Defence revealed the “flying visit” took place on 20 May as part of the ongoing Exercise Arnhem Thunder 21. It comes before some of the fleet take up full-time residence in Katherine, NT in December.
This is the latest of a number of deliveries to the area, with 19 of India’s 36 states and union territories already receiving Australian medical supplies from previous missions, including ventilators and oxygen concentrators.
The landmark moment came as the pair were taking part in Exercise Arnhem Thunder 21 last month from RAAF Base Darwin.
The deal, which will include spare parts, training and operational equipment, was first announced back in January and the new aircraft are set to replace Army’s beleaguered Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters from 2025.
Excercise Pacific Edge 21 saw more than 100 sorties performed, alongside Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Fighter Squadron and active-duty 19th Fighter Squadron.
Does the ongoing debate over the future of the US Air Force’s F-35 fleet opened an opportunity for Australia to explore alternatives for the RAAF?
