iscover
The Royal Australian Navy’s 822X Squadron has flown the A-61 Integrator drone for the first time.
Already in service with the Army’s 20th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, the Integrator uncrewed aerial system (UAS) is the fourth platform operated by the Navy’s dedicated UAS squadron since its commissioning in 2018.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
“Shared experience, equipment and procedures enabled an accelerated introduction to Navy and commencement of flying,” Defence said.
“With less than two months between the final flight of the Navy Interim Capability System and the first flight of the A-61 Integrator, the transition was completed at an impressive pace through the support of Navy and Army program offices.
“The A-61 Integrator introduces enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The system will strengthen Navy’s ability to gather critical information, improve situational awareness and contribute to future maritime operations.”
According to Commanding Officer 822X Squadron, Commander Jeffery Choat, the system’s introduction reflects “not only the capability itself, but also the people behind it”.
“The introduction of the A-61 Integrator is a significant step forward for Navy’s uncrewed aviation capability, but platforms alone do not deliver outcomes,” he said.
“The real strength of 822X Squadron lies in our people – the remote pilot warfare officers, maintainers and support staff – whose professionalism, adaptability and commitment have enabled us to transition rapidly between systems while continuing to support other UAS activities.
“This achievement demonstrates the dedication of our team and their ability to pivot to the airworthy operation of a new uncrewed aerial system.”
The Navy recently opened a dedicated UAS base at Jervis Bay.
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Australian Aviation a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Australian Aviation as a preferred news source.
