Australia’s air defence capability in 2025 stands as a testament to its long-term defence strategy, regional deterrence commitment, and modernisation under the Defence Strategic Review. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), supported by advanced aircraft, electronic warfare systems, strategic lift capacity, and surveillance platforms, plays a central role in safeguarding national sovereignty and projecting power across the Indo-Pacific.
This comprehensive guide explores the composition, function, and future-readiness of Australia’s air defence system in 2025.
Combat Aircraft: Dominating the Skies
F-35A Lightning II – The Core of Australia’s Air Combat Power
F-35A Lightning II [Air Force, Australia]
The F-35A Lightning II is the cornerstone of Australia’s modern air combat capability. As a fifth-generation multirole fighter, it offers stealth, supersonic performance, advanced sensors, and seamless interoperability with allied forces.
Australia has committed to 72 F-35A aircraft, operating from RAAF Base Williamtown (NSW) and RAAF Base Tindal (NT). The fleet enhances Australia’s air superiority, strike, and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
Key specifications:
- Max speed: Mach 1.6 (1,960 km/h)
- Range: Over 2,200 km
- Combat radius: ~1,093 km (with internal fuel)
- Weapons: AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, JDAMs, Paveway laser-guided bombs, 25mm cannon
- Notable feature: Sensor fusion for unparalleled situational awareness
Beyond its performance, the F-35A serves as a digital node in the modern battlespace, capable of sharing target data with ground, naval, and aerial assets.
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EA-18G Growler – Electronic Warfare Excellence
EA-18G Growler [Air Force, Australia]
Australia remains the only country outside the U.S. to operate the EA-18G Growler, a dedicated electronic warfare aircraft. With 12 Growlers based at RAAF Base Amberley, Australia can disrupt enemy radar, communications, and air defences.
Functions:
- Radar jamming and deception
- Suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD)
- Escort for strike aircraft
Key systems:
- ALQ-99 jamming pods
- AGM-88 HARM missiles
- Advanced mission software for electronic attack and support
By integrating with platforms like the F-35 and E-7A Wedgetail, Growlers ensure that RAAF strike groups can penetrate and operate in contested environments.
F/A-18F Super Hornet – Versatile Strike Fighter
F/A-18F Super Hornet [Air Force, Australia]
Before the F-35’s full arrival, the F/A-18F Super Hornet served as the backbone of Australia’s air strike capability. With 24 aircraft, these twin-seat multirole fighters operate from RAAF Base Amberley.
Capabilities:
- Air-to-air combat
- Air-to-ground strikes
- Maritime interdiction
- Close air support
Weapons suite: JDAMs, AGM-84 Harpoon missiles, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X, and a 20mm cannon.
These aircraft also work in tandem with the Growlers and F-35s, offering a layered and flexible air combat posture.
Strategic and Tactical Air Mobility
Mobility aircraft are essential for deploying Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, delivering humanitarian assistance, and supporting multinational operations.
C-17A Globemaster III – Heavy Airlift Workhorse
C-17 Globemaster III [Boeing]
Australia’s eight C-17A Globemaster IIIs provide unparalleled heavy-lift capabilities. Operating from RAAF Base Amberley, they can carry 77 tonnes of cargo, including:
- M1A1 Abrams tanks
- Helicopters
- Armoured vehicles
- Up to 134 troops
With a range exceeding 10,000 km, the C-17 can deploy forces across the Indo-Pacific without refuelling. Its ability to land on austere airfields also supports rapid response in disaster zones and crisis regions.
C-130J-30 Hercules – Tactical Flexibility
C-130J-30 Hercules [Air Force, Australia]
A true tactical lifeline, the C-130J-30 Hercules is designed for intra-theatre mobility. Australia operates 12 aircraft from RAAF Base Richmond.
Uses include:
- Tactical airlift in contested zones
- Medical evacuation
- Paratroop drops
- Humanitarian assistance
- Payload: Up to 19,500 kg
Range: 6,852 km (ferry range)
Crew: 2 pilots, 1 loadmaster (minimum)
The Hercules remains a dependable and rugged aircraft suitable for forward operations in harsh conditions.
C-27J Spartan – The Battlefield Connector
C-27J Spartan [LEONARDO Aircraft]
The C-27J Spartan fills the gap between the Hercules and rotary-wing aircraft. With a range of 1,700 km and the ability to operate from short, rough airstrips, it supports tactical resupply, troop movement, and disaster relief in remote locations.
Fleet: 10 aircraft
Payload: 5 tonnes or 34 passengers
Base: RAAF Base Amberley
It’s particularly valuable in the Pacific and northern Australia for regional outreach and rapid humanitarian support.
Countries having access to C-27J Spartan [LEONARDO Aircraft]
KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport – Air Refuelling and Troop Movement
Image of KC-30A MRTT with defence personnel in the Middle East [Defence, Australia/Australian Air Power Today]
Air-to-air refuelling is a critical capability that extends the range of Australia’s combat aircraft. The KC-30A MRTT, based on the Airbus A330, does exactly that.
Fleet size: 7 aircraft
Fuel capacity: 111 tonnes
Range: 14,800 km (transport mode)
Passenger capacity: 270
It supports both boom refuelling (F-35, C-17) and probe-and-drogue systems (Super Hornet, Growler)—ensuring flexibility across aircraft types.
Other Mobility Assets
- 737 Boeing Business Jet (BBJ): VIP transport
- Dassault Falcon 7X: Liaison and VIP duties
- KA350 King Air: Light utility, training, and logistics
Dassault Falcon 7X [Air Force, Australia]
KA350 King Air [Defence, Australia/Australian Aviation]
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
Situational awareness is a cornerstone of modern defence. Australia’s ISR platforms provide real-time tracking, electronic intelligence, and battlefield command.
P-8A Poseidon – Maritime Reconnaissance and Strike
P-8A Poseidon [Air Force, Australia]
Australia’s 15 P-8A Poseidons, based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, serve maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare roles.
Features:
- Sonobuoy deployment
- Torpedoes, Harpoon missiles
- Advanced radar and sensors
- Range: Over 7,500 km
It monitors Australia’s vast coastline and contributes to counter-piracy, fisheries protection, and submarine detection across the Indo-Pacific.
E-7A Wedgetail – Command and Control from the Skies
E-7A Wedgetail [Air Force, Australia]
The E-7A Wedgetail is Australia’s airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform, integrating airspace management and real-time command.
Fleet: 6 aircraft
Radar: MESA (Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array)
Coverage: 360 degrees over hundreds of kilometres
Role: Coordinates air, sea, and land forces
It acts as the nerve centre for aerial operations, enhancing force coordination during both defence and coalition missions.
MQ-4C Triton – Persistent Surveillance from Above
MQ-4C Triton [Air Force, Australia]
Australia has acquired up to 7 MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance UAVs for maritime ISR.
Endurance: Over 24 hours
Altitude: Up to 55,000 ft
Sensors: AESA radar, EO/IR cameras, SIGINT
Operating from RAAF Base Tindal, Tritons provide near-continuous surveillance of Australia’s northern approaches, EEZ, and maritime chokepoints.
Training Aircraft and Pilot Development
Australia invests heavily in pilot excellence. These training platforms ensure RAAF aircrew can operate modern, complex aircraft with precision.
Pilatus PC-21 – Advanced Trainer
The Pilatus PC-21 replaced the PC-9, offering digital cockpits and high-speed performance to bridge the gap between basic training and fast jets.
Features:
- Pressurised cockpit
- Simulated combat training
- Glass cockpit and mission systems
Hawk 127 – Lead-in Fighter Training
Used to train future F-35 and Super Hornet pilots, the Hawk 127 features modern avionics and radar, allowing advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground simulations.
Base: RAAF Base Williamtown
Upgrades: Ongoing enhancements under the Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Program
RAAF Bases Supporting Air Defence
Australia’s geography demands strategic base locations for optimal reach:
- RAAF Base Williamtown (NSW): F-35A hub and pilot training
- RAAF Base Tindal (NT): Forward base for Indo-Pacific reach
- RAAF Base Amberley (QLD): Super Hornets, Growlers, KC-30A, C-17
- RAAF Base Edinburgh (SA): ISR operations – Poseidon, Triton
- RAAF Base Richmond (NSW): C-130J Hercules
Future base upgrades under the Northern Australia Infrastructure Plan support longer runways, hardened shelters, and enhanced logistics.
Integration with Allies
Australia’s air defence system is designed for interoperability with the United States, Japan, and regional partners.
Joint exercises like Talisman Sabre, Pitch Black, and Malabar ensure Australian assets can operate seamlessly with coalition air forces. The F-35 program also fosters shared tactics, maintenance practices, and supply chains with allied operators.
Looking Ahead: Autonomous and Hypersonic Capabilities
By 2025, Australia has begun investing in next-generation technologies:
- Loyal Wingman (Ghost Bat): A locally developed autonomous aircraft designed to operate alongside manned platforms
- Hypersonic research: Joint hypersonic weapon trials with the U.S. and UK
- Defensive missile integration: Ground-based air defence systems like NASAMS to protect critical infrastructure
Conclusion: A Regional Air Powerhouse
Australia’s air defence system in 2025 stands among the most advanced in the Southern Hemisphere. It combines stealth fighters, electronic warfare, robust logistics, cutting-edge ISR, and strong training pipelines to protect its skies and project influence throughout the Indo-Pacific.
As regional tensions rise and technological change accelerates, the RAAF is not just prepared—but future-proofed. Through continuous investment, international cooperation, and strategic vision, Australia ensures that its air power remains a credible force for peace, deterrence, and national resilience.
