Three capability milestones for RAAF
- MQ-4C Triton
The MQ-4C Triton has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC), following extensive operational testing and evaluation.
CAPTION: A Royal Australian Air Force MQ-4C Triton takes off from RAAF Base Tindal. Photo by Aircraftman Ashley Onslow.
Operating from RAAF Bases Tindal and Edinburgh and supported by Northrop Grumman Australia, the MQ-4C Triton fleet is now providing a powerful new contribution to Australia’s long-range surveillance capability.
With the MQ-4C Triton now at IOC, the Royal Australian Air Force has significantly strengthened its ability to deliver persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance effects across Australia’s primary area of military interest.
MQ-4C Triton is based at RAAF Base Tindal and operated by 9 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.
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- P-8A Poseidon
The first of two P-8A Poseidon aircraft upgraded with Increment 3 Block 2 enhancements has arrived in Australia, providing enhanced operational capability while maintaining interoperability with the United States Navy.
The remaining 12 P-8A Poseidon fleet will undergo these upgrades in Australia, supported by Boeing Defence Australia and local industry partners at the recently opened $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
This work will build sovereign capacity to maintain and upgrade this critical capability in Australia while creating further opportunities for Australian defence industry.
Australia operates 14 P-8A Poseidon aircraft, based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, operated by Numbers 11, 12 and 292 Squadrons.
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- MC-55A Peregrine
The MC-55A Peregrine has achieved IOC, following extensive operational testing and evaluation.
The first three MC-55A Peregrine aircraft have now been delivered, with the fourth and final aircraft due to arrive later this year.
This will further expand the Royal Australian Air Force’s ability to deliver integrated intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare effects in support of Defence operations.
MC-55A Peregrine is based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, operated by Number 10 Squadron.
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Minister for Defence Richard Marles said South Australia was central South Australia’s growing importance to Australia’s national defence.
“RAAF Base Edinburgh is becoming one of the most important hubs for advanced Defence capability in the country, supporting our national security and highly skilled Australian jobs,” Mr Marles said.
“The government is investing approximately $5.5 billion over the decade to continue to enhance the ADF’s air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and maritime patrol and response capabilities that will create additional opportunities for Australian industry well into the future.”
Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell said Royal Australian Air Force people had been at the heart of delivering the air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability for Australia, demonstrating exceptional skill, professionalism and dedication in bringing these complex systems into service.
“I congratulate our whole team, from across industry, the public service and the Royal Australian Air Force for their exceptional work to deliver these cutting-edge capabilities for Australia,” Air Marshal Chappell said.
“The achievements announced today mark a significant step forward in RAAF capability, delivering persistent, long-range maritime surveillance that strengthens our ability to protect Australia’s interests and deliver highly effective air power as part of the integrated, focused force.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE: CONTACT believes RAAF is deliberately dropping ‘Royal Australian’ from its name – despite Defence formally assuring us it isn’t true. Campaigning against this name-change-by-stealth, CONTACT has amended the above report appropriately. See here for the back story
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