Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mark Binskin has hosted his counterparts from the US, UK and Canada for a series of key strategic meetings in Australia.
The Air Force Four Party dialogue covered issues of shared strategic interest including Afghanistan operations, current and emerging aircraft and space capabilities, and opportunities for future training cooperation and engagement.
General Norton A. Schwartz, Chief of Staff, US Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of Air Staff, Royal Air Force, and Lieutenant General Andre Deschamps, Chief of Air Staff, Canada’s Air Force, attended the dialogue.
“RAAF has very well established ties with the US, UK, and Canadian Air Forces,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.
“However, this is a rare opportunity for the four Air Force Chiefs to meet and update each other on strategic level issues and discuss how we approach future challenges.”
The previous Air Force Four Party dialogue was conducted in the UK in 2008.
“All four nations continue to make significant operational contributions in Afghanistan.
Each delegation brought important perspectives and lessons learnt from recent operations that will be crucial in shaping how we work in future.”
“The dialogue also focussed on current and emerging capabilities.
“RAAF’s fleet includes aircraft also operated by the UK, US and Canada, such as the C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules.
“RAAF, like Canada’s Air Force, operates the Heron remotely piloted aircraft in Afghanistan.
“Additionally all four countries have identified the Joint Strike Fighter as a key element of their future air combat capability.”
The program included visits to Joint Operations Command at Bungendore, and RAAF Base Williamtown where the visiting Air Force Chiefs received updates on new RAAF capabilities, including the Wedgetail, F/A-18F Super Hornet and the KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft.