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.
1960-1969
Introduction of the Caribou
Farewell Air Force’s Telstars
Introduction of the P-3B Orion
RAAF arrives in Vietnam

RAAF arrives in Vietnam
Three DHC-4 Caribou Mk 1 transports arrived at Vung Tau, marking the start of an Air Force presence during the Vietnam War which would last until February 1972.
RAAF arrives in Vietnam
Three DHC-4 Caribou Mk 1 transports arrived at Vung Tau, a coastal city 60 kilometres south-east of the South Vietnamese capital, Saigon, marking the start of an Air Force presence during the Vietnam War which would last until February 1972. The aircraft were on their delivery flight from Canada when they were diverted at Butterworth, Malaysia, to equip RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam, a new unit brought into existence at Butterworth on 20 July.
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Handover of Sabre Mk 32 aircraft
Ten Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Sabre Mk 32s were officially handed over to the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Handover of Sabre Mk 32 aircraft
Ten Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Sabre Mk 32s, which had formerly been in service with Air Force squadrons, were officially handed over to the Royal Malaysian Air Force, along with spare parts, ground equipment, and a simulator for training, as a gift worth some $10 million. This followed an announcement made in April by Prime Minister John Gorton, as part of Australia’s commitment to provide military assistance to its allies in South-East Asia.
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