This is a venture involving the best of Great Britain and Australia. But that sounds a bit dull. So, I set out telling people it should be the third pillar of AUKUS – that defence alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States that followed Australia’s decision to buy nuclear powered submarines from the US and build more of a UK design. (Remember? This was after the decision to cancel a contract to buy French conventionally powered submarines that were based on a French nuclear powered submarine design!)
I mean, the similarities at first sight are obvious. Land Rovers, a British icon, designed in the UK. These, built in southwest Sydney by Jaguar Rover Australia, the most capable Land Rovers ever built – apparently. (Which other Land Rover is designed to be dangled from a helicopter by one corner?) And the venture facilitated by critical US technology – the Viair Air compressor, the Garmin navigation system and the extraordinary silicone Tough Tape to name but three.
But actually, it’s a much more international venture. The Isuzu engines specified by Australia are, of course, Japanese. Taiwan has been a key contributor of electrics and electronics. One of the jerry-cans was built in the Soviet Union. Lots of bits, despite English-sounding brands, are made in China. And as you can see in the snip below, from an electrical widget instruction manual, our parts suppliers reach countries we didn’t know existed!
Of course, the other international dimension is the charities we support. Our efforts are split across 10,000 miles and concentrate on the most important countries on this trip; Australia and the Uninitiated United Kingdom. (not quite AUKUS – sorry, America!)
Onside and The Smith Family help the youth and children of our countries towards their future. Mates4Mates and Combat Stress do the same for veterans and their families. We think it’s so important to support their efforts to honour the past and give hope for the future. So, please, if you can share the story with your network and help contribute, that would be marvellous.