Royal Australian Air Force [RAAF] News, Discussions and Updates

[AndyinOz]

From a quick search through Google it appears 10Sqn is going to operate the Peregrine replacing the SIGINT versions of the Orion's the RAAF had operated. Australia’s Future MC-55A Peregrine Aircraft are Now Sporting RAAF Markings During New Tests

https://theaviationist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RAAF-MC55A-EW-SIGINT-2.jpg

 

[seaspear]

I was reading of the work of the Australian Sydney Cotton and his role in reconnaissance for the R.A.A.F with aircraft painted in pru pink and even pru blue and with the specific altitudes the Spitfires the aircraft flew at due to wavelength of light and diffuse sunlight at dawn and dusk making it unlikely for the human eye to track and was wondering if this is something the R.A.A.F could use for some of the non stealthy aircraft used

 

[ADMk2]

I was reading of the work of the Australian Sydney Cotton and his role in reconnaissance for the R.A.A.F with aircraft painted in pru pink and even pru blue and with the specific altitudes the Spitfires the aircraft flew at due to wavelength of light and diffuse sunlight at dawn and dusk making it unlikely for the human eye to track and was wondering if this is something the R.A.A.F could use for some of the non stealthy aircraft used

If the concern was that people might “see” our aircraft, I think we’re discussing a situation well within modern weapons envelopes...

 

[Wombat000]

If the concern was that people might “see” our aircraft, I think we’re discussing a situation well within modern weapons envelopes...

And yet we have aircraft carrying low-viz markings.
On aircraft with operating envelopes well outside tactical visual ranges.

 

[seaspear]

Perhaps this may be trialled on the drone fleet first as a comparison to determine possible benefits

 

[ADMk2]

And yet we have aircraft carrying low-viz markings.
On aircraft with operating envelopes well outside tactical visual ranges.

These same aircraft also carry luminescent formation and landing lights too…


Paint schemes and how, why and when they are applied is an interesting topic, but I am uncertain that RAAF will be considering applying “pru pink” to their F-35’s (or any aircraft) any time soon…

 

[seaspear]

I would suggest trials of colours like pru pink and blue for drones ,certainly the Russian SU-34 is of a light blue hue

Ukraine War: Russian Air Force Get A New Batch Of ‘Unique’ Su-34 Frontline Jets – An Aircraft That Is Both A Fighter & A Bomber

The Russian Aerospace Forces have received a fresh batch of Su-34 frontline fighter bombers from the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC, a division of the state tech behemoth Rostec), a statement from the UAC press office on June 1 revealed. “The UAC has delivered a new batch of Su-34 frontline...

www.eurasiantimes.com

An Original SAS Land Rover Series 2A 109 Pink Panther - The "Pinkie"

The Pink Panther, often referred to as the "Pinkie", is a heavily customised Land Rover Series 2A built for British Special Air Service desert warfare

silodrome.com

 

[Going Boeing]

Some significant progress with the Ghost Bat development with the announcement of an AMRAAM missile launch in an “operational environment”.

MQ-28 Ghost Bat To Fire AIM-120 Missile In First Live Weapons Test Next Month

 

[MARKMILES77]

Peregrine number 3 seen flying in the US.
Can't be too long before one appears in Australia.

https://x.com/SR_Planespotter/status/1990457477255635413

 

[ThunderChunder]

Block 3 upgrades to F/A-18F and EA-18G underway?

https://www.dsca.mil/Press-Media/Ma...stralia-fa-18f-and-ea-18g-sustainment-support

In typical fashion, US Navy keeps things mum by not heavily advertising what is going in, but the items listed in the $2.0 billion deal are significant.

The Government of Australia has requested to buy the following equipment and services related to sustainment of its F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft fleet: sixty (60) Global Lightning – Joint Tactical Terminal – Transceivers (JTT-X); forty (40) Advanced Electronic Warfare systems; and twenty-four (24) Next Generation Electronic Attack Units (NGEAU).

You would have to dig into the exact details of what is being proposed here, but Next Generation Electronic Attack Unit is the heart of Growler Block II:

EA-18 2026 Budget

FY26 defense budget detail and analysis for EA-18 budget line item 0604269N with a budget request of $184.9M

www.highergov.com

The Growler Block II is a foundational spiral upgrade that will implement the incremental and innovative capability improvements
required for Naval Aviation to regain and sustain an advantage in the EMS until the EA-18G is replaced.

Growler Block II consists of onboard sensors of the EA-18G, namely the ALQ-218, require improved sensitivity and processing to detect, identify, and locate advanced complex threats at longer ranges. The ALQ-218 is a combination of multiple Weapons Replaceable Assemblies (WRAs), enabled by software, providing a mechanism for incremental capability improvement. The current Electronic Attack Unit (EAU) WRA will be replaced by the Next Generation Electronic Attack Unit (NGEAU), beginning the transition to Growler Block II Phase I. This upgrade, coupled with the Reactive Electronic Attack Measures (REAM) capability, greatly enhances the EA-18G's autonomous processing and response to unknown signals in an extremely dense EMS environment.

JTT-X is another big thing for both F and G:

F/A-18 Squadrons 2026 Budget

FY26 defense budget detail and analysis for F/A-18 Squadrons budget line item 0204136N with a budget request of $369.9M

www.highergov.com

F-18 modernization Global Lightning (GL) development is an integrated F/A-18E/F and EA-18G Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications solution. This effort includes the development of a software defined radio, Global Lightning aperture, and resilient communication enablers. Additionally, this will encompass an aircraft integration effort to support two-way data and voice BLOS capability. This capability provides joint, multi-domain connectivity for the distributed battlespace Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) tactical communication and puts a common tactical picture into the hands of the pilot. The capability also provides a resilient, real-time gateway between the 4th and 5th generation tactical aircraft with datalinks at the tactical edge with assured C2 and targeting from national and other off board sensors. The data is provided through multiple data paths and supports Long Range Fires in critical environments. Beyond Line of Site (BLOS) also provides tactical communications for joint, multi-domain connectivity in support of distributed battlespace. This incremental approach allows for rapid, Speed-to-the-Fleet capability insertion as technology and solutions are developed.

BLOS is the integration of Global Lightning (GL) into F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft providing key capability for the Air Wing of the Future (AWOTF). Global Lightning will incorporate the Joint Tactical Terminal X (JTT-X) solution.

Some interesting stuff in there on ADVEW:

This budget supports development and platform integration of a modernized, fully integrated, multi-spectral Electronic Warfare (EW) system to enhance platform survivability against near-peer threats. This new system called Advanced EW (ADVEW) replaces the outdated ALR-67 radar warning receiver (RWR) and the limited ALQ-214 self-protect jammer into a modern, combined EW suite providing automated EW processing in an Open System Architecture. The suite will enable both offensive and defensive capabilities for the F/A-18E/F, as well as interoperable EW effects across the Carrier Air Wing and joint forces.

When fielded in FY27, this system will provide all-aspect, high sensitivity detection of full spectrum complex/agile/cognitive Radio Frequency (RF) threats keeping the Super Hornet a highly capable strike fighter asset in the Great Power Competition through platform sundown in 2040.

Saw this interesting tidbit:

Development and Integration of Advanced Tactical Data Fusion for H20 for F/A-18 & EA-18G as well as providing Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) risk reduction

So not only is Growler entering a new block, but both are getting new datalinks while Super Hornet is getting a brand new EW system. And hidden in all that is that it's also getting a brand new fusion system that is intended to reduce risk for 6th gen

I think that really explains why RAAF has been more than happy to keep Rhino and Growler in the inventory and are even shoving more money at them than going with that fourth squadron of F-35 now. USN has not only kept them up to date and intends to keep them so until 6th gen arrives, but they are getting new technology in development for these next generation systems at a time when F-35 has been mired in significant difficulties with TR-3/Block IV. That the DOD has made F/A-18E/F the threshold platform for a whole host of new and modern weapons (AIM-174, AIM-260, AARGM-ER, LRASM) speaks volumes to the upgradeability of the jet

RAAF is honestly sitting in a much better spot than I think people realize

 

[thatsamguy]

Seems we're now in the process of getting AIM260A JATM.

First export customer, targeting first deliveries in Q3 2033, for a program currently still in development.

Facinating to see the continued Aus Gov pattern (outside the Henderson Defence Precinct) of quietly just moving forward on procurements and not announcing till all is sorted (other that FMS getting ahead of things).

Will be a nice engagement & deterrence range improvement for both the FA18F & F35As.

Haven't seen anything about the AIM-174B (SM-6 derivative) yet, which seems to be the way the US is getting extended range air-to-air munitions earlier. Does this mean we're likely to be just on AIM-120D-3 as our best case till the 30s? Or is there a chance of considering other munitions in the meantime?

 

[ADMk2]

Seems we're now in the process of getting AIM260A JATM.

First export customer, targeting first deliveries in Q3 2033, for a program currently still in development.

Facinating to see the continued Aus Gov pattern (outside the Henderson Defence Precinct) of quietly just moving forward on procurements and not announcing till all is sorted (other that FMS getting ahead of things).

Will be a nice engagement & deterrence range improvement for both the FA18F & F35As.

Haven't seen anything about the AIM-174B (SM-6 derivative) yet, which seems to be the way the US is getting extended range air-to-air munitions earlier. Does this mean we're likely to be just on AIM-120D-3 as our best case till the 30s? Or is there a chance of considering other munitions in the meantime?

If we are approved for JATM as these reports suggest, I imagine RAAF won’t be looking at another long range missile, particularly one that can only be carried by Super Hornet at this stage, especially when we also have AMRAAM-D3 coming.

They will already have their hands full I suspect with their rather extensive weapons integration efforts across their fighter and MPA fleets and now they have to add this weapon into the mix too.

There could always be some niche that AIM-174 fills that JATM doesn’t, ultra long range interception of AWAC’s or bombers for example, but I suspect RAAF will be satisfied with the range capability of D3 and then JATM for the immediate future.

 

[ThunderChunder]

A few interesting things about the JATM announcement:

1) If anyone had any doubts that Australia is now America's #1 ally, however much that may mean these days, this is it. No other nation has been offered AIM-260 JATM so far, and with all the weapons and systems that Australia has been buying from the US that no one else has, such as ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer, AGM-158C LRASM, AGM-88G AARGM-ER, and HACM, it is quite clear that the US is comfortable and satisfied handing their top kit to Australia first if it is ever to be sold to a foreign country.

2) For me, this also makes me quite confident that RAAF will eventually have the option to buy F-47 or F/A-XX. Australia has moved beyond just being a customer, but also a partner in development on systems like HACM and other guided weapons. That means having both the money and trust that is required to be at that level.

3) The other interesting part of that article is that Australia is getting test articles of AIM-260. The US has recently been keen on working with Australia on aerospace development, and giving test items is another sign of access.

4) Finally, AIM-260 JATM is officially being integrated and introduced on F-22 and F/A-18E/F. Nothing official has ever been said on F-35 integration on US F-35s. So we should expect JATM to work out of the box on F/A-18E/F by the time Australia receives its first batch. The test vehicles suggest, to me, that RAAF might need to do legwork integrating JATM on its own RAAF F-35s. Now that we are post-SDD, commonality across all nation's F-35s is no longer required, so this may be a sign of where the JSF programme is heading.

 

[Todjaeger]

A few interesting things about the JATM announcement:

1) If anyone had any doubts that Australia is now America's #1 ally, however much that may mean these days, this is it. No other nation has been offered AIM-260 JATM so far, and with all the weapons and systems that Australia has been buying from the US that no one else has, such as ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer, AGM-158C LRASM, AGM-88G AARGM-ER, and HACM, it is quite clear that the US is comfortable and satisfied handing their top kit to Australia first if it is ever to be sold to a foreign country.

2) For me, this also makes me quite confident that RAAF will eventually have the option to buy F-47 or F/A-XX. Australia has moved beyond just being a customer, but also a partner in development on systems like HACM and other guided weapons. That means having both the money and trust that is required to be at that level.

3) The other interesting part of that article is that Australia is getting test articles of AIM-260. The US has recently been keen on working with Australia on aerospace development, and giving test items is another sign of access.

4) Finally, AIM-260 JATM is officially being integrated and introduced on F-22 and F/A-18E/F. Nothing official has ever been said on F-35 integration on US F-35s. So we should expect JATM to work out of the box on F/A-18E/F by the time Australia receives its first batch. The test vehicles suggest, to me, that RAAF might need to do legwork integrating JATM on its own RAAF F-35s. Now that we are post-SDD, commonality across all nation's F-35s is no longer required, so this may be a sign of where the JSF programme is heading.

A few facts that people would do well to remember. The perceived value of Australia as an ally to the US is unfortunately at least somewhat dependent on who are among the power brokers within DC and what their respective opinions are. Should more of the isolationist members of the legislature or executive gain power, their POV could easily not value Australia so highly.

Furthermore, unless Australia were to join future US fighter development programmes as a partner-nation (if that is even an option), then one really should not automatically assume that Australia will be able to get access to US fighters. The Obey amendment restriction which stopped export sales of the F-22 is something which could potentially get replicated in the future.

 

[ThunderChunder]

A few facts that people would do well to remember. The perceived value of Australia as an ally to the US is unfortunately at least somewhat dependent on who are among the power brokers within DC and what their respective opinions are. Should more of the isolationist members of the legislature or executive gain power, their POV could easily not value Australia so highly.

Furthermore, unless Australia were to join future US fighter development programmes as a partner-nation (if that is even an option), then one really should not automatically assume that Australia will be able to get access to US fighters. The Obey amendment restriction which stopped export sales of the F-22 is something which could potentially get replicated in the future.

That is a true consideration, but that's why it's notable that this sale is happening under the current administration at all.

In addition, the restriction on the F-22 was in large part due to the era we were in (major American exceptionalism in the post-Cold War afterglow). Keep in mind that the RAAF still had access to F-22: there were RAAF exchange pilots stationed in F-22 squadrons.

While things are never constant, and while that is a great reason every military should find the right balance of supplier diversity and sovereignty considerations, RAAF and Australia are sitting quite pretty at the moment, and like I mentioned, I'd wager that odds are better than ever that they'll be on the short list of nations eligible to get US sixth gen.