Royal Australian Air Force

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is one of the oldest and most efficient air forces in the world, known for its professionalism, technological advancement and close cooperation with allies. As a founding member of the Commonwealth Air Force tradition, the RAAF has grown from humble beginnings in the early twentieth century into a highly modern force, playing a key role in Australia's defence and regional stability.

Beggining and formation

The origins of the RAAF date back to 31 March 1921, when the Australian Air Force (RAAF) was formally created - the second independent air formation in the world after the British Royal Air Force (RAF). Soon after, it was given the prefix "Royal", officially forming the Royal Australian Air Force. At that time, the newly formed formation had only a few aircraft, including Avro 504K and SE5A biplanes, used mainly for reconnaissance, training and postal purposes.

Photo: Flight of No. 1 squadron at Laverton. c.1936-1939. State Library of Victoria.

During the interwar period, the RAAF remained small, but gradually expanded its infrastructure, airfields, and training programs. However, the real boom came during World War II, when it became one of the largest air forces in the world, with over 170,000 personnel and 6000 aircraft. RAAF pilots flew Spitfires, Kittyhawks, Beaufighters and the legendary Lancaster bombers in Europe, North Africa and the Pacific, earning an outstanding reputation for their skills and courage. After the war, the RAAF participated in the Korean War, the Malay State of Emergency, and the Vietnam War, becoming a significant regional air power.

Modernization and expansion

Australia entered the jet era in the late 1940s, with machines such as the Gloster Meteor and the locally produced CAC Sabre. In the 60s and 70s. The Dassault Mirage III became a staple of Australia's air defenses, providing the country with the first-ever supersonic speed sustaining capabilities. The fleet, numbering about 116 aircraft, formed the backbone of the RAAF for almost 25 years.

A landmark moment was the introduction in 1973 of the General Dynamics F-111C Aardvark aircraft, a long-range variable-wing strike aircraft that offered unparalleled precision and range in the region. Australia purchased 24 F-111Cs, which remained in service until 2010, giving the RAAF a formidable deterrent power throughout the Cold War and beyond.

In the 1980s and 1990s, modernization continued with the purchase of 75 McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft, which replaced the Mirage fleet. The Hornet became a staple of Australia's combat potential for more than three decades, flying over Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. At the end of the first decade of the 21st century, these aircraft were supplemented with the more advanced F/A-18F Super Hornet - of which 24 copies were purchased - and the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare version, with 12 machines. With these platforms, the RAAF maintained a balanced combination of air superiority and electronic attack capability.

Photo: Bidgee, Royal Australian Air Force (A44-222) F/A 18F Super Hornet landing after an air display during the 2013 Avalon Airshow. 2013. Wikimedia Commons.

Mobility, Surveillance and Support Opportunities

Given Australia's enormous size and its regional responsibilities, air mobility and surveillance are key pillars of the RAAF's operations. The Air Mobility Group has a mixed fleet that includes 12 C-130J Hercules tactical transport aircraft and 8 C-17A Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft, capable of transporting heavy vehicles and large payloads over thousands of kilometers. These aircraft are often used in humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The RAAF also has seven KC-30A multi-role transport tankers (MRTTs) – based on the Airbus A330 platform – which provide in-flight refuelling and troop transport. Each KC-30A can carry up to 110 tons of fuel, which significantly extends the operational range of both Australian and allied aircraft.

A fleet of 12 P-8A Poseidon aircraft is responsible for surveillance and patrolling of maritime areas, and another two are on order, which will increase their number to 14. These aircraft replace the aging AP-3C Orion aircraft and offer advanced anti-submarine, reconnaissance, and search and rescue capabilities. They are complemented by 6 E-7A Wedgetail Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, among the most modern in the world. Built on the Boeing 737 platform, the Wedgetail provides 360-degree radar coverage and can track hundreds of targets simultaneously, providing commanders with unparalleled situational awareness over vast ocean and land areas.

Photo: P-8A Poseidon. 2016. https://www.airforce.gov.au/ .

Exercises and international cooperation

Training excellence has always been the hallmark of the RAAF. The PC-21 turboprop training aircraft, entered service in 2017-2019, is currently used as the Air Force's primary pilot training aircraft, replacing the older CT-4 and PC-9 training aircraft. Advanced jet training is carried out using Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighters, 33 of which are in service. These aircraft bridge the gap between initial training and operational adaptation to front-line fighters such as the F-35A.

The RAAF maintains a close relationship with allied air forces through major international exercises. Australia hosts the Pitch Black exercise in Darwin – one of the largest combat exercises in the Indo-Pacific region – and also participates in the US Red Flag exercises and the Talisman Sabre exercises, a large-scale bilateral exercise with the United States. These exercises ensure that RAAF personnel are interoperable with partner countries and operational readiness to carry out complex missions. In addition, Australia operates training sub-divisions overseas, including permanent flight training centers in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Helicopters

The Royal Australian Air Force focuses primarily on combat and transport aircraft, but helicopters play a vital role in providing logistical support, rescue and international cooperation. The RAAF primarily operates MRH-90 Taipan medium transport helicopters (currently beeing replaced by the American UH-60M Black Hawk) and AW139 search and rescue helicopters, used for medical evacuation, personnel transport and rescue operations. Working closely with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Australian Army, the RAAF provides support for search and rescue (SAR) missions, humanitarian evacuations and disaster relief. In 2023, the process of modernization and commissioning of the helicopter fleet, using MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, and the planned reconnaissance and transport program of the next generation, aimed at increasing interoperability with air and naval forces, began. The RAAF's rotorcraft operations also focus on developing night, autonomous, and fully-equipped command and control capabilities, providing greater flexibility and effectiveness in utility and military operations across the Indo-Pacific.

Recent purchases and future development

The most groundbreaking event in the history of the RAAF was the introduction of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II. Australia has ordered 72 F-35As that have already been delivered and are being used at the RAAF bases in Williamtown and Tindal. The fifth-generation stealth fighter replaces the classic Hornets and brings unprecedented stealth capabilities, situational awareness and online combat to the fleet. Each F-35A can carry a payload of up to 8160 kg and reach a speed of Mach 1.6.

The RAAF is also investing heavily in unmanned systems. Australia has committed to purchase up to 7 MQ-4C Triton drones, capable of high-altitude observation, which will complement the Poseidon fleet. In addition, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, Boeing Australia's autonomous loyal wingman drone, represents a breakthrough for the Australian aerospace industry. The Ghost Bat will operate alongside manned fighters such as the F-35A. It will perform reconnaissance functions, electronic warfare and can act as a decoy. All this with a range of over 3,700 km. In total, more than 35 Australian companies participated in the Ghost Bat program.

Photo: HoHo3143. Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat at the 2023 Avalon Airshow side view. 2023. Avalon Airshow. Wikimedia Commons.

In the future, the RAAF is to integrate the MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles and expand its command and control systems, including space and cyberspace. These initiatives are part of Australia's broader, multi-domain defence strategy, which seeks seamless coordination between air, land, sea, space and cyber operations.

Budget and strategic perspectives

Australia's defence spending has been steadily increasing. In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the Air Force received approximately A$16 billion, within the country's defense budget exceeding A$55 billion. These funds support the purchase of aircraft, advanced training systems and significant infrastructure upgrades at the RAAF bases in Amberley, Williamtown and Tindal.

The RAAF modernization is in line with the 2024 Strategic Defense Review, which emphasizes deterrence through denial, regional partnerships, and a strong domestic arms industry. The Air Force's broad portfolio – from air combat to humanitarian aid – ensures that it remains a central element of Australia's defence policy in the Indo-Pacific region.

Australia's aerospace and defence industry

Australia's aerospace industry forms the backbone of the RAAF's operational force, employing more than 30,000 professionals and contributing billions of dollars annually to the national economy. Major players in the industry include BAE Systems Australia, Boeing Defence Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia, and Northrop Grumman Australia, all involved in aircraft maintenance, systems integration, and software development.

Boeing Defence Australia's MQ-28A Ghost Bat project is the country's first locally developed combat aircraft in more than half a century and places Australia at the forefront of autonomous defence technologies. Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities are growing rapidly, with the RAAF bases at Amberley and Williamtown serving as regional support centers for the F-35 program. These facilities also provide support to allied countries operating similar aircraft.

Australia's aerospace sector works closely with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and leading universities, focusing on advanced materials, radar innovations and hypersonic flight research. These partnerships ensure that the RAAF maintains its technological advantage and contribute to the country's strategic self-sufficiency.

This article was prepared as part of the public task commissioned under the Government Programme for the Development of Civic Organizations 2018–2030: “Safe Poland of Tomorrow – strengthening the mission-driven activities of the Alioth Foundation.”