In this feature article which first appeared in the December 2017 issue of Australian Aviation, we look at the RAAF’s operations in the Middle East as part of Operation Okra, the ADF’s contribution to the international force to oust Islamic State – also known as Daesh, ISIS and ISIL – from Iraq and Syria. The first
Search and rescue (SAR) coverage for RAAF flying operations from five air force bases around the country will continue to be provided by CHC Helicopter under a 30-month contract extension announced last week. Under the extension, which came into effect last November, CHC’s Australian operation is replacing existing Sikorsky S-76A+ SAR helicopters with six Leonardo
Lockheed Martin is reportedly in discussions with Japan about developing a new fighter which will integrate the kinematic capabilities of the F-22 Raptor with the advanced sensor and communications suites from the F-35 Lightning II. Reuters has reported the company has discussed the concept with Japan Self Defence Force officials, and, subject to approval by
The Australian War Memorial is to add a reconnaissance-configured Royal Australian Air Force RF-111C to its collection by mid-2019. RF-111C A8-134 is the “sole surviving RF-111C that participated in missions over East Timor and has the greatest operational provenance of the preserved Australian F-111 fleet,” the Australian War Memorial said on Friday. The aircraft is
The RAAF has taken delivery of its tenth and final Leonardo/L-3 C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter. The delivery was marked with a flying display and ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond on Wednesday, and is the latest milestone for the AIR 8000 Phase 2 program which saw 10 C-27Js ordered in 2012 to replace the capability lost
The Royal Australian Navy has successfully tested the new Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) its new Hobart class destroyers will be equipped with. The tests were conducted in March and early April aboard HMAS Hobart and NUSHIP Brisbane in the Gulf of St Vincent southwest of Adelaide. Video showing the NUSHIP Brisbane sea trials. CEC is designed to enhance the capability
