T-6A Texan II's are parked on the flightline at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., Oct. 29, 2025. The T-6A Texan II is a single-engine, two-seat primary trainer designed to train undergraduate pilot training students in basic flying skills. (U.S. Air Force photos by 2nd Lt. Connor Brezenski)


JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 30, 2025 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] is strengthening Australia’s maritime surveillance and anti‑submarine capability with the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P‑8A Poseidon inducted into an upgrade program as the service also begins to integrate its 13th aircraft into the fleet.

Under the four-year Increment 3 Block 2 modifications, the RAAF’s P-8As will receive new antennas, sensors and software to improve computer processing and communication systems, allowing aircrews to search for, detect and target the world’s most advanced submarines.

Australia is the first global P-8A customer to receive Increment 3 modifications.

The newest RAAF P-8A Poseidon was delivered Sept. 29, with the 14th aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2026.

“These upgrades, together with the delivery of the 13th P-8A, mark two important advancements for Australia’s defence of its vast coastline,” said Naomi Smith, director of Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) Sustainment Operations. “Increment 3 Block 2 will deliver next‑generation detection and targeting for aircrews, while the newest aircraft strengthens fleet readiness and operational reach, all while maintaining interoperability with the U.S. Navy P-8A fleet.”

The first two RAAF P-8As will be upgraded by Boeing at the Jacksonville maintenance, repair and overhaul facility. The RAAF aircraft are also the first international planes to be upgraded at the facility where teams continue to upgrade and deliver P-8As to the U.S. Navy. The remaining aircraft will be modified by BDA at its Deeper Maintenance & Modification Facility near RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia

Toulouse, France, 31 October 2025 - Korean Air has become a new customer for the world’s only all-new large freighter, following the conversion of seven of its existing A350-1000 passenger aircraft orders to the A350F.

“Korean Air is one of the world’s largest cargo operators,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “The decision to add the A350F to its fleet is therefore a very significant endorsement of the aircraft’s unique capabilities. The A350F will bring Korean Air the most efficient solution in the large freighter segment.”

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46 tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027.

Currently under development, the A350F can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and will fly up to 4,700 nautical miles / 8,700 kilometres. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability.

At the end of September 2025, the latest generation widebody A350 Family had won 1,445 orders from 63 customers worldwide, including 65 for the all-new A350F from 10 cargo carriers and one lessor.

Korean Air has ordered a total of 33 A350 aircraft. This now comprises 20 A350-1000s, seven A350Fs and six A350-900s, of which the first two have already been delivered. In addition, the carrier has outstanding orders for 39 A321neo single aisle aircraft.

RAAF aviators silently watched Europe’s eastern flank to assist with peace and stability in the region under Operation Kudu, Australia’s military contribution to international support for Ukraine.

Task Element (TE) 631.10.7 worked closely with NATO to deploy a vital asset, the E-7A Wedgetail.

From July to October the contingent conducted more than 45 operational missions, all commencing on ground alert with some resulting in the aircraft being scrambled to provide operational air battle management.

Throughout the deployment, the aircraft and skilled crew from 2 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), maintained a high-readiness status in preparation for contingency tasks.

Operating out of a Polish airbase, Commander of the TE, Wing Commander Samuel Thorpe, said the mission’s focus was supporting humanitarian assistance to Ukraine through Poland’s logistics hub.

At the same time, the Wedgetail also provided vital support to NATO’s integrated air and missile defence systems.

“The E-7A is the most sophisticated airborne, command and control platform in the world,” Wing Commander Thorpe said.

“It’s highly sought after and not something NATO has available to it.

“So, it's no surprise that it came as a request from the Polish and NATO forces, for the TE to come and provide support.”

'We’ve been able to achieve 100 per cent mission success thanks to the technical competence and mission focus of our people.'

Operation Kudu marked two firsts: the first operational deployment of the E-7A to Poland, and the first time the ADF deployed assets without the traditional backing of Australia’s Five Eyes partners.

“We have provided a complete organic Australian solution in a country that we are not familiar operating with,” Wing Commander Thorpe said.

The ADF’s surveillance solution to the NATO partners was welcomed by Brigadier General Robert Chojnacki, Commander of the 2nd Tactical Air Wing, Polish Air Force.

Brigadier General Chojnacki said that having the Australians operate the E-7A from a Polish airbase had increased the two nations’ cooperation as well as NATO capabilities.

“The ADF brings a very important role in the surveillance picture for NATO, which has increased our Defence,” he said.

“It extends long-range reconnaissance, providing observation all around our NATO borders.”

Wing Commander Thorpe credited the mission success to his team, through their relentless effort to never fail.

“We’ve been able to achieve 100 per cent mission success thanks to the technical competence and mission focus of our people,” he said.

“I’d like Australians back home to be proud of their loved ones and know that they have had an outstanding contribution to the NATO effort.

“Our people are a true demonstration of the Australian way for overcoming challenges and getting the job done.”

Operation Kudu continues to highlight the growing partnership between Australia and NATO as the Australian Government remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.
(Photos courtesy of the RAAF)