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The Royal Australian Air Force has signed an agreement to train pilots from the German Air Force in 2025.
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The agreement, a letter of intent, signed by Chief of Air Force Australia Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and Chief of the German Air Force Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, was announced on 10 August.
“I am excited to announce today that the Royal Australian Air Force will be training Luftwaffe pilots from next year,” said AIRMSHL Chappell.
“This announcement follows the recent signing of a letter of intent by myself and Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz.
“This collaboration goes beyond training; it symbolises the mutual benefits and strong ties between our nations. By working together, we enhance our capabilities and emphasises our commitment to global security.”
Lieutenant General Gerhartz, in a published statement by Team Luftwaffe, said the agreement is a brilliant signal for the future.
“It‘s about partnerships around the world,” said Lieutenant General Gerhartz.
“(German) Air Force student pilots will start their pilot training in Australia next year. This is what our Air Chief agreed upon with the (Australian) Air Chief.
“I wish I would have had that amazing opportunity as a young pilot myself.
“This training is a brilliant signal for the future and a strong symbol of our growing partnership.”
The RAAF has already hosted German military aircraft and personnel during the recent air combat training activity, Exercise Pitch Black, in the Northern Territory.
Approximately 140 aircraft and more than 4,000 personnel from France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and embedded personnel from Canada and New Zealand participated in that exercise hosted from 12 July to 2 August this year.
Aircraft operated from RAAF bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, with additional tanker and transport aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.
In addition, the Royal Australian Air Force has also recently announced it would host six F-22 Raptor aircraft from the United States Air Force 19th Fighter Squadron throughout this month during flying operations out of RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW.
It’s understood that two of the six F-22 Raptor aircraft will also participate in the Pacific Airshow from 16 to 18 August on the Gold Coast in Queensland.
