On social media, General Allvin highlighted that the F-47 would be expected to see some form of operational capability between 2025 and 2029, with a minimum number of aircraft of 185 airframes, or a one-for-one replacement for the F-22 Raptor fleet.
Boeing Australia will produce and assemble its Boeing Airpower Teaming System – an autonomous defence aircraft – at the site.
Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones announced the overseas debut during a visit to Igam Barracks in Lae on 23 April. It is the 11th iteration – and the first in its 22‑year history – to be conducted, in part, outside Australia.
The four-week deployment, announced late last month, will see the aircraft and crew carrying out airborne surveillance of the waters around east Asia to capture evidence of ship-to-ship transfers of resources used for the North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
NZ Minister of Defence Judith Collins, speaking at RNZAF Base Auckland, announced the large investment in New Zealand Defence Force operating funding ahead of the country’s 2025 Budget.
The Northrop Grumman-manufactured high altitude, long endurance, remotely piloted aircraft system, labelled online as United States military A57-002 (similar aircraft pictured), arrived at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory earlier this week.