The Royal Australian Air Force was the launch customer for the E-7 Wedgetail platform and was joined by the Republic of Korea Air Force and the Turkish Air Force, which currently operates the E-7.
According to Defence, the new capability will allow surveyors to capture detailed spatial data over larger areas in less time and keep personnel out of harm’s way.
The move is Australia’s contribution to multinational efforts to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.
The Australian Army is rapidly bringing its fleet of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters into service, with the aircraft and crew flying more than 1,400 hours in support of introduction into service activities since the aircraft’s arrival in 2023.
The aerospace giant has produced a total of eight MQ-28A prototype aircraft, with three Block 2 variants currently in production.
The company previously announced the proposed sale of Quickstep Aerospace Services and its maintenance, repair and overhaul operation based in Tullamarine, Victoria.