Legendary squadron reformed for critical mission on China

A legendary RAAF squadron that disbanded more than 30 years ago is recalled for a critical mission to defend the country’s north.

One of Australia’s most legendary battlefield squadrons disbanded decades ago has been reformed for a critical around-the-clock intelligence and surveillance mission off the country’s north.

RAAF chief Air Marshal Robert Chipman said the 9 Squadron was involved in some of the country’s most infamous battles after being formed for World War 2 and going on to play a pivotal role in the Battle of Long Tan in the Vietnam War.

In that war it operated Iroquois helicopter gunships but with China’s military regional muscle flexing and spy operations off Australia’s coastline, the squad would be tasked with high-altitude long-range and real time maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

RAAF Chief of Air Force Robert Chipman (left) and Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles at the Australian International Airshow & Aerospace and Defence Exposition (AVALON 2023). Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

Air Mshl Chipman said the squadron, disbanded 34 years ago, was again being stood up to operate the new MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aircraft for critical maritime surveillance for operations not just off Australia’s coastline but across the Pacific.

The giant spy drone, the size of a 737, rollout will cost $1.3 billion.

A Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system on display at Avalon. Picture: Getty Images

“We’ve got people that have been training on the Triton for a number of years already in the United States, now training on the capability,” he said, flanked by the Defence Minister Richard Marles and a mock of the Northrop Grumman aircraft at the Avalon Airshow.

The logoed Black Browed Albatross squadron will be based at RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia but operate out of RAAF Tindal in the NT and could also be considered for a forward operating base on the Cocos-Keeling Islands where work is already underway to extend runways and facilities.

Mr Marles said the Triton could not come online soon enough and he was excited it would operate under such a historic and proud squadron.

File photos of MQ-4C Triton. Courtesy of Northrop Grumman. Image has been manipulated.

“This is a large UAV, it’s got the wingspan of a 737, it can fly for up to 24 hours and it will be able to provide the persistent reconnaissance and surveillance, of our northern maritime approaches which is so important in terms of the defence of our nation,” he said.

The new capability is expected to be in operation in 2024 with Australia having three on order and the possibility of more and will run operations complimentary to the manned P-8A Poseidon spy planes.

Mr Marles added: “We are seeing autonomous systems, uncrewed vehicles, not just in air warfare, but across all the domains becoming an increasing feature of warfare, but we’re certainly seeing it as an increasing feature of airpower.”