Bethany Alvaro

Funded by the Victorian state government, the Advanced Air Mobility Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport is set to provide a place for researchers to test, operate, and evaluate emerging drone technology.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), had the opportunity to train with the Black Hawks, which initially focused on safety measures, primary aircraft drills, and mission planning; they will have the opportunity to engage in more complex, intricate exercises as their foundational skills develop.

As part of Exercise Mobility Astra, RAAF members operated a C-130J Hercules out of RNZAF Base Woodbourne, providing crews with a new and challenging environment to train in.

The agreement will see NIOA provide a range of technical components to SYPAQ’s Corvo Strike Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System platform.

Supporting the Australian Army’s UH-60M Black Hawk fleet, the aerospace giant has bases at Holsworthy, Oakey, and Brisbane to provide through-life sustainment of the aircraft.

Exercise Viper Walk was held in late March for RAAF aviators in No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron (1EHS) to collaborate with members of the New Zealand Defence Force and the United States Pacific Air Forces to ensure medical readiness in combat environments.