RAA Liaison Letter 2025/2026 Edition 19 Representative Colonel Commandant Major General Craig Furini, AM, CSC Dear Fellow Gunners As 2026 commences I can’t help but reflect on 2025 and the achievements of today’s Gunners. Our modernisation journey has continued with 10th Brigade further consolidating its role at the forefront of Army’s contribution to long range fires and integrated air and missile defence. December 2025 saw the handover of Command from Nick Wilson to Corey Shillabeer. On behalf of all Gunners, I congratulate Nick, and his continuing RSM, Warrant Officer Class One Tony Hortle, for all they have done to grow the Brigade, build its identity and immediately demonstrate its importance to Army and the joint force. I wish Corey every success as the Brigade continues to mature and build its capability and reputation amongst the Gunners, Army, ADF and allies. Other significant modernisation milestones have included the ongoing growth of 54th Battey and their deployment on Exercise Talisman Sabre where they fired Australian HIMARS for the first time along with the first non-continental US firing of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The exercise also saw 16th Regiment fire the Enhanced National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (ENASAM) for the first time. Highlighting the trust that Defence places in us, Gunners were involved in all aspects of planning, execution and safety for the exercise, that in addition to our own capabilities included the live firing of several other new advanced joint capabilities for the first time. Amongst all the modernisation activity all Regiments contributed to delivering Deterrence by Denial in line with the National Defence Strategy, deployed personnel on operations, and trained hard here and overseas, introduced new capabilities and prepared for more that are due to arrive in 2026. 16th Regiment reached initial operating capability for NASAMs and moved to its new purpose-built barracks – Darwin Lines – at RAAF Base Edinburgh and 20th Regiment saw the introduction of the Integrator UAV. The School of Artillery and 4th Regiment prepared for the introduction into service of the AS9 Huntsman. The introduction into service of a self-propelled howitzer is a significant and longawaited milestone. While the Regiments enjoy the privilege and prestige of operating these new capabilities, we must not forget the tireless work of the School of Artillery and the Gunners, public servants and contractors (many ex-serving Gunners) in staff roles spread across Defence who work tirelessly, often over long periods, to make such capabilities possible. While equipment and doctrine change, I am constantly reminded that it is our people – the men and women of the artillery – that continue to make the difference. Across the Regiment, we continue to take increasingly complex equipment and put it in the hands of operators who squeeze the most out of what it can do. Whether they are serving in the Regiments and School, or in capability and other staff and instructional jobs, the Gunners of today continue to serve with the same dedication and professionalism of their forebears and enhance our unique identity and proud history. The Colonels Commandant and I continue to be impressed with the way our officers, NCOs, and soldiers are getting the job done, often in challenging conditions. 2025 also saw 20th Regiment mark 100 years of Locating Artillery with a parade in Brisbane. The event also saw the unit receive the Iraq Theatre Honour 2003-2011, the formal naming of Terendak Lines, and the re-raising of 133rd Battery. The passing of the Battery Flag from the last Battery Commander, Major Allan Harrison, to the current Battery Commander, Major Andrew Penhaligon after 37 years was especially poignant. It was fantastic to see so many former ‘locators’ attend the parade. Such events and ceremonies bring true meaning to ‘Once a Gunner, Always a Gunner’. The year also saw the recommencement of travel to the United Kingdom for the winners of the Ewen and Mattner awards after a long break. With the support of the Royal Artillery four past winners enjoyed a fantastic professional
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