In 2009 the ADF urgently acquired a persistent overland ISR capability to support ground operations in Afghanistan, bolstering the surveillance provided by a small detachment of AP-3C Orions which, until recently were, based in the Middle East Theatre of Operations.

One month after the rollout last June of Northrop Grumman’s first MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) UAV, the proposed acquisition for the ADF of up to seven high altitude, long endurance (HALE) UAVs for maritime patrol and other surveillance was advanced by four years in the 2012 Defence Capability Plan (DCP).

With the full fleet of 22 Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH) now in the hands of the Army’s First Aviation Regiment thoughts are turning towards ensuring their combat effectiveness and sustainability throughout their life of type. Such thoughts should be turning also to the remediation of a particular deficiency in the ARH system.

One of the positive news stories in the wake of the 2012/13 Federal Budget was the announcement that the RAAF will get 10 Alenia C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifters to replace the long-retired Caribou.

The RAAF is in the process of bedding down a raft of new capabilities with more on the horizon. The decade long program of transition that began a few years ago is well underway with capability mostly on track. But there are challenges ahead for the organisation and the industry that supports it.

While two major events during 2012 have helped shape the future of Australia’s air combat capability, further decisions to be taken during the course of 2013 will provide more direction.

Introducing the RAAF’s Growler electronic attack capability into service involves careful juggling on the part of Air Force to ensure the continuing viability of the air combat force.

Model-Based Design continues to grow within the aerospace and defence industries. This article examines the reasons behind that growth and explores future trends in its adoption. Particular focus is given to its use in the development of certified systems and on large multi-organisation programs.

Many, many years ago, then-Premier of Queensland Peter Beattie saw an opportunity to help grow the future of aerospace in Australia, with a focus in Queensland. And he knew the best way to do this was to engage the young people, to excite their minds, and to let them take us where we need to go.

The Royal Australian Air Force’s biennial Pitch Black exercise played out over the Northern Territory in August, involving between 80-100 fast jets and supporting aircraft and 2,200 personnel from six countries.

Australian Army Aviation faces significant challenges over the next few years, as it copes with the introduction of two complex helicopter types, maintains operational deployments on rotation in Afghanistan and Timor Leste and prepares to operate off the new LHDs.

In December this year the RAAF will retire the last of its C-130H Hercules airlifters after 34 years of continuous service, including many deployments to the Middle East and participation in humanitarian relief operations around the globe.

With the US Navy MH-60R ‘Romeo’ acquisition program significantly ahead of schedule, the way ahead is clear for the Royal Australian Navy to accept the first two aircraft early in 2014. Perhaps even more significantly, the 24th, and last, Romeo will be delivered to Australia in mid 2016, over two years ahead of the original Air 9000 Phase 8 schedule.

Defence has signed a multi-million dollar contract to commence operations for the upgrade of the Hawk Lead-In-Fighter, announced Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare.

Australia ’s enhanced Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) completed its first round of testing last month, Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare announced.

The sixth and final Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft was delivered to the Commonwealth in May and, as work continues towards achieving Initial Operating Capability later this year, a wider focus on what are perhaps non-traditional roles is now under development.