The Australian Department of Defense has confirmed that it will set up a space division under the ambit of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) by early 2022.
With the first flight of the Airpower Teaming System under its belt, Boeing Australia is producing more of the unmanned aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force’s Loyal Wingman demonstration program, the U.S. Force’s Skyborg autonomy initiative, and other customers.
A successful first flight on March 1 has triggered additional investment of $90 million from the Australian government to build another three Boeing Airpower Teaming System aircraft.
Australia will consider the Block 2 upgrade of the Boeing EA-18G Growler as part of a regular program of keeping aircraft common with those of the U.S. Navy, the defense department in Canberra said.
Undeterred by the budgetary effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia will increase defense spending by a nominal 9.1% in the fiscal year that began in July 2020, with further strong rises planned for the following three years.
Australia is planning to expand its electronic-attack force for the 2030s following the retirement of its Boeing EA-18G Growlers while also enlarging its fleets of surveillance aircraft, partly through the replacement of Boeing E-7A Wedgetails.
