Stephen Kuper

The program of works includes the upgrade or rebuild of infrastructure and facilities at the base in North Queensland.

It was a hard slog, but the proof is in the pudding following an announcement by NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) that it will work with the United States Government via a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case to acquire 6 Boeing E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Wedgetail aircraft.

This milestone achievement marks major progress as Northrop Grumman and the RAAF proceed towards delivery of the first aircraft in 2024. The first flight lasted approximately six hours and 24 minutes and included a range of tests, namely airworthiness evaluations such as engine, flight control and fuel system checks.

This milestone flight marks the first, public successful flight of a sixth-generation combat aircraft, with Northrop Grumman describing the aircraft as the world’s “first sixth-generation aircraft” and a major step change for the US Air Force’s global strike capabilities.

The upgraded E-model Apache, known as Version 6.5 or V6.5, is the next configuration of the world’s premier attack helicopter. Australia plans to acquire 29 AH-64E Apaches to be built by Boeing as part of the multi-billion-dollar LAND 4503 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter program to replace the Army’s troubled ARH Tiger helicopters.

The move is hugely significant for Australia, with the first delivery of the uncrewed aircraft set for next year and an inaugural flight imminent.