The official clarification came in response to recent speculation that the MQ-28A Ghost Bat drone would not carry weapons and instead be shifted to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles.
It was the biggest Pitch Black in the exercise’s 43-year history with missions of more than 50 aircraft at a time in one of the world’s largest military training areas.
Revealed at RAAF Base Tindal by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, the MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft that will provide persistent surveillance across Australia’s maritime approaches.
The Italian Air Force EFA 2000 Typhoon pilot, who was participating in Exercise Pitch Black 24, is safe and has been transported to hospital for precautionary checks after ejecting from their aircraft during flying operations.
An international participant is safe and well after ejecting from their aircraft on Wednesday during flying operations, according to a statement issued by Defence.
The Australian Defence Force uses its C-130J Hercules aircraft to deploy personnel, equipment and humanitarian supplies, as well as for search and rescue missions, disaster relief and medical evacuation.
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