Adelaide-based long-range drones will begin flying coastal surveillance missions in 2023
THE first of six Adelaide-based drones will begin flying coastal surveillance missions in 2023 after federal cabinet agreed to the $1.4 billion buy-up, part of a co-operative program with the US Navy.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE first of six Adelaide-based drones will begin flying coastal surveillance missions in 2023 after federal cabinet agreed to the $1.4 billion buy-up, part of a co-operative program with the US Navy.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will today announce the long-range MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles, which can remain airborne for up to 33 hours, will be controlled remotely from Royal Australian Air Force Base Edinburgh and the Tindal RAAF base in the Northern Territory.
The Government will spend $364 million on new facilities at Edinburgh and Tindal to support the aircraft. The project is expected to create a combined 70 jobs in SA and NT.
The Triton drones will join 12 new P-8 Poseidon surveillance planes at Edinburgh.
“The Triton will com-plement the surveillance role of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft through sustained operations at long ranges as well as being able to undertake a range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks,’’ Mr Turnbull said. “Together these aircraft will significantly enhance our anti-submarine warfare and maritime strike capability, as well as our search and rescue capability.
“Our No. 1 priority is keeping Australians safe. This investment will protect our borders and make our region more secure.”
Australia will also enter in a $200 million cooperative program with the US Navy for the development, production and sustainment of Tritons.
“This cooperative program will strengthen our ability to develop advanced capability,’’ Mr Turnbull said.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott announced in 2014 that the federal Government would base Triton drones at Edinburgh as part of plans to replace ageing P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft.
Defence has expressed interest in acquiring unarmed aircraft equipped with missiles.
Battle to save animals on the brink at Outback reserve
Conservationists are battling to save animals at an Outback reserve from the effects of the worst drought in recent memory, and have received a funding boost to redouble their efforts.
Country tradie to face court over incomplete work
A country tradesman will face the Elizabeth Magistrates Court over allegations he was not licenced and refused to refund money to clients.