Originally slated to come online on 27 November this year, the controlled airspace at Ballina Byron will now be introduced on 11 June 2026.
The American made, catapult-launched and skyhook-recovered expeditionary drones have already been used in skies over Shoalwater Bay in Queensland.
The NH90 medium helicopter, manufactured by NHIndustries, has received negative feedback internationally with Australia and Norway having withdrawn the aircraft. The Australian decision took place after a fatal crash during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.
In the preliminary report into the 12 June crash, which killed 241 people on board and 19 on the ground, injuring 67 more, investigators from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found that the plane’s engines both had their fuel cut off moments into the flight.
This year’s exercise will feature a range of new Australian Defence Force capabilities, including UH-60M Black Hawks and the Precision Strike Missile.
Out of the 10 successful graduates completing the Introductory Fighter Course (IFC), five will now go on to complete a conversion course to the F-35A, two to the Super Hornet, and another two to the Growler.