Australia's 2nd Commando Regiment: Elite special Forces, ready for any task

From cover to elite special operations

The 2nd Commando Regiment (2 CDO Regt) is one of the two main special operations units in the Australian Army. It was established in 1997, when it became clear that the country did not have enough forces to carry out serious special operations. At first, the regiment was conceived as a reserve unit to support other special forces. But over time, it turned into a full-fledged combat unit of the first level.

Now the 2nd Paratrooper Regiment is not just a "covering force." This is a highly specialized group capable of operating independently in the most difficult conditions, from offshore platforms to urban areas.

What does the 2nd Paratrooper Regiment do and how does it differ from ordinary soldiers?

The regiment is based in Sydney and is part of the Special Operations Command (SOCOMD). Its main task is offensive special operations and hostage rescue operations. These are the missions where a mistake can lead to the death of people: a terrorist on board an airplane, a school takeover, an offshore drilling crisis.

The 2nd Parachute Regiment is Australia's leading national counterterrorism and rescue unit. They are ready to act both inside and outside the country. They are compared to the British SAS, SBS and the Canadian JTF2 — their level of training and trust in them is so high.

How does SOCOMD work and who else is in this club?

The 2nd Commando Regiment operates in conjunction with the Special Aviation Regiment (SASR), the second first—level unit in SOCOMD. Together they form the backbone of the Australian special forces. But there is a whole system working around them: a special operations engineering regiment, an aviation regiment, a logistics squadron, and the oldest unit, the 1st Commando Regiment, whose history dates back to World War II.

The very structure of the 2nd Parachute Regiment is classified, but it is known that it is divided into several squadrons and detachments. Each of them is scalable, flexible, and ready to quickly adapt to a specific task. They are supported by specialists in communications, medicine, intelligence and logistics.

Missions where you can't make mistakes

Among the key tasks are Armed Threat Response Teams (ARPT), the fight against terrorism at sea, direct actions and operations behind enemy lines. They can infiltrate ships, storm buildings, work in confined urban spaces or in the wild.

Their motto is "error—free missions." It's not just a slogan. This is the reality they face every time they receive an order.

Sources

1. Wikipedia — 2nd Commando Regiment (Australia)
2. Namu Wiki — detailed structure and training overview
3. Commando Welfare Trust — SOCOMD units and Commando Regiment background
4. Virtual War Memorial Australia — 2nd Commando Regiment history and role

Australia to order Japanese frigates: historic contract for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Japan's largest defense export contract

Earlier this month, Australia announced its decision to purchase modern frigates from the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. This has become the most significant defense contract for a Japanese manufacturer to date and an important milestone in expanding Tokyo's presence on the international arms market. The deal marks not only technological recognition, but also a strategic shift in Japan's defense policy.

How Japan got out of the arms export ban

For a long time, Japan has adhered to a strict policy of non-proliferation of weapons. The country's Constitution restricts the activities of the Armed Forces to self-defense, and in 1967, a complete ban on the export of defense products was actually introduced. However, in 2014, the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe radically changed course, relaxing the ban.

A new approach has been adopted: arms exports are allowed on a case-by-case basis, subject to strict compliance with the conditions. This allowed Japan to begin participating in international projects, including joint technology development and equipment supplies for the Allies.

Three principles of defense equipment transfer

The updated "Three Principles of Defense Equipment and Technology Transfer" define the framework for arms exports. The sale can only be approved if the following conditions are met:

The buyer is not under the UN embargo and is not involved in an active armed conflict.

The transfer clearly contributes to international peace, security, or the security of Japan itself.

Tokyo exercises strict control over end-use and retransmission, including mandatory prior consent for any transfer to a third party.

These principles allow Japan to maintain a responsible approach, avoiding weapons falling into the hands of unintended users and maintaining the trust of the international community.

The strategic importance of the deal for the region

The contract with Australia is not just a commercial success. It strengthens the strategic partnership between the two countries in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. Joint defense projects contribute to closer coordination, compatibility of weapons, and enhanced collective security.

For Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, this order opens the door to other international markets. The company demonstrates that Japanese technologies are able to compete with the world's leading manufacturers in the segment of modern warships.

Australia controlled a British submarine from 10,000 miles away — a breakthrough within the framework of AUKUS

Imagine: a submarine is moving quietly underwater somewhere off the coast of Great Britain, but it is not controlled in London, but in Australia — 10,000 miles away from the scene. It sounds like the plot of a science fiction movie, but that's exactly what happened in practice.

For the first time, the Royal Navy of Great Britain has demonstrated that its experimental vessel (XV) Excalibur can be fully controlled remotely, and from the other side of the planet. Australian operators successfully operated an unmanned submarine while it was underwater in British territorial waters.

These tests took place in July as part of the large-scale Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises. Specifically, this stage was called the "Maritime Big Play" and became part of the broader AUKUS program, namely its Pillar II direction, which focuses on the development and joint use of advanced defense technologies between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

This level of remote control is a serious step forward. It opens up opportunities for the use of autonomous underwater vehicles in complex and potentially dangerous missions without risk to the crew. Now the car can be where it needs to be, and it can be commanded safely, from anywhere in the world.

Anduril builds smart submarines in Australia: a new era of autonomous defense in the Pacific Ocean

The American company Anduril Industries, known for its breakthrough military technologies, has made a big step in the Pacific region — together with the Royal Australian Navy, it has created a prototype autonomous submarine in Sydney. This is no longer just a concept: we are talking about real production, launched at a local base, in order to enhance security in the Pacific Ocean. The boats, which Anduril calls "ultra—large autonomous underwater vehicles," should become a new cornerstone in surveillance and defense against growing activity in the region - especially amid tensions with China.

What is particularly impressive is that Anduril recently raised 2 billion US dollars at a valuation of 30.5 billion US dollars (almost 51.6 billion Australian dollars). This money will be used to scale production and develop artificial intelligence that will control these submarines without constant human involvement. They will be able to stay underwater for months, tracking targets, transmitting real—time data and interacting with other systems, from drones to ships and satellites.

The project is part of the AUKUS strategy, where Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom join forces to strengthen defense. But Anduril is moving ahead: without waiting for cumbersome government programs, the company acts quickly, technologically and ambitiously. And now the Pacific Ocean gets a new, "smart" line of defense — without a crew, but with powerful AI on board.

Japan and 9 countries train together to defend space: international space defense exercises in Australia

 

The Japan Air Self-Defense Forces took part in a large international command and staff training on space defense, which took place in Australia. It was attended by representatives of 10 countries, all with the common goal of strengthening friendship and cooperation in protecting space from threats.

The main idea of these exercises is to work out a joint response to any problems in space that may disrupt the operation of satellites, communications and navigation. During the training, the countries exchanged experiences and identified all the weaknesses in order to work as a single mechanism in the face of a real threat.

This is a very important event for Japan, because now space has become very complex and even dangerous — there are many satellites, and there is a risk that someone may use space for military or cyber purposes. By working together with other countries, solutions can be found and defended faster.

During the exercises, they worked out models of real threats: how to disrupt communications, how to protect themselves from cyber attacks on satellite control. Experts from various fields worked with the participants, from space surveillance to system protection.

Such cooperation is necessary now, because a lot depends on satellites in the army and in civilian life. The better countries are friends and help each other, the safer space and, in general, the planet becomes.

For Japan, participating in such events is a way to gain valuable experience working together and show everyone that it is a serious player in global security and is ready to protect our common interests together with its allies.

Australia to Acquire Futuristic Japanese "Mogami" Frigate — A Historic Leap for Japan's Defense Industry

In a major strategic shift, Australia has selected Japan’s advanced "Mogami"-class frigate as the foundation for its next-generation naval fleet. This isn’t just a large procurement deal — it’s a historic milestone. If finalized, it will mark Japan’s first-ever export of a warship since World War II, representing a breakthrough for a defense industry long restricted to the domestic market.

What Is the "Mogami"?

The "Mogami"-class frigates (FFM — Multi-Purpose Frigate) represent the cutting edge of Japanese naval engineering. Designed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), these vessels combine high automation, advanced stealth technology, long operational range, and modular architecture, allowing rapid reconfiguration for missions ranging from anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures to patrol and air defense.

Key features include:

- Crew of just 90 — remarkably small for a 130-meter warship, made possible by high automation, reducing manpower needs by nearly half compared to similar vessels.

- Ultra-low observability (stealth design) — the hull and superstructure are engineered to minimize radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures.

- Modular combat system — allows quick reconfiguration of weapons and sensors for different mission profiles.

- Operational range exceeding 9,000 km — ideal for patrolling the vast expanses of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Why Did Australia Choose the "Mogami"?

Australia plans to replace its aging Anzac-class frigates, and the new vessels must be modern, reliable, cost-effective to operate, and interoperable with allied forces, particularly the US and UK.

The "Mogami" fits these requirements perfectly. Additionally, Japan is a key strategic partner for Australia in countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Operating similar ship classes simplifies joint exercises, logistics, and potential combined operations.

For Australia, this also offers an opportunity to reduce reliance on traditional suppliers like the US, UK, or France, and diversify its defense partnerships.

What Does This Mean for Japan?

For Japan, this is revolutionary. After WWII, the country effectively banned arms exports under a strict interpretation of its pacifist constitution. It wasn’t until 2014 that the Abe government relaxed these restrictions, opening the door to defense exports — but no major deals followed.

Selling the "Mogami" to Australia would set a precedent. It would prove that Japanese defense technology is competitive on the global stage. A successful deal could open doors to other nations — such as Canada, New Zealand, or Southeast Asian countries — seeking advanced, reliable platforms.

What’s Next?

Final negotiations are underway. Australia is considering **partial domestic construction** of the frigates, involving Australian shipyards and industry. This would create jobs and boost local defense manufacturing.

If all goes according to plan, the first Australian "Mogami"-class frigate could enter service by the mid-2030s.

The Bottom Line

Acquiring the "Mogami" frigates is more than just a fleet upgrade. It’s a geopolitical signal: Australia and Japan are deepening their alliance to meet regional challenges. Meanwhile, Japan is finally stepping onto the global stage — as a serious player in the international defense market.

Historic departure: the United States for the first time took a hypersonic "cannon" outside its territory

The US Army has taken a high-profile and symbolically important step in its hypersound program. For the first time in its history, it deployed a long-range hypersonic weapon (LRHW) system outside the continental United States. This advanced and so far secret system has been delivered and deployed in the Northern Territory of Australia.

This event took place as part of the Talisman Sabre 25 large—scale joint military exercises, the largest maneuvers between the United States and Australia aimed at developing coherence and strengthening strategic partnership. The 3rd Multidisciplinary Task Force (3MDTF) was responsible for the deployment, a special unit created to quickly deploy advanced systems, including hypersonic weapons, anywhere in the world.

The LRHW's location in Australia is not just a demonstration of technology. This is a historic milestone confirming the system's transition from the development and testing stage to the operational deployment stage. It is also a powerful strategic signal demonstrating the ability of the United States to rapidly deploy and use its most advanced weapons in the Indo-Pacific region, where tensions are rising.

Hypersonic weapons capable of reaching speeds of more than Mach 5 (five times faster than the speed of sound) and maneuvering along a trajectory are extremely difficult to intercept by existing missile defense systems. His appearance in Australia significantly enhances deterrence capabilities and underscores the US commitment to protecting its allies, in particular Australia.

3MDTF's participation in the exercise highlights its key role in the army's new concept of distributed deployment. Instead of large, vulnerable bases, small groups with high-tech weapons can quickly appear at critical points, strike and disappear. The Talisman Sabre 25 exercises are an ideal platform for testing just such scenarios and strengthening regional stability.

Australia will soon receive its new Apaches: the first helicopters will arrive this year

 

Australia is one step closer to upgrading its army aviation: the first four of the 29 ordered AH-64E Apache attack helicopters will arrive in the country before the end of 2025. These machines are currently undergoing final assembly at the Boeing plant in the USA.

The new Apaches will replace the outdated fleet of ARH Tiger combat helicopters, which have served the Australian ground forces for a long time. After delivery, they will become the basis of the Australian Army's strike aviation, significantly increasing its combat capabilities.

All deliveries are carried out under a major contract of the LAND 4503 program, signed in December 2021, which provides for a complete replacement of the fleet by 2028. The AH-64E is the most modern version of the legendary Apache, equipped with improved control, navigation and communication systems. One of the key advantages of the new model is its ability to integrate into a network, including interaction with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for real-time data exchange, as well as the ability to hit not only ground but also surface targets.

To ensure the rapid development of technology, Australian pilots and technicians are already undergoing intensive training at the US Air Force base.

Australia fired at a target from 480 km away — and hit: new PrSM missiles went through fire, water and desert

 

The Australian Army has just taken a major step in its military development: in the desert of the Northern Territory, at the Mount Bundy training ground, they successfully tested a new generation of PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) for the first time - and the result turned out to be as accurate as a surgeon. The rocket flew to the target at a distance of more than 480 kilometers (300 miles) and hit the target point without missing.

It was not just a test, but a combat launch — that is, the rocket did not just take off, but completed the real task, destroying the conditional target. Most importantly, these are the first PrSM tests outside the United States, which highlights Australia's growing role as a strategic partner in the Pacific region.

The rocket, developed by the American company Lockheed Martin, was launched from the HIMARS mobile launcher, the one that became a star in Ukraine. Its advantage is high accuracy, long range and the ability to quickly relocate. Now Australia gets a powerful tool to defeat enemy bases, warehouses, air defenses and command posts without exposing its forces to attack.

The Mount Bundy trials are not just a show-off. They are designed to strengthen Australia's strike potential in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. The further an army can strike, the higher its chance of winning in any conflict.

PrSM is the future of artillery: smart, fast, long—range, and essentially unmanned. And now Australia has it.

An American nuclear submarine with missiles sailed to Australia — and this is not just a courtesy call

One of the most formidable submarines of the US Navy, the USS Ohio (SSGN—726), suddenly appeared in Brisbane, in eastern Australia. This is not just an ordinary submarine: it belongs to the elite four nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines capable of delivering precision strikes against almost any target in the region. Her arrival is a rare and very significant event.

The submarine docked on Sunday, according to the US 7th Fleet, as part of a large-scale deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. She docked right next to the repair vessel USS Frank Cable (AS-40), which arrived there the day before, apparently to provide technical support and prepare the boat for further operations.

The USS Ohio is not just a "silent hunter". It is a floating missile base: it can carry up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, as well as support special forces, including navy seals. Such visits to Australia are rare, because these boats usually stay in the shadows, discreetly patrolling the depths. And here is a public parking lot in a major port. This is a clear signal: the United States is strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific region, especially against the background of Chinese activity and tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

For Australia, such a visit is not only a demonstration of allied relations, but also a reminder that the region is becoming more and more strategically important. Especially considering that Australia itself is currently building a nuclear submarine program with the help of the United States and Great Britain (under the AUKUS deal).

So the appearance of the USS Ohio in Brisbane is not just about refueling and resting the crew. This is a political message written underwater, but understandable to everyone.

Australia Showed Its Teeth: NASAMS System Passed The Fire Test

Australia did not let itself be offended at the latest Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises, which took place from July 13 to August 4. They demonstrated their cool air defense system, NASAMS. This system, as it turned out, can shoot down almost anything that flies.: from airplanes to missiles, and at altitudes up to 15 kilometers. Its AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles are known for their precision, and they really don't miss.

NASAMS is already in service with the Australian forces, where it is served by the 16th Regiment of the Royal Artillery at Woodside Base. They have two such batteries that guard against anything that can come from the sky, from combat aircraft to drones and missiles.

At the Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises, the system proved itself one hundred percent. It worked successfully in real conditions, when the Australians trained together with the Americans and other allies. The exercises brought together more than 35,000 soldiers from 19 countries, which became a record event in the history of Australia. This highlights how important it is to work together now, especially on security and defense issues.

The successful launch of the AIM-120 AMRAAM from the NASAMS ground installation during the exercises showed that Australia is serious about protecting its skies. It has also strengthened its position as an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

Australian and Philippine defense ministers criticize China's military buildup at Asian Summit in Singapore

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles called on China to explain the reasons for "such an extraordinary military buildup," saying Beijing needed to ensure greater transparency and provide appropriate assurances. According to him, this is a "fundamental issue" for security and stability in the region. Marles stressed that the growth of China's military potential is the most significant since the end of World War II, but it raises concerns due to the lack of clear strategic intent and transparency.

At the same time, Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr. described China's actions in the South China Sea as "absolutely irresponsible and reckless." He noted that the Philippines will defend its national interests and will not allow aggression in disputed waters, despite pressure from Beijing.

Both ministers spoke to reporters separately on the sidelines of the Asian Defense Summit Shangri-La Dialogue, held in Singapore. China sent a low-level delegation to the summit this year and canceled a planned speech, allowing Western and regional countries to more openly criticize Beijing's policies.

Hanwha Aerospace unveils new HPRS rocket launcher in Australia

 

HPRS

Hanwha Aerospace has unveiled a new 6x6 rocket launcher in Australia called the High-Performance Launch Rocket System (HPRS). This system is a single-container launcher, similar in configuration to the American M142 HIMARS, and is designed for easy deployment and high mobility. The HPRS is a lighter version of the K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system, weighing less than 30 tons, and is equipped with four CTM-MR anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM).

The HPRS platform was developed with a priority on fast transportation and firing capability, while maintaining compatibility with Chunmoo technology. This allows the HPRS to be used both on land and on ship platforms for artillery missions. The development of CTM-MR, a rocket integrated with HPRS, is in progress and is expected to be completed in 2027. The CTM-MR missile has an operational range of 50 to 160 kilometers and a circular probability error (CEP) of 9 meters.

The HPRS can be supplemented with other types of ammunition compatible with the Chunmoo system, such as CGR-80 guided missiles with a range of 30 to 80 kilometers. This makes HPRS a flexible system capable of adapting to various tasks and combat conditions.

Hanwha Aerospace has already had a successful cooperation experience with Australia, supplying weapons systems such as the AS9 Huntsman, AS10 and AS21 Redback. The introduction of HPRS in Australia is another step in expanding the company's portfolio in the Indo-Pacific region.

HPRS may be of interest to Southeast Asian countries, where mobility and versatility are a priority for maritime security. The HPRS system offers capabilities for both land-based and ship-based artillery operations, which meets the defense requirements of countries with extensive maritime borders.

An abnormal phenomenon in the sky over Australia

 

An unusual anomalous phenomenon in Australia. The location of the area is unknown.

UFO in the sky over Richmond, Australia

 UFO in the sky over Richmond, Australia, captured on March 7, 2025.

MULTIPLE UFOs IN THE SKY over Melbourne, Australia

 

MULTIPLE UFOs IN THE SKY

over Melbourne, Australia, captured on 05.01.2025.