Robert Dougherty

Under the contract, PteroDynamics will deliver P4 Transwing UAS aircraft, plus training and support, with the option for RAN to purchase larger P5 Transwing UAS systems for delivery starting in 2027.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles confirmed intentions for the deployment on 13 May. The deployment alongside allies under the multinational freedom of navigation operations follows a recent meeting of defence ministers from more than 40 countries.

Two of the airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft arrived in Australia earlier this year. The MC-55A Peregrines are based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, and operated by No. 10 Squadron.

The air force deployed a C-130J Hercules transport aircraft under No. 40 Squadron for the medical evacuation to Antarctica’s McMurdo Station and round trip back to Christchurch late last month.

Two women were arrested by joint counter terrorism teams at Melbourne Airport, and a third at Sydney Airport, upon their arrival on 7 May.

Australia’s largest regional airshow is expected to showcase three Spitfires soaring over the NSW coastline, a motorcycle backflipping over an aircraft and a Piper Cub landing on the back of a moving truck.