The inclusion of Ghost Bat in Valiant Shield marks a major point of success for the aircraft as it becomes the first collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) to be deployed in a joint operation exercise.

BITRE data for May 2026 showed that 82.1 per cent of flights across participating airlines arrived on time and 82.8 per cent departed on time, with 1.5 per cent cancelled, compared to long-term averages of 80.5 per cent for arrivals, 81.6 per cent for departures, and 2.2 per cent for cancellations.

A19-077 operated the final display flight from Point Cook last month, marking what Defence describes as “the end of an aircraft type that quietly shaped generations of military air power”.

Taking place at Surfers Paradise from 14-16 August 2026, the event will feature flying displays from the RAAF as well as formation warbird and aerobatic displays, firefighting displays, and other attractions. The show is returning this year after its cancellation in 2025.