NZ Minister of Defence Judith Collins, speaking at RNZAF Base Auckland, announced the large investment in New Zealand Defence Force operating funding ahead of the country’s 2025 Budget.
The Northrop Grumman-manufactured high altitude, long endurance, remotely piloted aircraft system, labelled online as United States military A57-002 (similar aircraft pictured), arrived at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory earlier this week.
Works began in early April on the large-scale infrastructure and facilities upgrade, which aims to bolster the base’s operational capacity, safety and resilience.
The exercise over California’s Mojave Desert also involved the British RAF, which, along with the US, is set to introduce its own Wedgetails into its fleet and obtain similar certification in future.
Bland Shire Council received more than $167,670 from the NSW government to repair and upgrade the plane including site works at Lions Park, concreting, paint stripping and re-painting.
The program, which will also be held in Wallis and Futuna, will also be attended by Australian combat engineers, military police, health teams and planning personnel.
Australian Aviation has listed every flypast in every state, including times and exact locations. This year’s wider commemorative program includes the Dawn Service at 5.30 am and the Last Post Ceremony at 4.30 pm.
Defence said the aircraft received 3000lbs of SAF at RAAF Base East Sale in southern Victoria, as part of a joint initiative between the RAAF and Joint Capabilities Group.
Exercise Sea Dragon 25 in March saw Australia work with military contingents such as the US Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Navy and Indian Navy to practice coordinated anti-sub warfare, including joint P-8A Poseidon aircraft…