the best thing they could do is get someone else as shadow defmin... he is patently hopeless and obviously has no idea about what Lab did with subs on their watch....
Combet was probably Labors greatest loss, intelligent, technically qualified professional a real cut above the usual law, commerce, arts and politics graduates both sides foist on us. He was across his brief in every portfolio he held, a rare thing, especially in defence. I wonder if he got out because he was sick of it or rather because Labor didn't want to have the same issue as the Liberals, a minister who was both more capable and better liked than the anointed leader.
Conroy is a congenital idiot - way out of his depth. Just goes to show how far Shorten has to stoop to protect his position
Highly regarded - as he was brutal when in the Senate, but defended and protected Defence when he got the job - and he didn't suffer fools
Apparently the RAN are examining the Kiwi engine upgrade of their Anzacs. I understand further upgrades of the RAN Anzacs are due in 2018 so it may be this will be part of the programme.
I hope the RAN don't make a decision based on cost alone. We have Navantia ships in the fleet and commonality of systems must play a part in the decision making process. I understand a decision by the RAN is due before the end of the year?
Oh please let's not get into basing our acquisitions on looks, Remind's me of the American bloke that had issues with the modern helmet being a 'Nazi helmet' The New Helmets That American War Fighters Wear Are Very Displeasing. - WWII General - WWII Forums
thats the kind of comment that beancounters, fiscally influenced consultants to PMO, Treasury and Finance enjoy....
I actually asked the question about systems commonality with the Aegir verses the Cantabria back in 2012 and the answer was quite simple, fit the Aegir with all the required common systems. It is a very flexible design that can be tailored to the specific requirements of any customer navy using any systems desired with minimal impact on cost or schedule.
Are there any Aegir ships operating with Navies around the world today? Cost appears to be a strong motivating factor for the RN. Ditto the Kiwis who appear to be keen on the ship.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/first-tide-class-fleet-tanker-now-afloat/
I viewed the Feb2015 news file and the pictures of the ship's construction are impressive.
Yes it can from memory, I read somewhere it takes about 4-5 hours
Apparantly future helicopter capabilty calls for both manned and unmanned and ADF has shown interest in the MQ8C Fire Scout. If and it's a big if we did go for the damen 1400 according to the brochure it has a flight deck capabilty of 6000kg which is the max take off weight of MQ-8C but that leaves no room for expansion at a later date. Scuttlebutt has pointed towards something like the Damen 2400 which would give us a future growth path
