Page 4 - Australian Defence Magazine November 2021

4 EDITORIAL
NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
100 YEARS OF RAAF
EWEN LEVICK & NIGEL PITTAWAY | MELBOURNE
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SUBMARINES – and nuclear-powered sub- marines in particular – have dominated conversations in the virtual hallways of ADM since the surprise announcement of the AUKUS alliance in September. There are very many unanswered questions about the Morrison Government’s deci- sion to scrap the Attack class program, walk away from a deal with the French and seek a nuclear solution. There have been no meaningful answers to our ques- tions to date, but we are watching devel- opments closely and will be writing a lot more on the subject in future issues of this magazine.
and historian Stewart Wilson, through to in-depth analysis of some of the ca- pabilities that make up the modern Air Force, to a thought piece on what Air Force’s priorities may be as it looks to- wards the future. This is all underpinned by our From the Source interview with Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld and his thoughts are reproduced in full within.
Airpower is becoming increasingly im- portant in the Indo-Pacific region and, since its inception in 1921, the RAAF has had to adapt to changing geopoliti- cal circumstances – from defence of the Empire, to defence of Australia, wars or confrontations in Korea, Malaya, Viet- nam, Indonesia (over East Timor) and, most recently, the Middle East. With rise of a new superpower in the region – one which is developing a formidable military force that is capable of projecting power over great distances – the RAAF not only has to maintain a technological advan- tage over an adversary, but redress the disparity in numbers.
While there are projects underway to develop solutions to these problems – Boe- ing’s ‘loyal wingman’ Airpower Teaming System being one example – the RAAF’s most important asset remains its people. This issue of ADM is crammed full of pictures of RAAF platforms, but it is its people that enable machines to deliver the desired capability. The qualities of a well- trained and motivated workforce will give RAAF the edge it needs as time goes on, and the same is true for Defence Industry.
As Air Marshal Hupfeld says in his From the Source interview this month: “Our people are our future, and our fu- ture is everything.” ■
Ewen Levick
But this issue of ADM is all about airpower, specifi- cally in light of this year being the 100th Anniversary of the Australian Air Force, formed on 31 March 1921 (the ‘Royal’ prefix was bestowed in August of that year). The RAAF had planned a comprehensive series of events for its 100th birthday year which would have seen its capabilities showcased in every state and territory – but then COVID-19
complicated plans.
A large presence was planned to coin-
cide with the 2021 Avalon Air Show to be held in February, but this was first moved to November and then cancelled altogeth- er. In a similar manner, it was originally planned to publish this special edition of ADM in February but this moving calen- dar has meant it is only in your hands now.
From cover to cover this magazine is packed with stories and images that chart the journey of the RAAF past, present and future. While this is somewhat of a depar- ture from our normal format, the 100th Anniversary of a service is a significant milestone, so we hope you enjoy the work our talented team has produced for you this month.
From a historical overview of the RAAF, written by accomplished author
“THE QUALITIES
OF A WELL-TRAINED AND MOTIVATED WORKFORCE WILL GIVE RAAF THE EDGE”
Nigel Pittaway