An RAAF 11SQN AP-3C Orion based in the Middle East was damaged on April 8 after a flare became hung up within its countermeasures dispenser system (CMDS).
The aircraft recovered safely to its base at Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE and no crew members were injured, but the incident has been subject to an investigation and the aircraft to an extensive inspection, including non-destructive testing inspections with the assistance of 37SQN Hercules engineers also based at Al Minhad.
The ADF has not indicated whether the AP-3C will remain in the Middle East or if further repairs will be required back in Australia.