Strategic Elements entering defence sector with autonomous vehicle platform
Subsidiary Stealth Technologies will conduct a feasibility and scoping study with the Defence Science and Technology Group for autonomous sensing and search of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear sources. The study will integrate DST developed search algorithms into a Stealth drone autonomously launched and landed by a Stealth autonomous ground vehicle.
Strategic Elements Ltd (ASX:SOR) is entering the defence sector with its autonomous vehicle platform and will conduct a feasibility and scoping study with the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group.
The study will focus on autonomous sensing and search of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) sources.
Australian military to stop using Israeli technology
The Australian Defense Forces will stop using Israeli defense company Elbit’s Battle Management System (BMS) starting in mid-June, Australian Defense Magazine reported last week. The ADF informed Elbit Australia about the decision without giving any explanation, the report said. Tensions had been simmering between Elbit and the Australian Defense Department, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported last week. Elbit was imposing “huge premiums” because it has a monopoly on the system, an officer familiar with the matter was quoted as saying.
China Has Been ‘Very Clear’ About Their Intentions: Australian Defence Minister
Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton has said that China has been obvious about its intentions in the Indo-Pacific and it wouldn’t be in the country’s national interests to ignore it. He also warned that Australia is already at war on a cyber front from adversaries that he won’t shy away from naming and shaming if they’re state actors.
Speaking with The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age on Monday, Dutton said that the Chinese regime had been “very clear about their strategy, their approach and their desires” for the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. Agrees $1.94B in Military Sales to Australia for Tanks, Helicopters
3 May 2021
The U.S. State Department has approved two potential arms deals for Australia totaling $1.94 billion which are destined to provide the key Indo-Pacific ally with new Abram main battle tanks and more helicopters.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency agreed the first deal on Friday. It is valued at $1.685 billion and sees the United States selling 160 M1A1 tank structures to build M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles and other vehicles, according to the DSCA’s press release.
According to the DSCA, the heavy armed combat systems deal would enhance the “lethality, survivability, and interoperability of the Australian Army” and “strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats.”
Australia Invests $580 Million Toward Military Upgrades, U.S. Alliance
Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
29 Apr 2021
Australia will invest $580 million to upgrade four of its northern military bases and expand “war gaming” exercises with the United States, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Wednesday.
“Our focus is on pursuing peace, stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific, with a world order that favors freedom,” Morrison told Australia’s
Daily Telegraph newspaper on April 28.
“Working with the United States, our allies, and Indo-Pacific neighbors, we will continue to advance Australia’s interests by investing in the Australian Defence Force, particularly across Northern Australia,” the prime minister said.