The news was revealed during the first day of an inquest at the ACT’s coroner’s court that examined how the Army helicopter’s searchlight started the blaze.
The incident, seen by thousands of onlookers, saw a WWII-era B-17 Flying Fortress fly straight into a Bell P-63 Kingcobra before both fell to the ground and exploded into flames.
Videos posted on social media showed the smaller P-63 fighter fly at speed directly into the larger B-17 before the aircraft crashed into the ground in front of onlookers.
Defence Minister Richard Marles, however, crucially refused to tell reporters whether it had been confirmed any Australians were involved
Universities Australia said that its institutions were “uniquely positioned” to help alleviate the skills shortage faced by the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
It is hoped that the exercise will enhance force integration and readiness between the two countries when it takes place from 7 to 18 November.