Australian Aviation

Investigators used to the same balloon, tethered to the ground, to test its deflation system that failed, with the original pilot on hand to witness the unique test.

The move is hugely significant given China carried out its own successful test last year of the weapons that are so manoeuvrable in mid-air they can’t be intercepted or detected.

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) said while the aircraft would come at a “great cost”, it has the advantage of being able to fire cheaper, short-range weapons.

The airline said the arrival of VH-UJK, Sheila, meant it had completed the “family of initial aircraft” to be based in Queensland, with two more 737s set for its second base in Melbourne.

The dispute is between security firm ISS and the United Workers Union, rather than the airports, but will cause major disruption given the union members are necessary to process passengers travelling through terminals.  

It’s hoped the aircraft, currently known as “Tempest”, would be ready by 2035 and will, in particular, replace Britain’s fleet of Typhoons.