RAAF hosts strategic dialogue

ACM Sir Stephen Dalton, Lt Gen Andre Deschamps, Gen Norton A Schwartz and AIRMSHL Mark Binskin at the Australian War Memorial. (Dept of Defence)

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mark Binskin has hosted his counterparts from the US, UK and Canada for a series of strategic meetings under the Air Force Four Party dialogue.

“[The] RAAF has very well established ties with the US, UK, and Canadian air forces. However, this is a rare opportunity for the four air force chiefs to meet and update each other on strategic level issues and discuss how we approach future challenges,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

General Norton A Schwartz, Chief of Staff, US Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of Air Staff, Royal Air Force, and Lieutenant General Andre Deschamps, Chief of Air Staff, Canada’s Air Force, attended the dialogue. Issues discussed included Afghanistan operations, current and emerging aircraft and space capabilities, and opportunities for future training cooperation and engagement. The program also included visits to Joint Operations Command at Bungendore and RAAF Base Williamtown as well as updates on new RAAF capabilities, including the F/A-18F Super Hornet and Wedgetail.