militaries and is planned to run from June to August this year along the Queensland coast.

The arrival of the 2021 cohort will be the 10th annual rotation of US marines in Darwin.

MRF-D Commanding Officer Colonel David Banning described the alliance between the US and Australia as "outstanding".

"We are excited to commemorate the 10th anniversary with two highly capable and interoperable forces that advance our shared goals, demonstrate the strength and endurance of our alliance, and contribute to regional security," he said.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-06/united-states-marines-to-arrive-in-darwin-amid-coronavirus/13128778

#7355124 at 2019-11-14 07:31:39 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #6 - YEAR OF THE BOOMERANG Edition

#5 - Part 9
>>7008869 Prime Minister Scott Morrison Tweet: An honour to tour the USS Ronald Reagan
>>7024634 Scott Morrison to go to Washington for Trump state dinner
>>7024648 "Five Eyes" Nations Finish Large-Scale Cyber Exercise
>>7024769 New Zealand begins first gun buyback collection after Christchurch massacre
>>7030919 Video: Highly mobile rocket systems to stay in Australia after Talisman Sabre ends
>>7030919 Talisman Sabre - "Magic Sword"
>>7036028 Police fork out more than $400,000 to gun owners at first buyback
>>7045888 Starfvkers Club in Sydney - Luceriferian pedes with tonnes of Illuminati symbols
>>7047157, >>7050369 Video: E.Jean Carroll interviewed by Leigh Sales on ABC 7:30
>>7056965 Man, 31, sentenced to 70 years jail for filming, uploading sex with one-year-old relative

>>7077915 Three arrested in Sydney over alleged $80 MILLION money-laundering syndicate operation
>>7078125 Jacinda Ardern to raise deportation of New Zealanders in meeting with Scott Morrison
>>7078408 Israelis to sue Facebook for 500bn in Australia over bitcoin market manipulation
>>7078676 WhatsApp security flaw - Australian MSM priming the public to deny the truth
>>7094073 Dutton looks to London for Five Eyes meeting with Huawei in its sights
>>7119558 Two charged with corruption offences involving $150 million redevelopment of Adelaide's Yatala Prison
>>7130278 (2016) Julia Gillard Has Warned Women To Expect Violent "Rape Threats" In Public Life
>>7130510, >>7143898, >>7144030, >>7144121 Gas explosion in New Zealand's Christchurch injures several people
>>7134547 The White House Tweet: Prime Minister and Mrs. Morrison will visit the White House in September!
>>7143499, >>7158142 Donald Trump grants his second state dinner at White House to Scott Morrison

>>7143499 President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump Announce Official Visit and State Dinner with Australia
>>7144113 Epstein's Temple features a cockatoo statue - "A Cockatoo is a Lookout"
>>7144142 Commentary on Julia Gillard - death bed confession of a high level Satanist
>>7144457 Video: Roman Polanski's 13-year-old Rape Victim Breaks her Silence - 60 Minutes Australia
>>7144704, >>7144712 'Stanley Kubrick Said Pedophiles Run The World' Claims Nicole Kidman
>>7144748 Over 60 Australian planes grounded after fatal crash in Sweden
>>7158089 Report Finds The Average Person Swallows The Plastic Equivalent Of A Credit Card Every Week
>>7158098 Video: Dubai royal insider breaks silence on escaped princesses - 60 Minutes Australia
>>7158115 New gun laws explained, but Government gets critical detail wrong
>>7166177 Q Posts #3472 and #3473 - "YEAR OF THE BOOMERANG"

>>7179257 George Pell mural removed by car park because it was 'offensive'
>>7179549 Breaking Bad Meets Bad Braking: Man Transporting $140 Million In Meth Crashes Into Cop Car
>>7179974, >>7179982 Serial killer fears after couple shot dead on Canada's 'highway of tears'
>>7196599 Top US officials to visit Australia next week for talks with Morrison
>>7197943 Australian mom working for UN in Fiji reportedly found dead in home
>>7198012 Witness Statement by Satanic Ritual Abuse Survivor, Fiona Barnett - Calling Out Her Pedophile Abusers
>>7198019 Independent Australia - Articles written by Fiona Barnett on child ritual and sexual abuse
>>7198082 (2008) Pope Benedict XVI has his own Mickey Mouse ears
>>7212895, >>7212903 8 pointed star used in Aussie coin, not 7 points as used on Aussie flag
>>7213120 Australia seeks to dissect Big Tech algorithms & impose 'code of conduct' to protect privacy
>>7219237 Europol's most wanted arrested for online sexual exploitation of children - "Hunters become the HUNTED."

#7355119 at 2019-11-14 07:30:04 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #6 - YEAR OF THE BOOMERANG Edition

#5 - Part 7
>>6864031 Rugby Australia denies offering Israel Folau money to take down controversial Instagram post
>>6864041 Australia Has First Bilateral Meeting With President Trump at G-20 Summit
>>6864080 Australia Planning New Naval Port For US To Counter China
>>6864108 USAF Tweet mentioning Australia: U.S.: "arrangement enhances readiness, cooperation"
>>6864229 Sydney Daily Telegraph 28 June 2019 Front Page - TRUMP & SCOMO
>>6871219 'No news' for US press in Morrison's dinner with Trump ("Learn our comms.")
>>6871346 Ivanka Trump Tweet: with @POTUS and the U.S. delegation at a working dinner with Australia's Prime Minister!
>>6875337 Owners of Social Media Pages Are Liable for Comments Posted by Others, NSW Supreme Court Finds
>>6875364 Australian Anon JesseJames digs into the dirt on every crooked American Democratic politician
>>6875465 Another Australian Anon with an extremely interdasting and deep insight into the "Q phenomenon"

>>6876741 Scott Morrison secures G20 deal to block violent terrorism on Facebook and social media
>>6877111 Social media giants need to 'raise the bar', PM says ahead of crackdown on streamed terror violence
>>6877195 Report of the Australian Taskforce to combat terrorist and extreme violent material online ("testing event")
>>6881114 Anons responses to proposed Social Media crackdown by Scott Morrison
>>6891804 Labor questions Julie Bishop's new job after politics
>>6894958 US ambassador's message for Morrison: 'embrace power role in Pacific'
>>6894966 Scott Morrison: missing Alek Sigley the focus of prayers
>>6895274 Vatican defends confessional secret as sexual abuse crisis stings
>>6903888 American war hero, Staff Sargeant David Bellavia, and Australian war correspondent, Michael Ware
>>6903902 Trump awards Medal of Honor to David Bellavia

>>6912108 Alek Sigley 'released from detention' in North Korea, Scott Morrison says
>>6912742 Islamic State-linked trio planned to attack embassies, police and defence facilities in central Sydney
>>6912774 Drama teacher advised boys to 'wear knee pads' to give directors oral sex for acting roles
>>6913256 New legal advice puts council fluoridation programs on shaky ground
>>6922875 NBN Outages - Part of recent web outages?
>>6923134 Google Maps down, sparking mass disorientation
>>6923142 Australian banking regulator confirms looser mortgage lending rules
>>6923150 Australian student 'very happy' in Tokyo after North Korea detention
>>6923476, >>6923898, >>6924071 >>6924526, Ausanon on the 4th of July Spectacular - WWG1WGA World Wide!
>>6937684 Was Alek Sigley detained to keep him quiet ahead of the Donald Trump meeting?

>>6937798 Judge orders 'potentially explosive' files on sex trafficking allegations against Jeffrey Epstein must be released
>>6938004 Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking bust: Convicted pedophile arrested on the tarmac
>>6938045 Jeffrey Epstein arrested for sex trafficking of minors
>>6938045 US Marines Tweet: Judgement Day
>>6939103 Q Posts referencing 'epstein'
>>6949356 North Korea says freed Australian student had been spying: KCNA
>>6963417 Epstein's Australian accuser "deeply pleased"
>>6964494 Israeli Police gearing up to indict minister suspected of aiding alleged pedophiles, including Malka Leifer
>>6964670, >>6964886 Chinese spy warship under close surveillance as it monitors Australian-U.S. military exercises
>>6964709, >>7057103 Anti-Iran protester arrested after climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge to deliver 'message to Trump'

>>6964788 BBC report on Christchurch killer and his connections to Europe far right groups
>>6978965 No way on Huawei: Morrison government doubles down on ban of Chinese telco supplier
>>6979179 Climate change doomsday report predicts end of human civilisation
>>6979202 Anons comments about cultural and symbolic relevance of Owls
>>6992525 Israeli medical committee rules Leifer faked medical condition to avoid extradition
>>6993196, >>7007824 Brisbane News Magazine - Astrology and Occult symbolism in a "post-Christian phase"
>>7007842 Half-Blood Thunder Moon Eclipse on July 17 in Asia and Australasia
>>7007905 Hillary Clinton videos of 2018 New Zealand visit are being censored by location
>>7008748 Joint US-Australian military exercise, "Talisman Sabre", begins in Queensland
>>7008771 Australia, US view world with same eyes: PM

#7226169 at 2019-07-28 06:22:03 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #5 - Shill count HIGH Edition

Massive military exercise Talisman Sabre ends in Brisbane

The end of Talisman Sabre has officially been marked with a formal closing ceremony on-board the USS Wasp, docked in The Port of Brisbane.

With a vantage point view from the flight deck of the 30-year-old war ship, the ceremony opened with the Australian and the American National Anthems.

Addressing a crowd of around 1000 military personnel, officials and special guests from both countries, Rear Admiral Fred Kacher, Commander of expeditionary strike group 7 expressed America's love for Australia- and one of the country's favourite snacks.

"For so many Americans, Australia is a dream destination not only for the beauty we see today, but for the great people that inhabit it," he said.

"With another generation of young Americans now fully acquainted with Australian football- we're still figuring out the rules.
"And biting into a Tim Tam cookie in the morning- or biscuit I should say- our time is probably just about ready to close at Talisman Sabre.

"The friendships that we've built will endure far beyond the exercise and it reminds us that we are all stronger together.

"Talisman Sabre represents another strong link in a bond of friendship that spans more than a century."

Rear Admiral Kacher said the training exercise allowed both countries to work together under realistic warfare circumstances.

"Through Talisman Sabre 2019, we have undeniably advanced our collective interoperability," he said.

"We stood watch side-by-side in the ships combat information centre, and we landed on the beach fighting shoulder to shoulder ashore.

The 2019 Talisman Sabre is the eighth - and the largest - in the series since its inception in 2005.

It involved 34,000 military personnel from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, UK, Canada and Japan.

Held over four weeks, it also involved 200 aircraft and 36 ships.

One of the ships that captured the most attention though was a Chinese spy ship located off the coast.

"We anticipate international interest in a major event like this, it's to be expected," Major General Robert Noble, Deputy Chief Joint Operations of the Australian Defence Force said.

"Nobody interfered with the exercise in any way.

"(Training) is not the same as the real thing, but it's as close to the real thing as we can get it ... you want to prepare people as best you can, so that when it gets to the real thing, it looks real, your surprises are not as many and you're mentally prepared to adapt to the reality of combat."

Speaking about the relationship between Australia and the US, Major General Noble said it was as strong now as ever before.

"You're not the first Americans to come here," he said.

"Your grandfathers were very welcome and you're very welcome as well, and your sons and daughters will be welcome here for many years to come."

Major General Noble said the 2019 Talisman Sabre was the most demanding, most complex and largest of the series.

Looking to the future however, Major General Noble said he predicts the next event in the series in 2021 will be the best yet.

American warships have started to disperse across the Pacific, with USS Wasp to make its way out of Australian waters in the coming days.

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/massive-military-exercise-Talisman-Sabre-ends-in-brisbane/news-story/44dc225ace296cbb79d80f8685642d72

#7044363 at 2019-07-15 02:15:35 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #5 - Shill count HIGH Edition

Marines bring highly mobile rockets to Australia
RP from QRes#8996

High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, known as HIMARS, will train with Marines in Darwin, Australia, after participating in this month's Talisman Sabre exercise Down Under, according to the Marine Corps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iptX_iTV_Z0

Talisman Sabre.

Magic Sword.

#7030919 at 2019-07-13 23:37:04 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #5 - Shill count HIGH Edition

Highly mobile rocket systems to stay in Australia after Talisman Sabre ends

High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, known as HIMARS, will train with Marines in Darwin, Australia, after participating in this month's Talisman Sabre exercise Down Under, according to the Marine Corps.

A platoon from the Okinawa-based 12th Marine Regiment brought three HIMARS launchers to Australia for the monthlong, biennial drills involving 34,000 U.S. and Australian troops.

"The HIMARS is a highly mobile artillery rocket system," 12th Marines commander Col. Mike Roach said in a phone interview from Australia on Thursday. "It's light and it's air transportable but it's all-weather capable and provides a range up to [186 miles]."

On Monday, 50 Marines teamed up with the Air Force, Australian army and Royal Australian Air Force to practice inserting the launchers into an expeditionary air base before conducting live-fire drills in coordination with ground and amphibious forces, Roach said.

Air Force C-130J cargo planes out of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, and KC-130s out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in mainland Japan flew the launchers into Williamson Airfield in the Australian state of Queensland.

The launchers conducted live-fire training with reduced-range practice rounds, but the capability of the HIMARS wasn't lost on Australian troops who watched them in action, Roach said.

"All the folks out there were very impressed at what it can do," he said.

The rocket artillery has participated in Talisman Sabre in past years. It has also seen service in Afghanistan and Iraq, where it struck insurgents up to 50 miles from where launchers were based, Roach said.

In an area as large as the Pacific, the rocket artillery provides commanders with the range to go after time-sensitive targets, he said.

After the exercise, the launchers will move to Australia's Northern Territory, where 2,500 Marines are training over summer as part of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, Roach said.

"The HIMARS are taking advantage of the opportunity that Australia provides," he said.

The sparsely-populated continent with its massive military training areas is a contrast to the Marines' home on Okinawa, where military bases take up much of the island, causing friction with some locals.

The HIMARS will conduct training in Darwin in August, Roach said.

https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/highly-mobile-rocket-systems-to-stay-in-australia-after-Talisman-Sabre-ends-1.589829

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iptX_iTV_Z0

Talisman Sabre

Magic Sword

#7024634 at 2019-07-13 10:23:28 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #5 - Shill count HIGH Edition

>>7024487
>we are working in tandem with the good guys in the USA to defeat evil.

Scott Morrison to go to Washington for Trump state dinner

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will head to the US to officially dine alongside President Donald Trump.

The Prime Minister's office has confirmed Mr Trump will play host at a state dinner at the White House for Mr Morrison, who says relations between Australia and the US are the strongest they've ever been.

Mr Trump has insisted the Mr Morrison be afforded the highest status offered to world leaders, including the first state dinner for an Australian leader since John Howard.

"This relationship with the United States is as strong as it has ever been, and I'm looking forward to making that visit to the White House," Mr Morrison told Liberal National Party faithful in Brisbane on Sunday.

"We've been fighting alongside the Americans for over a century, and that's what they see, and that's what they acknowledge.

"This relationship is a product of all that over a long period of time, but it will be my great honour to represent Australia when we go there in a few months."

The Weekend Australian understands the Prime Minister will make the trip in mid-September, with the formal invitation issued this week following a private meeting and dinner between the two leaders on the sidelines of the recent G20 summit in Osaka, when the US President is believed to have flagged the idea of an ­official visit.

The move by Mr Trump to elevate an official visit to include a formal state dinner at the White House will be the first for an Australian leader since Mr Howard and his wife Janette were hosted by George W. Bush in 2006.

It will also be seen in the strategic context as a demonstrable show of support from the US President for the Australia-US alliance and its critical role in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Mr Morrison said yesterday that Australia and the US saw the world "through the same eyes" after he was flown out to visit the flagship of the US Navy, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, taking part in the Talisman Sabre military exercises off Queensland.

"We are in awe of the strength and power of the United States which this ship so ably represents, but at the heart of our friendship are the values and beliefs that knit our two countries together," the Prime Minister said.

Speaking on the deck of the ship, Mr Morrison paid tribute to American leadership in the Pacific during World War II, saying the US "helped secure the freedom we enjoy today".

He said America deserved great credit for shaping a new global order when the war ended, adding that Australia and the US had "always understood each other and stood by each other".

"Australia believes in what Ronald Reagan called the 'truths and traditions' that define the United States," Mr Morrison said. "We stand together in these self-evident truths. We stand together for personal liberty and freedom. For democracy and the ballot box. For the rule of law, and freedom of association. For free economies and free peoples."

The deepening relationship between Mr Morrison and Mr Trump comes amid growing tensions between Iran and the West. Three Iranian ships this week tried to block a UK-flagged commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz - a choke point for the flow of Middle East oil to the rest of the world.

The US has also flagged the prospect of building a coalition to uphold freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf amid escalating tensions over Iran's decision to enrich uranium to levels beyond the terms of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Former prime ministers Tony Abbott, Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd never made "official visits" to the US, despite visiting the White House, with their trips recorded by the US embassy in Canberra as "working visits".

Malcolm Turnbull did make an official visit in February last year but was not hosted at a state dinner.

During his visit, Mr Morrison will also attend a wreath-laying at the Tomb Of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and meetings are likely to be held with senior members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Mr Trump said at the G20 that he would be keen to attend the Presidents Cup golf tournament in Melbourne in December.

Mr Morrison will become only the second world leader, after French President Emmanuel Macron, to have been hosted by Mr Trump at a state dinner at the White House.

(continued)

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/scott-morrison-to-go-to-washington-for-trump-state-dinner/news-story/be50d063b6812ebb034fad80b8c85680

#7008869 at 2019-07-12 09:20:16 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #5 - Shill count HIGH Edition

Prime Minister Scott Morrison Tweet

An honour to tour the USS Ronald Reagan as it participates in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 with the Australian Defence Force. The USS Ronald Reagan is an extraordinary symbol of the United States' commitment to the many nations of the Pacific region and their security.

https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1149588749375852544

#7008771 at 2019-07-12 08:58:00 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #5 - Shill count HIGH Edition

Aust, US view world with same eyes: PM

Australia and the United States see the world through the same eyes, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.

Mr Morrison's comments came as he paid tribute to 25,000 military personnel from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, UK, Canada and Japan taking part in the biennial Talisman Sabre exercises in Queensland.

"Australia and the United States see the world through the same eyes," he said on the deck of the USS Ronald Reagan.

"Or, as President Reagan put it, 'We both recognise the responsibility of freedom and are prepared to shoulder it squarely.'"

Mr Morrison described the $4.5 billion aircraft carrier, which has 4500 crew, as an "extraordinary symbol not only of American power, but of the United States' commitment to the many nations of this region and their security".

"It's not something we can ever take for granted."

American military newspaper Stars and Stripes reported the ship had a bumpy start, running into cranes in the Port of Brisbane as tug boats pulled it in so its sailors could take a short break before the exercises.

The incident, which is being investigated, caused minor damage to the ship and spilled hydraulic fluid on the pier.

https://www.theleader.com.au/story/6271775/aust-us-view-world-with-same-eyes-pm/?cs=9397

#7008748 at 2019-07-12 08:54:04 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #5 - Shill count HIGH Edition

Allies rattle Sabres before eyes of world

Military helicopters, warships and artillery systems were in action yesterday as the joint US-­Australian military exercise ­Talisman Sabre began in ­Queensland.

As RAAF and US Air Force helicopters were seen around Bundaberg and mobile artillery rocket vehicles were in use near Rockhampton, US warships ­travelled north for training activities off the coast of Shoalwater Bay today.

More than 34,500 Australian and US personnel are taking part in the largest bilateral military exercise to take place in Queensland, with 18 other nations including Japan, New Zealand, Canada and Britain sending observation teams.

Beijing also deployed a Chinese surveillance ship off the coast of Shoalwater Bay to watch the drills. Chinese vessels were also spotted off the Queensland coast during the last Talisman Sabre operation in 2017.

Talisman Sabre is held every two years to reflect the closeness of Australia's alliance and "enduring military relationship" with the US. It will conclude early next month.

While Australia's F-35s will not take part in the exercise, the US has sent a squadron of F-22 Raptors, a Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft and C-17 Globemasters.

The US Marine Corp will operate F-35s.

Lieutenant General Rick Burr of the Australian Army said on Wednesday that forces would be "hard at work with our partners and allies" throughout the operation. "Our army is ... building a tactical edge through new capabilities, strong partnerships and leadership at all levels," he said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/allies-rattle-Sabres-before-eyes-of-world/news-story/95c50b1929df5cf0126244aeb0b67ab4