Australian Aviation is proud to reveal that 225 finalists have been selected from more than 300 submissions for the Australian Defence Industry Awards 2026. Now in its eighth year, the program remains the benchmark for excellence across the nation’s defence sector, recognising the people and businesses driving Australia’s strategic edge.

Conducted from Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases around the country, the exercise had a primary focus on delivering long-range maritime strikes, signifying strength in integration from a range of capabilities that make up the intricacies of the air domain.

On this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David ask whether drone delivery will come back to Australia and if drone show technology is truly ready for the big time, and examine how drone warfare is reshaping the modern battlefield.

The provider, which began operations in the state in January with an initial fleet of three Bell 412 helicopters, is a joint venture between LifeFlight and the Linfox Group.

While details have yet to be finalised, STARLUX Airlines has chosen Sydney as its first Australian destination, with an onward service planned to Auckland, and will compete with China Airlines on the route.

The Canadian flag carrier and Virgin Australia codeshare partner’s previous Melbourne service using 787-9 Dreamliners was scuppered by COVID-19, but according to Air Canada's managing director for international sales, Rocky Lo, the airline has put Melbourne on its “New Frontier” expansion plan.