Posted by Mike Hughes, Author at CONTACT magazine

Wing Commander Phil Parsons, from the Collaborative Autonomous Systems Project Office, speaks with aviators and representatives from Boeing about the capabilities of the Boeing MQ-28 at the Australian International Airshow 2025. Story by Flight Lieutenant Sharon Sebastian. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Campbell Latch.

Budgie steers RAAF into new era of air power

28/03/202510/04/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1344 Views 0 Comments Australian International Airshow, MQ-28A Ghost Bat

Celebrating 40 years of distinguished service, Wing Commander Philip Parsons, affectionately known as “Budgie”, is leading the charge into the

US Army personnel on the ramp of a RAAF C-27J Spartan overlook Kwajalein Atoll. Story by Flight Lieutenant Glen Paul. Photos by Sherman Hogue.

News Pacific Royal Australian Air Force Videos

RAAF Spartan supports fisheries patrol in Marshall Islands

28/03/202529/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1226 Views 0 Comments C-27J Spartan, Operation Rai Balang, Operation Solania

A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan and its crew have played a key role in the Pacific Islands Forum

Army soldiers from 8th/9th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, conduct an urban building clearance in the deployable austere shoot house during the Urban Operations User Course at Greenbank Training Area. Story and photos by Corporal Michael Rogers.

Australian Army News

Taking urban ops to the next level

27/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1518 Views 1 Comment 8/9 RAR, Urban Operations Training Facility

Four infantrymen approach a doorway as the lead soldier edges around the threshold, rifle pointed towards the opening, his mate

Military Working Dog Handlers from RAAF Base Tindal, Corporal Jesse Beard (Left) with his dog Xon and Corporal Natasha Blackman with her dog Onix at the Australian International Airshow 2025. Story by Flight Lieutenant Sharon Sebastian. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Campbell Latch.

ADF People Royal Australian Air Force

Dogs truly are a handler’s best friend

27/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1032 Views 0 Comments Australian International Airshow, Military Working Dogs, No. 17 Squadron, RAAF Tindal

Military working dog, Onix, and handler are stealing the spotlight at their first Australian International Airshow with a crowd pleasing

A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet lands at the Australian International Airshow 2025. Story by Flying Officer Rose Gigliotti. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Campbell Latch.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Salute to 15 years of Super Hornet combat excellence

26/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1282 Views 1 Comment Australian International Airshow, F/A-18F Super Hornet

Fifteen years have flown by since the Royal Australian Air Force welcomed a game-changing addition to its air combat fleet—the

Warrant Office of the Air Force Ralph Clifton, Gary Walsh, Rodney Ticler, David Gardner, and Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell at the unveiling of the restored P-40E Kittyhawk. Story by Squadron Leader Richard Briedis. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Maddison Scot.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

RAAF restores Ming the Merciless

26/03/202505/04/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 851 Views 0 Comments Australian International Airshow, Chief of Air Force, RAAF Museum, RAAF Point Cook, WWII

Bringing a World War II aircraft back to life is a labour of love – especially when that aircraft’s namesake

The Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy gather for a group photo with Australian Army soldiers after speaking to the media about the HIMARS at the Australian International Air Show 2025, Avalon Airport. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Ryan Howell.

Australian Army News

First Aussie HIMARS delivered

26/03/202529/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1123 Views 0 Comments 10 Brigade 14 Regiment, Australian International Airshow, Edinburgh Defence Precinct, GMLRS, HIMARS, Minister for Defence, Minister for Defence Industry, RAA

Two of the Australian high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) launchers are on show at Avalon International Airshow. CAPTION: Minister

HMAS Sydney departs Fleet Base East, Sydney to embark on the fleet's second regional presence deployment for 2025. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Helen Frank.

News Overseas Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Sydney leaves on three-month regional deployment

25/03/202529/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1102 Views 1 Comment HMAS Sydney, Regional Presence Deployment

From late March until early July 2025, HMAS Sydney will sail throughout the Indo-Pacific as part of Regional Presence Deployment 25-2

The RAAF's newest aircraft, the F-35A Lightning II, right, and F/A-18F Super Hornet fly in formation with a 100 Squadron CA-18 Mustang and a Supermarine Spitfire MK VIII at the Australian International Airshow 2025. Story b y Flight Lieutenant Sharon Sebastian. Photo by Leading Aircrafman Campbell Latch.

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Swan formation takes flight, featuring past and present

25/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 529 Views 0 Comments Australian International Airshow, No. 100 Squadron

A CAC-18 Mustang and Supermarine Mk VIII Spitfire have flown in a formation with the next generation of air power

ADV Reliant delivers one of three boats to be given to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force during a port visit to Honiara, Solomon Islands. Story by Captain Lyndon Harvey. Photos by Lieutenant Commander Brenton-James Glover.

Australian Army News Pacific Royal Australian Navy

ADF back to Solomons on survey mission

25/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 764 Views 0 Comments 12th Chief Engineer Works (12CEW), Australian Defence Vessel Reliant, Littoral Riverine Survey Squadron, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force

Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant deployed to Solomon Islands recently for vital survey work, reinforcing Australia’s longstanding commitment to the

A No.6 Squadron EA-18G Growler conducts a proof of arrest using the tactical aircraft arrestor system during the Australian International Air Show 2025, at Avalon Airport. Story b y Flight Lieutenant Kayla Walliss. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Ryan Howell.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Cable-catching fast jets on normal runways

25/03/202529/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 821 Views 0 Comments Australian International Airshow

A mobile safety harness to catch fast jets as they land on normal runways was demonstrated at this year’s Australian

Colonel Anthony Cattai, left, hands over the 13th Brigade pennant to Commander 2nd (Australian) Division Major General Matthew Burr during the 13th Brigade transfer-of-authority parade at Irwin Barracks. Story by Major Dean Benson.

Australian Army News

New commander impressed with his brigade

25/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 575 Views 0 Comments 13th Brigade, Irwin Barracks

When Brigadier Damian Bushell arrived at 13th Brigade ready to take command, he found a brigade immensely proud of its

A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet on the ground at the Australian International Airshow 2025. Story by Flight Lieutenant Kayla Walliss. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Campbell Latch.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Air show cleared for take-off

25/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 383 Views 0 Comments Australian International Airshow, Avalon Airshow

The Australian International Airshow 2025 is ready to welcome the public over three action-packed days, concluding a month of preparation.

Pilot Officer Astrid Streeter-Smith and Pilot Officer Zack Burton return from a sortie with Group Captain Scott Woodland, Air and Space Liaison at the Australian High Commission in London. Story by Pilot Officer Tim Sullivan.

ADF People Royal Australian Air Force

Aussie pilots earn their wings in UK

25/03/202529/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 836 Views 0 Comments RAF

The first Royal Australian Air Force pilots to undergo ab initio pilot training in the UK with the Royal Air

Families at the Very Special Kids Camp line up for their flight in the Air Force Balloon. Story by Flying Officer Rose Gigliotti. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Paris Rigney.

News Royal Australian Air Force

RAAF balloon inspires dreams for Very Special Kids

21/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1024 Views 0 Comments Air Force Balloon

For many children, the dream of floating high above the ground is pure magic. CAPTION: Families at the Very Special Kids

Commanding Officer HMAS Encounter Commander Tony Ryder presents veteran Able Seaman Colin Cherry with his medals for naval service during the Korean War, surrounded by Lieutenant Commander Gavin Colgan, Petty Officer Warren Sanders and Leading Seaman Dylan Sanders.

ADF People History

Separated by decades, connected by Korea

21/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 830 Views 0 Comments HMAS Encounter, HMAS Sydney III, Korean War

After more than seven decades, 92-year-old veteran Able Seaman Colin Cherry received his medals for service in HMAS Sydney III

RAAF musician Corporal Robert Scott plays the bagpipes during the Anzac Day dawn service in Villers-Bretonneux, France. Story by Flight Sergeant Vicki Shelley. Photo by Corporal Robert Whitmore.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

Pack your bagpipes, tour the world

21/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 759 Views 0 Comments Air Force Band, Villers-Bretonneux, WWI

In 2015 Corporal Rob Scott was studying at the Conservatoire de Versailles, only a few hundred metres as the crow

Personnel deployed to Operation Manitou and Operation Accordion run to support Australian veterans’ families. Story by Lieutenant Commander Andrew Herring.

ADF People

ADF on the run for Legacy in Middle East

21/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 543 Views 0 Comments Headquarters Middle East, Legacy, Operation Accordion, Operation Manitou

Australian Defence Force personnel deployed to the Middle East have been on the run, and raising funds for Legacy while

Sergeant Paul Dennis, left, and Lieutenant Jack Macklan talk to Lismore resident Chris McNamara near the flooded Wilsons River during a joint patrol to monitor floodwaters as part of Operation Topical Cyclone Alfred Assist. Story by Lieutenant Emily Tinker. Photos: byWarrant Officer Class 2 Raymond Vance.

Australian Army News

Local knowledge vital in assisting community

21/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 609 Views 0 Comments 41st Battalion Royal New South Wales Regiment, 8/9 RAR, Army Reserve, Operation Tropical Cyclone Alfred Assist

Showing how quickly the ADF can mobilise when needed, the Lismore-based 41st Battalion, the Royal New South Wales Regiment (41

Squadron Leader Anthony Rengel receives handover from the 77th ANARE medical practitioner Dr Peter Rizzo near the RSV Nuyina and local Adelie penguins.

ADF People Overseas Royal Australian Air Force

The doctor is in the ice house

19/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 981 Views 0 Comments Antarctica, Mawson Station, Operation Southern Discovery, RSV Nuyina

Squadron Leader Anthony Rengel’s inspiration to spend a year in Antarctica came from a relative who worked at Mawson station

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