Australia

Sep- 2026 -

25 September

Program Manager Rich Steixner with the Lite Coms LITE SAT 1.3A terminal supporting the ADF LAND 4140 LAND C4 Modernization program.

Lite Coms to Supply Tactical SATCOM Dishes for Australian Military

Boeing Defence Australia has selected Lite Coms to supply tactical satellite communication terminals for the Australian Defence Force’s LAND 4140 modernization program.

24 September

Air

No 3 Squadron Joint Strike fighters A35-09 and A35-11 taxi out for a night sortie from RAAF Base Williamtown. *** Local Caption *** Two F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft from No. 3 Squadron conducted night flying at RAAF Base Williamtown as part of pilot familiarisation training.

Rojoef Manuel

US-Bound Australian F-35 Parts End Up in China After Shipping Mishap

Chinese authorities have taken possession of F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft components after a shipment was rerouted to Hong Kong during transit from Australia.

23 September

Air

A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft representing No. 11, No. 12, and No. 292 Squadrons (centre), an MQ-4C Triton from No. 9 Squadron (left), and an MC-55A Peregrine from No. 10 Squadron representing the Air "ISR Family" of jets in No. 92 Wing at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. This image has been digitally altered. *** Local Caption *** On Tuesday 22 September 2026, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Honourable Richard Marles MP, accompanied by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM, visited RAAF Base Edinburgh to announce a series of significant milestones for Australia's Air Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (Air ISR) capabilities. The Acting Prime Minister announced the achievement of Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the MQ-4C Triton and MC-55A Peregrine, the completion of major upgrades to the first two P-8A Poseidon aircraft in Australia's fleet in the United States, and the forthcoming commencement of upgrades to the remaining fleet at the recently opened Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility at RAAF Base Edinburgh. These milestones represent a significant enhancement to the Royal Australian Air Force's ability to deliver persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance effects across Australia's primary area of military interest. RAAF Base Edinburgh is the Royal Australian Air Force's principal Air ISR hub and home to No. 92 Wing, which operates the P-8A Poseidon, MQ-4C Triton and MC-55A Peregrine through Nos. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 292 Squadrons. Built through years of collaboration between Defence, industry and the United States, Australias integrated Air ISR fleet continues to grow.

Rojoef Manuel

Australia Reaches Key ISR Milestones Across Triton, Peregrine, and Poseidon Fleets

The Royal Australian Air Force has declared initial operational capability for its MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial systems and MC-55A Peregrine jets, alongside the completion and upgrade of the military’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission fleet.

23 September

Asia Pacific

Christine Casimiro

Australian Hunter-Class Frigates to Get Insulation From CBG Systems

CBG Systems has secured a contract from prime contractor BAE Systems Maritime Australia to supply insulation systems for Australia’s Hunter-class frigates.

23 September

Asia Pacific

Christine Casimiro

BAE Systems to Sustain Mk 45 Naval Guns on Australian Warships for $32M

BAE Systems Australia has secured a $32-million contract to continue sustaining the Mk 45 naval gun systems of the Royal Australian Navy’s warships.

11 September

Asia Pacific

Inder Singh Bisht

Australia Declares NASAMS Air Defense System Fully Operational

The Australian Army’s National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System has achieved final operational capability.

1 September

Sea

(L-R) HMA Ships Cape Spencer and Cape Hawke berthed at HMAS Cairns prior to their dual commissioning ceremony in Queensland. *** Local Caption *** On Thursday 27 Aug 2026, Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats (eCCPB) Spencer and Hawke were Commissioned into service in a ceremony at HMAS Cairns, Queensland. HMAS Spencer and Hawke will now operate as His Majestys Australian Ships (HMAS). Together with the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (ACOPV), they will play a key role in Navys contribution to helping patrol and secure Australias maritime borders.

Rojoef Manuel

Final Australian Navy Evolved Cape Patrol Boats Enter Service

The Royal Australian Navy has admitted its final Evolved Cape-class systems into service, completing the 12-patrol vessel program signed in 2020.

Aug- 2026 -

25 August

Asia Pacific

Rendering of Hunter Class frigate at sea.

Christine Casimiro

BAE Systems Lays Keel for Royal Australian Navy’s First Hunter-Class Frigate

BAE Systems Maritime Australia has laid the keel for the Royal Australian Navy’s first Hunter-class frigate at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.

20 August

Asia Pacific

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Australia, Japan Unleash New ‘Boobook’ High-Energy Laser System

Australia and Japan are taking their laser defense ambitions from the lab to the field, with the Boobook prototype completing its first field trials in South Australia.

19 August

Asia Pacific

Christine Casimiro

Australia, Japan Test Co-Developed Boobook Laser System

Australia and Japan have successfully conducted field trials of a co-developed laser prototype in South Australia, further deepening their defense ties.

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