Australian Aerospace has two NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters (NFHs) in country as the company gears up its pitch for Air 9000 Ph 8.

Aero Innovation Australia assisted with the certification approval of Trakka Corp's helicopter searchlight supplied to Eurocopter France.

The first Australian-leased Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle has started initial operations supporting Australian, Afghan and ISAF troops in Afghanistan.

A division of Donaldson Filtration Solutions has been selected to provide the fuel filter assembly for General Atomics' Sky Warrior unmanned aircraft.

The Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing stealth fighter has engaged its STOVL propulsion system in flight for the first time.

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract to support the Australian Army Black Hawk helicopters for the remainder of their service.

Victoria's Minister for Industry and Trade, Martin Pakula, is spearheading a push to establish the ADF's Interim Basic Flying Training (IBFT) program at West Sale, adjacent to the RAAF's Central Flying School.

The RAAF's Wedgetail program passed a significant, and very welcome, milestone in November 2009.

Hawker Pacific has signed a long term performance based, turn key lease and support contract with DMO to supply and support King Air 350 interim ADF light transport aircraft capability based in Townsville, North Queensland.

The Mantis UAV, designed and built by BAE Systems, completed its first flight at the Woomera range in South Australia, BAE announced on November 13.

Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) and the RAAF held a ceremony at RAAF Base Amberley in early November, to commemorate the completion of the F-111 Deeper Maintenance Program, ahead of the fleet's planned retirement at the end of 2010.

The Government has approved the acquisition of the first batch of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft.

Aviation technicians with 278 Squadron are beginning training on the F/A-18 Visual Environment Maintenance Trainer (VEMT) at RAAF Amberley.

A retired DHC-4 Caribou aircraft will become a permanent static display at RAAF Base Amberley in recognition of its long association with the area.

The first of the RAAF's 24 Boeing F/A-18Fs took off on its initial flight from Lambert International Airport in St Louis on 20 July 2009.