Simon Watson

Communications Lead - Defence Delivery | BAE Systems Australia | All views are my own / re-post does not = endorsement

[Simon Watson @simonwatson100]

📰📺AUTONOMY NEWS: BAE Systems has successfully tested its ATLAS UGV. The trials are part of the ongoing development for a next generation modular autonomous land capability designed to support main battle tank or combat reconnaissance vehicle capabilities.

First unveiled in 2024, ATLAS has been the focus of significant trial activities at all levels of autonomy – from teleoperation to waypoint-based navigation, to full ‘sense and avoid autonomy’ – and is a fully functional prototype demonstrator.

ATLAS represents a true combat multiplier – a fighting vehicle that increases combat mass and reduces the soldier’s exposure to risk. The prototype platform is manoeuvrable and fast, making it an ideal companion for both tracked and wheeled crewed combat vehicles across difficult terrain and in all weather and environmental conditions.

More info here: https://t.co/5cuqcXsZ4e

@SupacatLtd @ValhallaTurrets

[Simon Watson @simonwatson100]

'Wedgetail on watch in the Gulf', story from @DefenceAust: https://t.co/9DoWtVcNJF

[Simon Watson @simonwatson100]

@BAESystemsAus CEO: "Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz reminds us that sea control, energy security and industrial capacity are inseparable. When critical waterways are contested, the ability to protect maritime trade, sustain naval forces and act independently becomes central to national security." https://t.co/66VmteVpQ6 via @australian

[Secretary of War Pete Hegseth @SecWar]

Good to see DPM @RichardMarlesMP and Secretary @JohnHealey_MP for the AUKUS Defense Ministers’ Meeting.

At President Trump’s direction, we are moving “full steam ahead.”

[Richard Marles @RichardMarlesMP]

AUKUS represents the biggest leap in Australia's military capability in more than a century and we are delivering it alongside our close partners — the United States and the United Kingdom.

Great to meet with Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Healey in Singapore for our AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting.

Today, we welcomed a significant milestone under AUKUS Pillar Two, which is focused on advanced capabilities, with the first “Signature Project” under our partnership — working together to develop interoperable and shared systems for Uncrewed Undersea Vehicles, like Australia’s sovereign Ghost Shark.

[Secretary of War Pete Hegseth @SecWar]

Great to stand with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi.

The United States, Australia, and Japan are united in our commitment to peace through strength.

[Ambassador Greg Moriarty @AusAmbUSA]

It’s an honour to serve Australia in Washington DC.

[BAE Systems Australia @BAESystemsAus]

From detection to defence, Australia’s Hunter class frigate is engineered for decisive action.

Based on the @BAESystemsplc #Type26 Global Combat Ship design, the Hunter class combines advanced sensors and weapons systems to detect, classify and counter threats at speed.

Delivering the capability Australia needs for a stronger, more secure maritime future.

Learn more at https://t.co/AvqIT3bt64

#AusNavy #HunterClassFrigates

[BAE Systems Australia @BAESystemsAus]

Mission ready, whatever the task. The Hunter class frigate’s adaptive Mission Bay supports autonomous systems, rapid deployment craft and life-saving humanitarian aid, delivering true multi-mission capability at sea.

Learn more at https://t.co/It6lOHswvZ

#AusNavy #HunterClassFrigates

[Simon Watson @simonwatson100]

Local Aussie company AW Bell is helping to protect Australian and allied warships by supplying titanium investment castings into the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile, a defensive munition that defends ships from incoming threats. Companies such as AW Bell are essential partners in @BAESystemsAus's supply chain, critical to delivering important defence programs ranging from the ESSM to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. @AustralianM
https://t.co/KR1ihXGN9g

[Financial Review @FinancialReview]

Defence ministers from Australia, the US and the UK are preparing to announce a collaboration next week to kickstart pillar two of the AUKUS pact. https://t.co/ArdCKhZVUO

[Simon Watson @simonwatson100]

On the northern fringe of Adelaide, in the small Hills suburb of One Tree Hill, this family’s week revolves around early starts, steel, and a shared sense of purpose — building Australia’s naval future. Between them, Phil, 44, Amelia, 42, and their son Riley represent three generations of a family now firmly embedded in Australia’s defence industry through @BAESystemsAus shipbuilding and engineering programs.

Read the story here: https://t.co/Y2iVnLGlms

[The Advertiser @theTiser]

That's a wrap on the Defending Australia forum for 2026, which has brought together the country’s most prominent military minds and leaders, our brave veterans and the next generation of defence personnel.

The summit was held at BAE Systems Australia’s Naval Shipyard at Osborne, the centrepiece of Australia’s landmark $368bn AUKUS deal.

📹 Watch the full replay here: https://t.co/X1wzeGO2I7

[Peter Malinauskas @PMalinauskasMP]

Great to be hosting @theTiser Defending Australia here at BAE Systems here at Osborne.

Now more than ever, defence is paramount - particularly for naval ship building.

The $30 billion investment for the submarine construction yard is so critical here.

[Richard Marles @RichardMarlesMP]

10,000 jobs. Ongoing. Right here in Adelaide. Building our frigates, our future submarines, maintaining and upgrading our Naval fleet.

It’s happening because the Albanese Labor government is investing a record amount in Defence. We’re doing it strategically, in a way that builds our self-reliance and gives us the capabilities we need to strengthen our Defence Force and keep Australia safe.

Thanks to the Adelaide Advertiser for organising and BAE Systems for hosting today’s Defending Australia forum against the backdrop of the very impressive Osborne Naval Shipyard.

[The Royal Family @RoyalFamily]

🇺🇸 Farewell and thank you for the warmth of your welcome and the kind support you gave us throughout our first visit to the US as King and Queen, in this, your special anniversary year. We leave a piece of our ❤️ behind and take a little of yours back home with us. Until the next time… God Bless America.

- Charles R. & Camilla R.

📷 @ChrisJack_Getty / Getty Images

[Australian Embassy, USA @AusintheUS]

AUKUS brings us together.

King Charles III addressed the US Congress on the importance of the shared goal of a safe secure region that our joint submarine partnership is working to deliver.

[Reuters @Reuters]

King Charles presented U.S. President Donald Trump with a bell from a wartime era submarine called the 'HMS Trump' as a gift https://t.co/Ghv2IceCZ5

[Tom Harwood @tomhfh]

Whoever wrote this for Trump has a deep understanding of American liberty.

It didn’t magically appear in 1776.

It was developed in our shared language over a millennium. The revolutionaries saw themselves as Englishmen, asserting their ancient liberties.

[Department of State @StateDept]

We walk together in majesty, in justice, and in peace. 🇺🇸🇬🇧 President Trump welcomes King Charles and Queen Camilla for a historic State Visit this week.