Industry: Rheinmetall selects Queensland for Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence

Rheinmetall Defence Australia today announced it had selected Queensland as its location for its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) and the Australian Headquarters that will be established if the company is successful in securing Australia’s Land 400 combat reconnaissance vehicle program.

Currently the largest supplier of military vehicles to the Australian Defence Force, Rheinmetall will establish the MILVEHCOE as a sovereign industrial capability for the continuous design, manufacture, export and support for military vehicles, turrets and tactical systems. The MILVEHCOE will also draw on a supply network across Australia to deliver products and services from local industry into Rheinmetall’s Global Supply Chain.

Rheinmetall is delivering more than 2500 logistics trucks to the Australian Army under the LAND 121 Phase 3B program and is currently bidding for the supply of the armoured combat reconnaissance vehicle under the Commonwealth of Australia’s Land 400 Phase 2 program.

As a centre of excellence, the MILVEHCOE will be the focal point for the LAND 400 combat vehicles, LAND 121 logistics vehicles, and other complex defence projects. Advanced manufacturing jobs will be created in a wide range of technologies including military vehicle design, medium calibre weapons and ammunition, protection systems, fire control and surveillance systems, and systems engineering and integration.

Industry: Improved performance for Military Trucks through the application of unique Australian technology

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV) has today announced a partnership with Adelaide based suspension and technology company Supashock for the development and manufacture of a revolutionary military suspension and integrated intelligent load handling system for its range of military trucks.

RMMV has funded Supashock to develop the system for the Australian and global markets. The system integrates Supashock’s novel active suspension technology with an intelligent load handling system and will substantially increase the capability and safety of RMMV’s military trucks in demanding on and off-road environments.

Through comparative testing Supashock’s suspension technology has been shown to substantially improve the mobility of RMMV’s trucks, while at the same time enhancing on-road safety and reducing the shock and vibration experienced by the load the truck is carrying. Rheinmetall sees broad application of the integrated intelligent load handling system and Supashock’s suspension technology on both Australian and international programs as it will deliver a real capability edge for our customers.

Rheinmetall’s investment in Supashock is on the back of an Australian Federal government entrepreneurs grant that was recently announced by the Australian Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne.

News Story: China defends North Korea trade after its trucks haul missiles

By: Matthew Brown

BEIJING — China defended its trade practices on Tuesday after Chinese-made vehicles were seen towing ballistic missiles during a North Korea military parade despite international sanctions against selling military hardware to Pyongyang. 

Saturday's parade honoring North Korea's founder, Kim Il Sung, came amid heightened tensions over the country's nuclear ambitions. It featured a senior official, Choe Ryong Hae, warning of "all-out war" if North Korea is attacked. 

Photos provided by the North Korean government showed the submarine-launched missiles being pulled by trucks bearing the logo of the Chinese company Sinotruk. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China conducts "normal" business with its neighbor North Korea while adhering to sanctions imposed beginning in 2006 by the United Nations Security Council. 

"China has been performing its international obligations strictly, including those stipulated in the Security Council resolution. But meanwhile, we carry on normal economic exchanges and trade with all parties including North Korea," Lu said. 

China accounts for an estimated 80 percent of North Korea's foreign trade, along with crucial food and fuel assistance. 

Read the full story at DefenseNews

News Story: Japan opens new military offer to nations like Philippines

Type 73 Medium Truck (Image: Wiki Commons)

Amid efforts to enhance defense cooperation with Southeast Asia, Japan seeks to offer ASEAN nations second-hand military transport vehicles from its Ground Self Defense Force.

Japan is planning to pass a bill during the current Diet session that would allow Japan to donate defense equipment to foreign partners.

The government wants to talk with recipient countries — such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia — as early as this summer.

Read the full story at Tankler

News Story: Dangers remain as relief gets through to New Zealand quake zone

HMNZS Canterbury (Image: Wiki Commons)

WELLINGTON, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Military forces from four nations were carrying food and other emergency supplies in quake-ravaged Kaikoura, in New Zealand's South Island, Friday despite continued dangers from aftershocks and the unstable terrain.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) was leading deliveries by land, sea and air as it pulled out all stops to stave off a shortage of food, water and other basic necessities in the quake-damaged town.

Two people died and about 1,000 tourists were stranded in Monday's 7.8-magnitude quake, which wiped out all road and rail links into Kaikoura.

"We are using our maritime, land and air assets to achieve our immediate priority, which is to deliver essential supplies to affected communities," Major General Tim Gall, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said in a statement.

Four maritime helicopters provided by Australia, Canada and the United States were helping offload about 216 tons of supplies from New Zealand navy supply ship HMNZS Canterbury, which had returned to Kaikoura, he said.

Read the full story at Xinhua

Industry: Rheinmetall at Land Forces 2016

Lynx armoured fighting vehicle

Cutting edge technologies for security and mobility

As a globally leading tech group specializing in security and mobility, Rheinmetall stands shoulder-to-shoulder with armed forces and law enforcement agencies around the world, serving as a reliable partner – a fact borne out by the Group’s presence at the Land Forces 2016 in Adelaide.

Rheinmetall has underscored its commitment to Australian Industry with the participation of four local companies on the group’s stand at Land Forces 2016. These are Adelaide-based Supashock; Melbourne-based Tectonica Australia; Melbourne-based Thomas Warburton; and Sydney-based Axalta Coating Systems.

Industry: Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles delivers first trucks to Commonwealth of Australia

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia (RMMVA) today delivered the first batch of next-generation military logistics trucks to the Commonwealth of Australia at a ceremony in Brisbane as part of the Project LAND 121 Phase 3B program.

The occasion was marked with an official handover of 12 vehicles at Gallipoli Barracks, near Brisbane, attended by Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon. Michael McCormack MP.

Also in attendance were officials from the Capability, Acquisition, Sustainment Group (CASG), senior leadership of the Australian Army and senior representatives of Australian companies delivering key elements of the project including Haulmark Trailers Australia, Canberra-based Sea Box Australia, Newcastle-based Varley Group, Sydney-based RPC Technologies and Brisbane-based Holmwood Highgate.

AUS: LAND 121 Phase 3B Milestone

Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Michael McCormack MP, gives a speech prior to the acceptance of the first vehicles, modules and trailers delivered under LAND 121 Phase 3-B at Gallipoli Barracks (© Australian DoD) >>

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has officially received the first trucks and trailers from two Australian companies on behalf of the Commonwealth as part of project LAND 121 Phase 3B.

Assistant Minister for Defence the Hon Michael McCormack today congratulated Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia and Haulmark Trailers Australia on the delivery of the vehicles and trailers.

“I am delighted to accept today on behalf of the Australian Government the first 12 trucks from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia and the delivery of more than 70 trailers from Haulmark,” Mr McCormack said.

AUS: New facilities approved for Defence’s LAND 121 Vehicles

Parliament has approved a $276 million Defence facilities project to support the introduction of the new LAND 121 vehicle fleet, Assistant Minister for Defence Michael McCormack announced today.

The facilities will assist in maintaining, supporting and sustaining the incoming LAND 121 vehicle fleet across the nation.

Facilities works include new maintenance workshops and associated repair parts stores, weighbridges, loading and inspection ramps, wash points, fuel points, vehicle shelters and associated hardstand.

This capital investment in facilities will bring economic stimulus, with expected opportunities for local sub-contractors over the next 3 years.

This is in addition to the already strong Australian industry involvement in the manufacture and delivery of the LAND 121 vehicles themselves.

Construction of facilities is expected to begin by mid 2016 and be completed by late 2019.

AUS DoD

NOTE: The “LAND 121” Link in the above was added by PacificSentinel for clarity & context.

Editorial: China Pledges New Military Aid to Cambodia

By Prashanth Parameswaran

Beijing agrees to provide further assistance to one of its staunchest Asian partners.

China and Cambodia agreed to boost their military ties following a meeting between their defense ministers on November 6 in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.

According to Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh in remarks after consultations with his visiting Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan, China agreed to provide Cambodia with further military assistance to boost the capabilities of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

Though specifics of the assistance remain unclear, Banh, who is also a deputy prime minister, indicated that it includes telecommunications and radio equipment from China to improve Cambodia’s ability to communicate across all command headquarters. It also reportedly involves continued Chinese assistance in training and constructing military academies as well as increased exercises and exchanges.

Read the full story at The Diplomat

News Story: China supplies Cambodia with anti-aircraft hardware in new military aid

Reporting by Prak Chan Thul; 

Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing; 

Editing by Robert Birsel

China have provided Cambodia with shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, Cambodia's defense minister said on Friday, as the two countries agreed on new military aid to boost close ties.

Cambodia is one of China's most stalwart allies in Asia, routinely backing China's position at international forums in a region where China and United States vie for influence.

"The visit of the defense minister of the People's Republic of China has achieved good results," Defense Minister Tea Banh told reporters after a signing ceremony with his visiting Chinese counterpart, Chang Wanquan.

Tea Banh attended a meeting of defense ministers from the region this week where they scrapped plans for a joint statement because they failed to agree on whether to include a reference to the disputed South China Sea, which China had objected to.

Tea Banh made no mention of those negotiations but said China had recently delivered shoulder-fired missiles.

Read the full story at Reuters

USA: Ashland Arrives in Okinawa and Offloads 31st MEU

WHITE BEACH, Okinawa (April 18, 2014) Landing craft utility (LCU) 1633, assigned to Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, departs Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) with vehicles assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) after a stern gate marriage. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Raymond D. Diaz III/Released) [Image: Flickr User - U.S. Pacific Fleet] >>

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David A. Cox, Amphibious Squadron Eleven Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- The amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) arrived in Okinawa, Japan Aug. 27 to offload the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

Ashland completed an array of exercises throughout her patrol, which began June 3, that culminated in the bi-annual, joint-force exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 in addition to providing aide to Saipan after Typhoon Soudelor made landfall.

Ashland's final mission will be to offload the embarked 31st MEU's Amphibious Assault Platoon and Command Logistics Battalion (CLB) 7 in Okinawa.

Editorial: Cambodia’s Well-Heeled Military Patrons

By Luke Hunt

Could a privately funded army break down into militias and turn on itself?

Cambodia has struggled in the aftermath of three decades of war, with 17 years of troubled peace marred by political killings, dubious elections, and a litany of human rights violations that have cast doubts over the political process.

A population bubble and high crime rates have also reshaped the urban landscape, where residents live behind high fences laced with razor wire, windows are barred, and three padlocks on the front gate is not unusual.

It’s a recipe of constant pressures.

Despite this unflattering backdrop, Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Defense Minister Tea Banh have offered each other a pat on the back for ensuring national security and the undeniable economic growth that came with Cambodia’s very flawed peace train.

Importantly, the pair insisted it was the rebuilding and restoration of pride in the country’s military by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) that made their boast possible.

The occasion was the fifth anniversary of an unprecedented sponsorship deal, which formalized a relationship between the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and the country’s powerful business tycoons, known by their official title as “oknha.”

“We needed hardware, so lots of private companies gave us money to buy weapons. I don’t want to reveal their names,” Tea Banh told hundreds of RCAF officials who gathered in the capital’s Peace Palace to toast the five-year-old deal.

Read the full story at The Diplomat

News Report: Analysts See Cambodia Bolstering Military Ties With China

Neou Vannarin

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA—Cambodia is strengthening its military ties with China, and analysts say it is likely to continue doing so for the forseeable future.

Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh made a five-day trip to China last week, meeting with high-ranking military officials and receiving pledges of assistance from the Chinese military.

In a recent interview, he told the VOA Khmer service that the visit was successful in bringing military cooperation between the countries even closer. That relationship is closer than Cambodia’s military ties with the U.S., he said.

Analysts say Phnom Penh is likely to look more and more to Beijing for support because of growing tensions with its old patron, Vietnam, over border issues.

Industry: Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia hands over final vehicles to New Zealand

New Zealand’s Secretary of Defence Helene Quilter has accepted the final vehicles of the new Medium and Heavy Operational Vehicles fleet (MHOV) from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia (RMMVA). RMMVA was awarded the contract to supply New Zealand’s armed forces with 194 vehicles and specialist trailers in April 2013.

The New Zealand Defence Force now owns one of the most modern and versatile logistic vehicle fleets with the latest automotive technology and significantly increased capabilities for his troops. The fleet comprises 6-tonne (4x4) 9-tonne (6x6) and 15-tonne (8x8) platforms in ten variants. All vehicles can be fitted with applique armour, weapon mounts and a communications fit whilst specialist vehicles are fitted with a range of mechanical handling equipment or bodies such as cranes palletised load handling equipment, load sensors and winches whilst specialist variants include dump trucks and tractor units.

Editorial: China Just Gave Cambodia’s Military a Boost

By Prashanth Parameswaran

Beijing delivers another batch of defense equipment to its Southeast Asian partner.

On May 23, China delivered a range of defense equipment to Cambodia as part of Beijing’s ongoing efforts to boost the capabilities of one of its key partners in Southeast Asia.

According to The Cambodia Daily, the delivery included 44 vehicles – including jeeps, rocket-launcher mounted trucks and at least a half-dozen anti-aircraft guns mounted on wheels – 20 forklifts, four mobile kitchens, some 2,000 kg of unspecified chemicals and 10,000 kg worth of spare parts. The delivery was formalized through a handover ceremony between Cambodian defense minister Tea Banh and Chinese ambassador Bu Jianguo which took place at the Infantry Institute in Kampong Speu province – a facility which was itself funded by Beijing.

Read the full story at The Diplomat

Industry: Thales lands contract for Thales's intercom system Sotas Lite in Australia

> Thales’s new crew intercom system.

> Sotas Lite to be installed in more than 2,500 trucks.

> Third Sotas programme in Australia.

As part of the Australia’s Land 121 Phase 3B Project, Thales has signed a contract with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia for a C4I[1] system and will supply the Sotas Lite, Thales’s new crew intercom system, to the Australian Defence Force.

In the scope of this project, the Australian Defence Force will acquire up to 2,536 medium and heavy category logistic trucks. The Phase 3B fleet will include protected vehicles, for operational deployment and tactical training, and unprotected vehicles for tactical training purposes only. Rheinmetall has been contracted to supply these vehicles by the Australian Defence Force.

Industry: Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia awards key subcontracts under LAND 121 3B

Companies in Newcastle, Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra have won major subcontracts under the Australian Army’s Land 121 Phase 3B program after a competitive tender process overseen by prime contractor Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia (RMMVA).

RMMVA secured the Land 121 Phase 3B contract in 2013 to supply the Commonwealth of Australia with more than 2,500 medium and heavy military logistical trucks and nearly 3,000 modules.

RMMVA Managing Director Peter Hardisty said the company was committed to ensuring Australian industry had every opportunity to compete on merit for all supply contracts identified for local procurement.

“Each of the successful companies has demonstrated expertise and many years of experience supplying premium products for the Australian military or the Australian civilian market.”

News Story: New Zealand Boosts Defense Spending

ANZAC class Frigate; HMNZS Te Kaha (File Photo)

By NICK LEE-FRAMPTON

WELLINGTON — New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman has announced the government will invest NZ $100.9 million (US $86 million) of operating funds in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) in 2014/2015. Further details will be revealed when the budget is released May 15.

It is the first stage of an allocation of NZ $535.5 million in operating funds for the NZDF over the next four years, Coleman said.

“This … means the government is addressing the long-term funding gap which we inherited,” he said.

Although a lot of money had been spent ordering new kit, including new Seasprite SH-2G(I) naval helicopters, MAN Army trucks and a PT-6 pilot training package, Coleman said there is not enough funding to enable personnel to run them properly.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

Editorial: From Delhi to Kabul, Via Moscow

By Kabir Taneja

India may enlist Russia to provide Afghan government forces with needed weapons.

Debate over the security of Afghanistan after NATO forces pull out later this year is gathering momentum in New Delhi. During one of his trips to India last year, Afghan President Hamid Karzai provided the government with a military wish list, posing a challenge for the Indian leadership as to how to address the request.

One of the many strategies that New Delhi seems to be working on to make sure Afghanistan does not fall back into the hands of Islamists is to provide its government with military aid via Moscow. Even though the Afghan police and other security institutions have received training from their Indian counterparts, New Delhi has been apprehensive about directly providing Kabul with lethal military equipment because it fears they may end up in the wrong hands, which could damage its local reputation as predominantly a provider of developmental aid.

However, India is thinking of fulfilling at least some of Kabul’s wishes in order to maintain its strategic upper hand in Afghanistan, by providing military aid routed through Russia. Under the plan being considered, Moscow will provide Kabul with equipment such as helicopters, mobile bridges, trucks and possibly ammunition and certain artillery, while India foots the bill. This would not be the first suggestion that Moscow send its own military hardware to Afghanistan on behalf of a third party. Last year the U.S. was set to pay $1 billion for new Russian Mi-17 helicopters to be delivered to Afghanistan. However, the deal fell through after pressure on Washington mounted following allegations that the Russian firm manufacturing the aircraft, Rosoboronexport, was also providing weapons to Syria. The collapse of this deal was seen as a major setback for Afghan government forces. 

Read the full story at The Diplomat