Charbel Kadib

The bilateral activity, to take place from 25 to 29 September 2022, involves air mobility exercises supported by a C-27J Spartan for the first time.

The business has expanded the responsibilities of Chris Keane following the departure of RAAF veteran Chris Deeble, who became Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defence in July.

Andrew Hastie referenced remarks from Admiral Phil Davidson, who last year warned China could take military action against Taiwan over the next six years — a timeline referred to as the “Davidson window”.

More than 1,600 armed forces have begun amphibious military training exercise Trident in central Queensland.

The helicopters are rumoured to be replaced by an expanded fleet of Sikorsky-built MH-60R Seahawk/Romeo helicopters and the potential acquisition of 40 UH-60M Black Hawks.

The US Navy has contracted Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky to produce the additional helicopters over the coming years, with delivery expected between mid-2025 and mid-2026.