Australia’s military is beefing up aerial power, as shown in two unrelated developments.
Boeing has unveiled Australia’s first EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft.The EA-18G, also called the Growler, will fly to Naval Air Station China Lake, California for flight testing, and then Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington where Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) operators will train with U.S. Navy pilots, according to a Boeing news release. The RAAF will take delivery of the aircraft in Australia in 2017. Australia will be the first country other the U.S. to fly the EA-18G.
Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman announced that Brisbane-based Ferra Engineering will provide mechanical sub-assemblies for four Triton unmanned aerial vehicles, including structural components.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot announced in March 2014 that Australia would acquire the Triton.
