Free Republic

US bombers to practise in NT Brendan Nicholson July 24, 2006 UNITED States bombers will pound a test range in the Northern Territory this week, practising the pinpoint strikes they would use on targets such as nuclear weapons sites, missiles or terrorist bases. The bombers will fly non-stop from their base on Guam and back, and be refuelled in the air by American planes operating out of the RAAF base in Darwin. Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said it was important for Australia to work more effectively with its major ally to meet new threats, including those from terrorism and weapons...

AUSTRALIA’S OVER THE HORIZON RADAR TO BE ENHANCED Australia’s border protection agencies will be equipped with an enhanced ability to detect the illegal movement of people and goods with an upgrade of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today. Senator Hill said the $62 million upgrade would improve the sensitivity of the operational radars and significantly improve their ability to conduct national surveillance of the northern and western approaches to Australia. It will also ensure that Australia remains a world leader in over-the-horizon radar technology. "After the enhancement program, the radars will have a greater...