ADF Archives - CONTACT magazine

155mm rounds in the field. (Cropped) photo by Corporal Brandon Grey.

Defence cancels 155mm forging commitment

29/06/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2552 Views 5 Comments

In a positively-spun statement headlined “Defence’s commitment to domestic manufacturing of large calibre munitions”, the Department of Defence has effectively

Australian Army Soldiers board a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft in support of Operation Beech, at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Campbell Latch.

ADF News

Troops and aircraft deployed to Middle East

22/06/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 34706 Views 15 Comments Operation Beech

To support Australians seeking to leave the Middle East, Australian Defence Force personnel and aircraft have been deployed to the

Head of Military Strategic Plans Major General Colin Karotam talks with defence industry professionals during Exercise Autonomous Warrior 2022 at HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, Australian Capital Territory. Photo by Leading Seaman Ryan Tascas.

ADF ADF People News

Military members honoured in King’s Birthday list

08/06/202515/06/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 506 Views 0 Comments

ADF personnel are recognised for a broad range of skills and contributions across three services in this year’s King’s Birthday

ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Talil, Iraq, 2008. Photo by Brian Hartigan.

ADF News Veterans

NSW to build memorial to contemporary veterans

18/04/202501/05/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 1182 Views 0 Comments

New South Wales government has revealed the designs and location for a new war memorial dedicated to honouring the service

Sergeant Matthew Watson and Sapper Daniel Almer from 20th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron prepare an unexploded ordnance for disposal during Operation Render Safe 25-B Nauru. Photo by Sergeant Samuel Miller.

ADF News Pacific

Sappers helping Nauru to be safe

11/04/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 960 Views 0 Comments Operation Render Safe

A team of ADF explosives experts worked with Government of Nauru authorities to dispose of two World War 2-era unexploded

HMAS Sydney departs Darwin on Regional Presence Deployment 25-2. Photo by Leading Seaman David Cox.

ADF Asia News

HMAS Sydney leads Aussie team on Bersama Shield 2025

11/04/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 966 Views 0 Comments Bersama Shield

HMAS Sydney is leading the Australian charge on Exercise Bersama Shield 2025 as part of Australia’s second regional presence deployment

The Australian Defence Force has selected the F9 pistol as its newest sidearm. Its lightweight design and high-capacity magazine make it a top choice for military use. Photo by Corporal Janet Pan.

ADF News

ADF gets new pistol

04/04/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2946 Views 0 Comments

With the new F9 sidearm weapon system (F9 SWS) in hand, personnel have begun pulling the trigger on a new

A RAAF F-35 Lightning II does a flypast during the Australian International Airshow at Avalon, Victoria. Photo by John Jennings.

ADF News Royal Australian Air Force

Australian International Air Show 2025 wrapped up

01/04/202504/04/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 1894 Views 2 Comments

Chief of Air Force has praised the support of Royal Australian Air Force personnel who contributed to a hugely successful

Retired Australian Army combat assault dogs Aslan, left, and Manic, of the 2nd Commando Regiment, receive the inaugural Australian Animal Distinguished Service Award at the Australian War Memorial. Story and photos by Corporal Jacob Joseph.

ADF ADF People Veterans

Commando canines honoured for service

28/02/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1751 Views 0 Comments 2nd Commando Regiment, Australian Animal Distinguished Service Award, aww, Dogs of Valour, Middle East Region, Military Working Dogs, Purple Popply Day, Service Dogs

A retired combat assault dog named Manic, who served with the 2nd Commando Regiment in Iraq, received a new award

Major Liz Daly competes for the ball during the wheelchair rugby competition at Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. Story by Flying Officer Belinda Barker. Photo by WOFF Ricky Fuller.

ADF ADF People Health and Wellbeing Invictus Games

Day 6: Wheelchair rugby builds international links

18/02/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 576 Views 0 Comments Invictus Games

Wheelchair rugby and international relationships were the real winners on day six of Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. CAPTION: Major Liz

Katie Chapman, Alana Blackman, Cindy ChawnTyler-Marie Gray and Buffy Little psyche up before the Anzac women's snowboarding competition during Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. Story by Flying Officer Belinda Barker. Photos by Warrant Officer Ricky Fuller.

ADF ADF People Health and Wellbeing Invictus Games

Day 5: Anzac spirit alive at Whistler

14/02/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1306 Views 0 Comments Invictus Games

We’ve fought side-by-side, laughed together and constantly sledged each other. CAPTION: Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Team Australia competitor Katie

Captain Olivia Miley-Dyer stands on the podium after claiming gold in the Nordic cross-country skiing at Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. Story by Flying Officer Belinda Barker. Photos by Flight Sergeant Christopher Dickson.

ADF ADF People Health and Wellbeing Invictus Games

Day 4, a day of firsts, medals and mateship

14/02/202514/02/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 606 Views 0 Comments Invictus Games

A bluebird day uncovered bucket loads of Aussie grit and determination during day four of Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.

Invictus Games 2025 Team Australia celebrate at the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada. Photo by Flight Sergeant Christopher Dickson.

ADF News Veterans

Invictus Games 2025 opens in Vancouver

10/02/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 1219 Views 0 Comments Invictus Games, Invictus Games 2025

Team Australia joined roughly 5000 attendees at a spectacular opening ceremony for Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, which, for the

Darcy Elbourne waves the Australian flag in the driveway of his home as Army personnel head out to conduct relief and recovery tasks during Operation NSW Flood Assist in Taree. Photo by Corporal Sagi Biderman.

ADF News

‘National pride’ missing key to national defence – Peter Leahy

05/02/202508/02/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2776 Views 13 Comments

A paper prepared by the Returned & Services League of Australia’s Defence and National Security Committee contends that Australia is

Commandant of the Australian Defence Force Academy Brigadier Troy Francis is honoured to lead an institution he always wanted to be involved with. Photos by John Carroll.

ADF ADF People

ADFA appointment a highlight for brigadier

04/02/202504/02/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 2209 Views 0 Comments ADFA

Brigadier Troy Francis has been appointed commandant of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) for the next three years. CAPTION: Commandant

ADF ADF People Health and Wellbeing Invictus Games

Invictus Games success has only just begun

31/01/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 953 Views 0 Comments Invictus Games

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 might not have started yet, but Adelaide’s Sean Grimmond is already hailing the event

Invictus Games 2025 Team Australia competitor Katie Chapman. Story by Flying Officer Tina Langridge. Photo by Flight Sergeant Christopher Dickson.

ADF ADF People Health and Wellbeing Invictus Games

Cracking on despite a broken back

31/01/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 979 Views 0 Comments Invictus Games

Breaking your back while snowboarding might put some people off snow sports for life, but not Katie Chapman. CAPTION: Invictus Games

Invictus Games 2025 Team Australia competitor Kaz Gladysz. Story by Flying Officer Tina Langridge. Photo by Flight Sergeant Christopher Dickson.

ADF ADF People Health and Wellbeing Invictus Games

Invictus competitor faces challenges head-on

31/01/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 700 Views 0 Comments Invictus Games

In a world where many shy away from a challenge, Kaz Gladysz is the embodiment of fearlessness. CAPTION: Invictus Games 2025

A Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Romeo helicopter with underslung Australian Flag flies past the Sydney Opera House during Australia Day festivities. Photo by Sergeant Tristan Kennedy.

ADF News

Australia Day Military Honours list

26/01/202531/01/2025 Posted by Brian Hartigan 751 Views 0 Comments

Seventy-nine Defence personnel received Australian Honours and Awards this Australia Day, acknowledging their significant contribution to our country. CAPTION: A