Staff reporter

A total of 43 pilots from Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the United States, plus new teams from Belgium, Germany and the Philippines, competed in the three-day competition from 16 to 18 September.

The Bell 206L-3 LongRanger helicopter VH-JMM was operating charter services in Arnhem Land on 14 July this year when it hit a white‑bellied sea eagle, which flew through the windscreen and caused serious upper body injuries to the passenger. The bird died on impact.

The exercise, which wrapped up last month, involved collective training and offensive counter air activity at bases Tindal and Darwin, including live weapon drops at the Delamere Air Weapons Range and co-ordination with the Surveillance and Control Training Unit at Base Williamtown.

The E-7A, which had flown out from joint exercises in California, was displayed at Joint Base Andrews earlier this month between a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and C-5M Super Galaxy. Air crew were on hand to explain the aircraft and how it serves Australia’s defence mission.

Several aerospace professionals and companies are in the running for the awards, including three finalists in the AI Innovator – Aerospace Sector category.

Under the agreement, Babcock will deliver two new Airbus H145 D3 helicopters, equipped with advanced sensors, mission management systems, and long-range fuel tanks, enhancing surveillance and response capability in the strategically critical Torres Strait.