The official clarification came in response to recent speculation that the MQ-28A Ghost Bat drone would not carry weapons and instead be shifted to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles.
It was the biggest Pitch Black in the exercise’s 43-year history with missions of more than 50 aircraft at a time in one of the world’s largest military training areas.
Revealed at RAAF Base Tindal by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, the MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft that will provide persistent surveillance across Australia’s maritime…
The accident, which took place during Exercise Talisman Sabre, resulted in the deaths of Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs.
Air missions were temporarily suspended after the fighter jet encountered an unknown issue during a training flight on Wednesday, causing the pilot to eject before being taken to hospital.
The Italian Air Force EFA 2000 Typhoon pilot, who was participating in Exercise Pitch Black 24, is safe and has been transported to hospital for precautionary checks after ejecting from their aircraft during flying operations.
A government source this week confirmed to The Australian that plans to make the Ghost Bat a “killer drone” had been shelved after manufacturer Boeing lost out on a US program to make autonomous combat jets.
An international participant is safe and well after ejecting from their aircraft on Wednesday during flying operations, according to a statement issued by Defence.
The new concept model on display features a much more evolved design with a wingspan larger than previous concepts to improve the aerodynamics of the future combat aircraft.
The Australian Defence Force uses its C-130J Hercules aircraft to deploy personnel, equipment and humanitarian supplies, as well as for search and rescue missions, disaster relief and medical evacuation.