The origins of the Royal Australian Air Force extend back to the early days of aviation, and we have made important contributions to defence and peacekeeping initiatives across the globe ever since.
2000-2009
Air Force begins commitment to the Middle East Area of Operations
Major role in support of the aftermath of the Bali bombings and tsunamis
Operation SLIPPER
Air Vice-Marshal Julie Hammer - first female two star for Australian Defence Force
Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston, AK, AC, AFC, serves as the Chief of Defence Force
New Age of Unmanned Aerial System
The Air Force became an operator of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) when a detachment at Kandahar, Afghanistan, conducted its first flight with a Heron unmanned aircraft.
New Age of Unmanned Aerial System
The Air Force became an operator of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) when a detachment at Kandahar, Afghanistan, conducted its first flight with a Heron unmanned aircraft. The Heron is a one-tonne unmanned platform powered by an 86kW Rotax engine, capable of medium altitude, long-endurance flights.