Category: Defence

Defence said earlier this week it was committed to “replacing and expanding” the Lockheed Martin C-130, but the US State Department seemingly gave away more details of a possible deal when it granted permission for the transaction.

Siswo Pramono called the development an “arms race” in an interview with The Guardian and raised concerns it could stifle economic progress because the research was “very expensive”.

Andrew Hastie also called for an increase in defence spending “well above” 2 per cent of GDP and argued that “the window is closing fast” for Australia to be ready for a major war.

Though previous launches were undertaken under restrictions of civilian launch, the company has confirmed that the new approval will enable it to test, integrate and refine the guidance systems to a higher standard.