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

In an era where great-power competition is intensifying, the ability to securely communicate, travel and co-ordinate with allies is becoming a core element of national security.

Australia’s existing Special Purpose Aircraft capability has evolved considerably, including the introduction of Dassault Falcon and Boeing 737-8 Business Jets operated by No. 34 Squadron. These aircraft provide secure government transport and allow officials to continue working while travelling, but Australia’s strategic circumstances increasingly demand a larger and more capable platform.

The argument for a larger VIP aircraft is strengthened by the scale of Australia’s future defence commitments. The arrival of nuclear-powered submarines through AUKUS represents the largest transformation of Australian military capability in generations, with Australia moving towards operating highly sensitive strategic assets that require secure communications, resilient command arrangements, and constant engagement with allies.

At the same time, the Australian Army is developing longer-range strike capabilities, while the Royal Australian Air Force continues to operate advanced platforms such as the F-35A Lightning II, E-7A Wedgetail and KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport.

The strategic environment requires political leaders to move rapidly across the Indo-Pacific and maintain secure contact with Canberra, the Australian Defence Force, and international partners.

A modern VIP airlift aircraft should therefore be viewed as a national command asset rather than an executive aircraft.

The most practical approach would be either the acquisition or a long-term wet or dry lease of an aircraft, based on existing commercial and military ecosystems. Commonality should be the guiding principle. Every dollar spent on unique infrastructure, training pipelines, spare parts, and specialist support is a dollar not invested elsewhere.

One compelling option would be the permanent fitting out of an Airbus A330-based solution. Conveniently, Australia already operates the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, a military derivative of the A330 airliner.

The aircraft already benefits from an established RAAF support chain, trained personnel, maintenance infrastructure and experience integrating advanced communications and survivability systems.

A permanent VIP-configured A330 MRTT derivative could provide a genuinely strategic capability: long-range global access, secure communications, airborne government facilities, medical evacuation potential, additional passenger capacity and even the ability to support wider Defence missions when required.

The A330 MRTT family already supports highly specialised military configurations, including advanced communications, mission systems and survivability enhancements.

Another option would be a Boeing 787-based government aircraft. The 787 is operated by major Australian carriers and offers excellent range, efficiency and global supportability.

A government-configured aircraft could leverage existing aviation industry expertise while providing greater strategic reach than current narrow-body VIP aircraft.

A smaller option could involve expanding the Boeing 737 Business Jet fleet to provide greater resilience through multiple aircraft while maintaining full commonality with existing RAAF operations. However, this would sacrifice the endurance, space and strategic flexibility increasingly required of a major power’s diplomatic and crisis-management aircraft.

The acquisition model should also be carefully considered. Australia could purchase a dedicated aircraft, lease an aircraft through a commercial provider with military modifications, or establish a hybrid arrangement in which ownership remains government-controlled while maintenance and support are contracted out to industry.

The objective should be capability, availability and value for money.

Critics will inevitably argue that a dedicated VIP aircraft represents unnecessary extravagance. That criticism misunderstands the nature of modern national security.

The US, UK, France, and other advanced nations maintain specialised government aircraft because leadership mobility and secure communications are strategic requirements, not symbols of prestige.

Australia has historically been reluctant to invest in the visible trappings of national power.

Yet a nation operating nuclear submarines, advanced strike aircraft and a globally engaged diplomatic network cannot continue to rely on assumptions from a less dangerous era.

A permanent VIP airlift capability would improve crisis resilience, strengthen interoperability with allies, reduce long-term operating costs through commonality, and provide the Prime Minister with the tools required to lead Australia through an increasingly uncertain century.

The maturity of a nation is measured not only by the weapons it buys, but by the systems it builds around them. Secure leadership mobility is one such system. Australia is entering a new strategic era. Its government aircraft should reflect that reality.