Posted by Mike Hughes – CONTACT magazine

A Republic of Korea Air Force A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft arrives at RAAF Base Darwin to take part in Exercise Pitch Black. Story by Flight Lieutenant Holly Ryan. Photo by Corporal Maddie Butcher.

Touchdowns continue in Darwin

17/07/202617/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 511 Views 0 Comments Exercise Pitch Black

Top End skies are busy this week as International Air Forces arrive in the Northern Territory for Exercise Pitch Black,

The new Bushmaster 5.6 Mulga utility model on show at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris. Story by John Noble. Photos by Team Defence Australia..

Australian Army News Overseas

New Bushmaster on display at Paris tradeshow

17/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 1266 Views 1 Comment

The Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle remains one of Australia’s strongest Defence exports with continuing international interest in its capability. CAPTION:

Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Oscar Borton, a tactical coordinator from 11 Squadron, conducts a pre-flight check on a P-8A Poseidon prior to a mission during Exercise Rim of the Pacific at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Story by Flight Lieutenant Rob Hodgson. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Taylor Anderson.

News Royal Australian Air Force

11 and 12 Squadrons demonstrate teamwork at RIMPAC

17/07/202619/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 647 Views 0 Comments No. 11 Squadron, No. 12 Squadron, No. 92 Wing, RAAF Edinburgh, RIMPAC

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Aviators from 92 Wing have demonstrated that teamwork is the key when bringing their main

A Philippine Air Force FA-50PH Golden Eagle aircraft in flight at RAAF Base Darwin for Exercise Pitch Black. Story by Flying Officer Leonie Midgley. Photos by Corporal Maddy Butcher.

News Royal Australian Air Force Videos

First arrivals for Ex Pitch Black

16/07/202617/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 626 Views 0 Comments Exercise Pitch Black, RAAF Amberley, RAAF Darwin, RAAF Tindal

The sunset touchdown of four Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PH Golden Eagles signalled the first arrival of fighter jets for

Commander Submarine Force Commodore Daniel Sutherland and Commodore Flotillas Commodore Simon Howard open the new submarine bridge simulator during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Submarine Training and Systems Centre, HMAS Stirling. Story by Lieutenant Joshua Sewell. Photo by Leading Seaman Zac Dingle.

News Royal Australian Navy

New simulator boosts submarine readiness

15/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 683 Views 0 Comments HMAS Stirling, simulation facility, Submarine Training and Systems Centre (STSC)

The Submarine Training and Systems Centre (STSC) at HMAS Stirling has officially opened a new submarine bridge simulator, enhancing the way submariners

The MQ-28A Ghost Bat demonstrates integration with other platforms during Exercise Valiant Shield. Story by Squadron Leader Shaun Donnelly. Photo by Senior Airman Austin Salazar, US Air Force.

News Pacific Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

Ghost features at US Exercise Valiant Shield

15/07/202617/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 772 Views 0 Comments Exercise Valiant Shield, MQ-28A Ghost Bat

The future of Indo-Pacific defence and security was put to the test during Exercise Valiant Shield. CAPTION: The MQ-28A Ghost

Soldiers from 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, operate an M777A2 howitzer during a live-fire mission on Exercise Diamond Dagger at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland. Story by Corporal Michael Rogers. Photos by Corporal Jason Slape.

Australian Army News

Danger close and on target

10/07/202610/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 616 Views 0 Comments 1st Regiment Royal Australian Artillery, 7th Brigade, Exercise Diamond Dagger, M777-A2, Shoalwater Bay Training Area

When an alert signalled an incoming fire mission on the detachment commanders’ display (DCD) of his M777A2 howitzer, Bombardier Bayley

Outgoing Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) Admiral David Johnston hands over the CDF ensign to incoming CDF Admiral Mark Hammond during a ceremonial parade at Russell Offices, Canberra. Story by Sergeant Matt Bickerton. Photo by Kym Smith.

ADF ADF People News

New Chief of Defence Force

10/07/202611/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 5363 Views 0 Comments Chief of Defence Force

After nearly 50 years of service, Admiral David Johnston handed over command of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to Admiral

Sergeant Bradlee Ledger, Lieutenant Odette Swaine and Flight Lieutenant Saurav Kataria during a demonstration of the air delivery drone known as Aladdin at RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA. Story by Flight Lieutenant Holly Ryan. Photo by Flight Sergeant Rob Hack.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy Science & Technology

Cargo drone launched from C-130

10/07/202612/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 577 Views 0 Comments aladdin, drone, Exercise Jericho Dawn, RAAF Edinburgh

The successful launch of an air delivery drone, known as Aladdin, from a C-130J Hercules has demonstrated how emerging technologies

Corporal Jayden Eva, Corporal Stephen Peters and Craftsman Aiden Nydrle conduct vehicle recovery training during Exercise Southern Jackaroo at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. Story by Captain Andrew Page. Photos by Private William McCormick.

Australian Army News

Recovery mechanics keep vehicles moving

09/07/202610/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 486 Views 0 Comments 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Exercise Southern Jackaroo, Townsville Field Training Area

While combat units manoeuvred across the Townsville Field Training Area during Exercise Southern Jackaroo, Army recovery mechanics worked behind the

Corporals Jacob Sofia and Harrison Hinson, of 2nd Cavalry Regiment, with the Quantum Vector drone during Exercise Southern Jackaroo at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. Story by Sergeant Matt Bickerton. Photo by Ian Hitchcock.

Australian Army News Science & Technology

New drone uses AI on Southern Jackaroo

09/07/202609/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 667 Views 1 Comment 2nd Cavalry Regiment, drone, Exercise Southern Jackaroo, fixed‑wing reconnaissance drones, Townsville Field Training Area, Vector AI

One of Army’s newest fixed‑wing reconnaissance drones took flight on Exercise Southern Jackaroo, identifying targets in depth and enabling drone

Commanding Officer 100 Squadron Richard Brougham and Wing Commander David Chaplin farewell the CT4A at RAAF Base Point Cook, Victoria. Story by Flight Lieutenant Holly Ryan. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Jonathon McCaffrey.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Aircraft with rich history retires from service

09/07/202612/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 588 Views 1 Comment No. 100 Squadron, RAAF Point Cook

Nearly five decades after introducing generations of military aviators to flight, the Royal Australian Air Force’s CT4A trainer aircraft has

An Australian Army soldier conducts a patrol back to his position during Exercise Black Cutlass at Cape Cleveland, Queensland. Story by Captain Cody Tsaousis. Photo by Private Alli Craig.

Australian Army News

Unknown areas test soldiers

09/07/202610/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 595 Views 1 Comment 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, Exercise Black Cutlass, Townsville Field Training Area

Personnel from 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR), tested themselves across scenarios and locations in Queensland as part of Exercise

Australian Army officer Captain Ian Eagle and New Zealand Defence Force soldier Lance Corporal Aaron Marinus during Exercise Southern Jackaroo at Townsville Field Training Area. Photo by Private Alli Craig.

ADF People

Anzac spirit strong at Southern Jackeroo

09/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 932 Views 0 Comments Exercise Southern Jackaroo, NZDF, Reservists

Two former New Zealand cavalry soldiers have reunited in Townsville nearly a decade after first serving together. CAPTION: Australian Army

Craftsman Jeremy Tjong prepares the Callisto 50 heavy-lift uncrewed aerial system at Cultana Training Area during Exercise Black Prince 3. Story by Major Peter Nugent.

Australian Army News

1 Armd Regt fields experimentation kit

09/07/202610/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 472 Views 0 Comments 1st (Australian) Division, 1st Armoured Regiment, Cultana Training Area, Exercise Black Prince, robotic and autonomous systems (RAS)

Exercise Black Prince 3 ended in a spectacular demonstration of explosive power with the detonation of two sacrificial uncrewed ground vehicles

The crew of HMAS Diamantina salute during a wreath-laying ceremony honouring those lost aboard HMAS Canberra I during World War II near Honiara, the Solomon Islands. Story by Captain Jacob Joseph.

Lest We Forget News Overseas Royal Australian Navy

Powerful reminder of service and sacrifice

09/07/202609/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 693 Views 0 Comments Australian Defence Vessel Reliant, HMAS Canberra (I), HMAS Diamantina, Operation Render Safe, Solomon Islands, WWII

Able Seaman P.D. Mackintosh was at his aircraft defence post when he saw two torpedoes streak past the port side

The recently launched Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency will strengthen support for veterans and families of veterans, and will provide access to support services for ADF members transitioning to civilian life. Story by Hannah Donald. Photo by Rohan Thomson.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing

Centralised support for veterans and their families

02/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 1186 Views 0 Comments DVA

Defence has welcomed the launch of the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency on July 1, marking an important step in

Australian soldiers fire off a practise mortar round as part of a mortar concentration activity at Puckapunyal Military Area. Story by Tim Klingner. Photos by Private Sera Mar.

Australian Army News Videos

Reservists refine live-fire mortar skills

02/07/202602/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 663 Views 0 Comments 2nd (Australia) Division, Army Reserve, Puckapunyal

Army reservists from across the country converged on Puckapunyal in early June to demonstrate and develop their skills during the

Explosive ordnance technicians from the Australian Army, PNG Defence Force and Canadian Armed Forces prepare to remotely move explosive ordnance during Operation Render Safe in East New Britain, PNG. Story by Captain Annie Richardson. Photo by Sergeant Andrew Sleeman.

Australian Army News Pacific

Operation renders East New Britain safer

02/07/202602/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 637 Views 0 Comments Operation Render Safe, PNGDF, WWII

More than 2200 munitions were disposed of across East New Britain during Operation Render Safe 2026. CAPTION: Explosive ordnance technicians

Air Force personnel celebrate at the Ower’s Corner Kokoda Track monument, Papua New Guinea. Story by Taster Murdoch.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing Royal Australian Air Force

Leading through resilience

02/07/202604/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 1289 Views 0 Comments Air Mobility Group (AMG), Kokoda Track

Air Mobility Group (AMG) personnel are accustomed to operating in demanding environments, preparing for uncertainty and responding when called upon.

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