Australian Defence Force

A man has been charged with murder after remains believed to be those of missing Queensland woman Jana Armstrong were discovered. Labor MP Pat Conrory warned of a regional 'arms race' following a Chinese missile test, emphasizing the need for Australia's military preparedness.

An Australian Defence Force soldier died during a parachuting training incident at Jervis Bay airfield on Monday evening, with another soldier injured but not hospitalised. This is the second such death in two years. The incident occurred during a training course.

Ben Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient and former Australian SAS corporal, faces five murder charges for allegedly ordering the execution of unarmed civilians in Afghanistan. Court documents reveal that victims were handcuffed, detained, and killed under conditions where Australian forces had control, with evidence planted to justify the killings.

Former Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has been granted bail in a case involving alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, where he is accused of murdering five people.

Lt Gen Susan Coyle will become the first woman to lead the Australian Army, starting her term in July. Her appointment is part of broader defence leadership changes, including Mark Hammond's promotion to chief of defence force.

Australian Defence Chief Admiral David Johnston confirmed that personnel operating the E-7 Wedgetail spy plane in the Middle East are restricting intelligence sharing with the US to ensure it's only used for defensive purposes. The deployment of the aircraft continues as part of Australia's military operations in the region.