Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters confirmed the investment decisions of $2.7 billion, with the MH-60R Seahawk the preferred option to replace the existing maritime helicopters. The Airbus A321XLR aircraft will replace the ageing 757 fleet.
The aircraft previously completed testing earlier this year, in which a single human operator onboard a RAAF E-7A Wedgetail was able to successfully control two Ghost Bats in a mission against airborne targets.
Upgradable and adaptable F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter aircraft are expected to ‘remain relevant for a very long time’, according to recent comments from retired US F/A-18 instructor pilot Trevor ‘Gonky’ Hartsock.
Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Navy personnel, supported by United States Air Force 53rd Wing and United States Navy NAWCWD specialists, conducted the advanced target trials from 7 June to 2 July this year.
The Airshow will take place over the weekend of 27 and 28 September 2025 with gates open at 9am and flying displays to be conducted from 11am to 4.30pm. Tickets officially went on sale on August 13.
In recent years, remote pilots have overtaken CASA-licensed fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter and other pilots to become Australia’s biggest pilot group, according to CASA.
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