Robert Dougherty

The American made, catapult-launched and skyhook-recovered expeditionary drones have already been used in skies over Shoalwater Bay in Queensland.

The NH90 medium helicopter, manufactured by NHIndustries, has received negative feedback internationally with Australia and Norway having withdrawn the aircraft. The Australian decision took place after a fatal crash during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.

This year’s exercise will feature a range of new Australian Defence Force capabilities, including UH-60M Black Hawks and the Precision Strike Missile.

Three of the combat utility helicopters have been transferred to the Army Aviation Training Centre in Oakey, establishing the Army’s second UH-60M Black Hawk operating node.

One of the two Mobile Training Teams focused on deployed air traffic control operations, while the other examined airfield damage repair and airfield survey.

AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 missiles can precisely strike targets at extended range, providing a significant deterrence to potential adversaries and enhancing the ADF’s strike capability, which is a key priority of the 2024 National Defence Strategy.