RAAF EA-18G Growler training reaches milestone
Five aircrew personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) graduated basic training at the US Navy's EA-18G Growler Fleet Replacement Squadron at a ceremony held on 27 February.
This marks the first time RAAF aircrew have completed basic training in the EA-18G.
The graduates will be assigned to naval expeditionary units for approximately two years, deploying and operating the EA-18G under the Personnel Exchange Programme. The Electronic Attack Wing, US Pacific fleet, at NAS Whidbey Island, provides direct training support to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129.
Capt. Darryl Walker, commander, Electronic Attack Wing, said: 'The graduation of the first crews marks a key milestone for our partnership.'
Australia is purchasing 12 Boeing-made EA-18Gs as part of a US Foreign Military Sales programme. It is the first international customer for the Growler, with deliveries expected to begin in 2017. Training and integration of the RAAF aircrew is a critical component of programme.
RAAF Wg. Cdr. Paul Jarvis, acting director, EA-18G Growler Transition, said: 'Training with Electronic Attack Wing, US Pacific fleet is essential to our ability to establish a credible airborne electronic attack capability.'
More from Digital Battlespace
-
Push for greater use of open source data, says senior British officer
The huge amount of open source data available may not carry the weight of secret sources but it does carry substantial value, according to speakers at Defence IQ C4ISR Global conference in London.
-
Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract
The deal with Jacobs will run until November 2027 and will see the company deliver a range of digital and IT specialist professional services to Defence Digital.
-
Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing
The communications company has upgraded two of its Beyond Line-of-Sight Multi-Purpose Terminals (MBTs) by introducing advancements in satellite communication technology and AI-driven maintenance capabilities.
-
Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced that its subsidiary Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce three satellites and launch them in 2025.
-
First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched
In 2015, South Korea named a consortium of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems, along with Thales Alenia Space providing the SAR payload derived from its HE-R1000 product, as preferred bidder to develop new Korea 425 Project reconnaissance satellites.
-
German military introduces central command and new cyber branch
The German defence minister claimed the reforms would mean the 2025 military budget would require an additional €6.5 billion (US$7 billion).