Opinion: It’s time we grew up about flying the PM

For decades, Australia has treated VIP government transport as a convenience rather than a strategic capability. That approach may have been acceptable during the relatively benign post-Cold War era, but the strategic circumstances confronting Australia have fundamentally changed.

The acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS, long-range strike capabilities for the Australian Defence Force, expanded intelligence and surveillance requirements, and a more contested Indo-Pacific environment all point towards one unavoidable conclusion: Australia requires a dedicated, sovereign, secure, survivable long-range VIP airlift capability for the prime minister and senior national leadership.

The prime minister is not simply a political figure travelling overseas. They are the constitutional head of government responsible for making decisions during periods of national crisis, conflict and strategic uncertainty.

This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.

Login

Become a Member

To continue reading the rest of this article, please login.

Username or Email

Password Forgot password?

Keep me signed in on this device.

If you check this box before you log in, you won’t have to log back into the website next time you return, even if you close your browser and come back later.

If you check the box above before you log in, you won’t have to log back into the website next time you return, even if you close your browser and come back later.

---

or

---

Login with a Passkey

To unlock all Australian Aviation magazine content and again unlimited access to our daily news and features, become a member today!
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.

PRINT

$49.95 for 1 year Become a Member

See benefits

• Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
• Access to In Focus reports every month on our website

MOST POPULAR

PRINT + DIGITAL

$99.95 for 1 year Become a Member

$179.95 for 2 years Become a Member

See benefits

• 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

DIGITAL

$5.99 Monthly Become a Member

$59.95 Annual Become a Member

See benefits

• 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

View more offers and details