Minor project changes reflected in updated DCP
The Commonwealth has revealed few changes in its first planned six monthly update of the 2009 Defence Capability Plan (DCP). Many of the changes in the updated version reflect projects that have matured to first pass approval since the previous version was published in July 2009, including the seven new CH-47F Chinooks to be acquired
RAAF accepts first Super Hornet
The RAAF has officially accepted the first of 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets at a ceremony at NAS Lemoore in California on February 18. The aircraft, A44-203, was signed over to the DMO by representatives of the US Defense Contract Management Agency in the presence of RAAF and US Navy officials. Aircrews and maintenance personnel from
Malaysia to retain MiG-29s
Malaysia will retain 10 of its MiG-29 fighters for a few years and delay buying a replacement, according to defence minister Ahmad Hamidi. Despite reports last year that the fleet would be retired by the end of 2010 and sold on to a third party country, the decision to retain the capability will see six
‘In principle’ deal reached on A400M
An in principle agreement has been reached between partner nations and EADS on the future of the A400M transport, according to Spain’s defence minister, Carme Chacon. The announcement was made at a meeting of European defence ministers in Spain where future funding for the ailing project was discussed. “I am able to tell you with
USAF budgets US$1bn for JASSM
The USAF has budgeted more than US$950m (A$1.07bn) through to 2015 to continue its acquisition of Lockheed Martin AGM-158 JASSM missiles. The move comes after a successful round of tests late last year in which the weapon achieved 15 hits in 16 test firings. The tests were conducted after earlier tests revealed flaws in the
Tenders called for F-111G destruction
The Commonwealth has called for tenders for the destruction of the RAAF’s retired F-111Gs which are currently in open storage at Amberley. The tender specifies the destruction of 13 F-111G airframes and 70 TF30 engines. It is understood the G models must be destroyed under US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITARS) rules rather than
