Conversion training of aircrew for the RAAF’s KC-30A multi-role tanker transports (MRTTs) may soon dispense with live sorties and rely entirely on simulation.

Swiss firm RUAG is perhaps best known for its engineering and component services (having bought Rosebank Engineering in 2012), but one part of the company has put the Dornier 228 twin-turboprop utility aircraft back into production

At the Avalon Airshow on Tuesday, BAE Systems Australia launched a new website targeting Australian and regional stakeholders with an interest in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

The Tactical Air Defence Radar System (TADRS) communication upgrade for the RAAF is now in service.

QinetiQ has signed a deal for four Airbus H125 helicopters as part of its modernisation of the Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS), which it manages alongside the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Engineering and manufacturing company Varley Group has announced a $10 million partnership investment in US Defence Avionics Company, Coherent Technical Services (CTSi) at the Avalon Airshow.

Rheinmetall Defence Australia has Queensland and Victoria as potential locations for its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) after receiving a first and final round of bids from state governments to secure the project.

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On Tuesday the Italian Militare Marina’s FREMM frigate Carabiniere departed Sydney for Melbourne on another leg of her busy Australian PR tour with ADM embarked.

Minister Payne welcomed Minister Pinotti to Australia noting the visit is the first by a sitting Italian Defence Minister.

Tomcar Australia, which makes a range of off-road vehicles and soon the nation’s first production electric car, has been recognised for its foresight, resilience and innovative achievements.

AVM Hupfield explained how the changes brought in under the First Principles Review are now beginning to settle down.

The strategy will include the establishment of a new central coordination body– Defence NSW.

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Attitudes and behaviours, according to the report, will count more than contracts and policy when it comes to establishing effective collaboration.

During the demonstration, HD video was continuously streamed through the rotating blades of a Bell 407 Multi-role helicopter.