Media Releases
Unmanned Aerial System
MIN113/06 of 28 Jul 06 - Unmanned Aerial System a Step Closer. First pass approval has been granted to allow Defence to commence formal negotiations to participate with the United States Navy in the cooperative development of a MUAS capability.
This exciting new capability signals a change in the way Australia will undertake maritime surveillance and reconnaissance in the future. The MUAS capability can operate up to 18 km above the earth's surface, thousands of kilometers from home and for periods exceeding 24 hours... more
Project Wedgetail
MIN102/06 of 29 Jun 06 - Wedgetail Projects. I have met with Boeing senior management in Washington, D.C., to discuss the timeframe for the delivery of the Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. I was joined in the discussions by Lieutenant General David Hurley, Chief Capability Development Group.
During our talks, Boeing CEO Jim Albaugh confirmed the Wedgetail project has slipped behind schedule. Until recently, Boeing was advising that this project had been running well and achieving significant success for one of such complexity... more
Defence Capability Plan
MIN97/06 of 20 Jun 06 - $51 Billion Defence Capability Plan for 2006-2016. Today I am releasing to the Australian defence industry, the public version of the Defence Capability Plan (DCP) 2006-16. It outlines more than $51 billion of major capital equipment proposals which are planned to be evaluated by Government over the next decade.
This DCP is fundamentally affordable and achievable. The proposals it contains are essential to deliver the capability required by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to maintain Australia's security... more
Sea King & Black Hawk Replacement
MIN96/06 of 19 Jun 06 - MRH 90 to Replace SEA KING and BLACK HAWK Helicopters. I am pleased to announce that Government has approved a $ 2 billion acquisition of thirty-four MRH 90 helicopters to replace Navy's Sea King and Army's Black Hawk helicopters.
The selection of the MRH 90 complements the Government's decision in 2004 to acquire an initial twelve MRH 90 helicopters as Army's additional troop lift helicopter. Delivery of the first twelve is scheduled from December 2007 through to December 2009... more