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07/04/2026

Eagle Airlifters

Over the past weekend two C-130J-30 Super Hercules belonging to the 36th Airlift Squadron “Eagle Airlifters” based out of Yokata Air Base Japan, transitioned through Coolangatta Airport after conducting Exercise Mobility Astra 2026 out of RNZAF Base Woodbourne on the South Island of New Zealand.

Hosted by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the exercise brought together elements from the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Royal New Zealand Air force (RNZAF) for ten days of scenario-based training emphasizing tactical coordination, low-level navigation and precision airdrops. This exercise comes after the RNZAF’s transition to the C-130J Super Hercules, replacing its legacy C-130H fleet in late 2024.

29/03/2026

Flying operations are in full swing at RAF Fairford, with six B-52H Stratofortress and fifteen B-1B Lancer aircraft deployed as part of Operation Epic Fury.

Daily sorties have been supported by a vast tanker network throughout the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Central Command regions. Over 40 bomber missions have been flown since the conflict began, with additional B-1s, B-2s and B-52s operating from the contiguous United States.

Thanks Ollie for contributing these photos and welcome to the team!

27/03/2026

Pressure makes Diamonds.

Throughout March, the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) has conducted the next instalment of Exercise’s Aces Alpha and Diamond Shield at RAAF Base Amberley and RAAF Base Williamtown. This exercise is the second phase of the bi-annual Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC) and the 5th iteration of AWIC since its inception in 2016.

Exercise Diamond Shield is designed to establish high-end warfighting scenarios which aim to challenge the candidates to keep control of the air whilst integrating with multiple Air Force platforms and ground elements across Queensland and New South Wales.

Commanding Officer of No.88 Squadron Wing Commander Tim Willetts described the Air Warfare Instructor candidates as "some of the most talented aviators who will become Air Force’s most influential combat leaders.”

Air Warfare Instructor graduates emerge as highly experienced aviators who will lead, advise and enhance Australia’s combat capabilities, increasing lethality, survivability and operational effectiveness in multiple warfighting domains.

AWIC and its candidates now turn northwards with the culminating Exercise Diamond Storm due to take place in early June out of the Northern Territory.

21/02/2026

Combat Koala!

Throwback to June in 2024 when AIRTEVRON NINE (VX-9) deployed four F-35Cs from Edwards Air Force Base for interoperability operations with No.3 Squadron, and No.81 wing at RAAF Williamtown.

During their deployment, VX-9 took part in Exercise Dawn Strike 2024, the finale of the Diamond series of exercises and the Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC). This inclusion marked the first time another nations assets had participated in the cumulating event of AWIC since its inception in 1982.

The next edition of AWIC is currently underway with Exercise Diamond Seas wrapping up on Tuesday.

10/12/2025

No. 76 Squadron graduates in style!

Last week on the 5th of December, No. 76 Squadron held the final graduation ceremony for the Introductory Fighter Course (IFC) for 2025 over RAAF Williamtown. With a solo Hawk 127 display kicking off the morning festivities, all eyes soon turned eastward for the graduating pilots formation fly past and beat ups.

The IFC is a challenging five-month course where trainees learn the fundamentals of Air-to-Air combat and Air-to-Surface weapon delivery. The graduated pilots will now move on operational conversion on the F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and F-35A Lightning II.

30/10/2025

Singapore’s largest overseas unilateral exercise is back in Australia with the 35th edition of Exercise Wallaby (XWB) currently underway!

XWB25 includes 17 aircraft from the The Republic of Singapore Air Force including the AH-64D Apache, C-130H Hercules, CH-47F Chinook and F-16C/D Fighting Falcon.

Held in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in central Queensland — an area approximately five times the size of Singapore — the exercise involves more than 5,000 personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces. Rockhampton Airport and the neighbouring Warriors Camp are currently hosting the large contingent of fixed-wing and rotary-wing assets.

This year's edition of XWB wraps up this Sunday!

03/10/2025

TIGER TIGER TIGER

Today marks the final day of NATO Tiger Meet 2025. Hosted by the Portuguese Air Force at Beja Air Base, 79 aircraft from 12 countries descending on the region for two weeks of strengthening bonds and interoperability between nations.

Dating back to 1961, the NATO Tiger Association comprises of 23 full time squadron members all bearing a tiger in their emblem. Missions profile flown throughout the exercise are highly varied and include (but not limited to); Defensive & Offensive Counter Air, Close Air Support, Heli Es**rt & Tat, Air Combat Manoeuvring and Basic Fighter Manoeuvres.

Below is a snapshot of just some of the special liveries painted up for the occasion. What's your favourite amongst them?

28/09/2025

Over the weekend the Royal Australian Air Force opened the gates of RAAF Richmond to the public to celebrate a century of operations at the base. Despite forecasted weather cutting Sundays flying schedule short huge crowds converged on the base on both days to see what RAAF Richmond had to offer and get a taste of the action.

Throughout the weekend aerial demonstrations were conducted by the F-35A Lightning II, F/A-18F Super Hornet, E-7A Wedgetail, P-8A Poseidon, C-17A Globemaster III, Hawk Mk.127, the Air Force Roulettes, numerous aircraft from No.100 Squadron and the hometown hero the C-130J-30 Hercules.

06/09/2025

And that's a wrap for the Riverfire 2025 flying display!

Huge crowds around every part of the city for the start to this evening's festivities! The Royal Australian Air Force C-17, C-27 and EA-18G turned all eyes skywards (or downwards) with a series of fantastic passes along the Brisbane River ahead of the fireworks that kick off within the hour.

05/09/2025

Growlers turning up the heat over the Brisbane River!

Two Royal Australian Air Force EA-18G Growlers from No. 6 Squadron once again putting on a thrilling lunchtime demo ahead of tomorrow's Brisbane Festival Riverfire display.

Tomorrow's display kicks off from 4:50pm with the C-17, followed by the C-27 and EA-18G!

04/09/2025

C-27J Spartan debuts at Riverfire!

All eyes were on the skies over Brisbane today as the Royal Australian Air Force put on a show as part of the build up to Brisbane Festival's Riverfire for 2025.

In the area tomorrow? A pair of EA-18G Growlers will preform two runs from 12:30pm with the main flying display kicking off from 4:50pm on Saturday!

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