The Australian government is investing more than $300 million to transform air mission training, ensuring Defence personnel are ready for the challenges of tomorrow. The Future Air Mission Training System (F-AMTS) will increase Defence’s aircrew training capacity by up to 70 per cent, using cutting-edge simulation, modern courseware, and real-world training to prepare crews for advanced platforms such as the MC-55A Peregrine and MQ-4C Triton.
This investment will upgrade training systems that support initial training for personnel operating the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) advanced air and ground-based capabilities and includes a new facility for the Air Mission Training School. It will create up to 140 local jobs in acquisition and 50 ongoing jobs in sustainment, delivered in partnership with CAE Australia.
Featuring an integrated learning environment, the system will combine classroom instruction, advanced simulation technologies, and airborne training to deliver an immersive, world-class training experience. Capability delivery will commence at RAAF Base East Sale in Gippsland, Victoria from 2026, strengthening Australia’s sovereign training capability while driving innovation and building critical skills for the future.
The training system will support the development of critical roles including Airborne Electronics Analysts, Operations Officers, Air Mobility Officers, Air Traffic Controllers, Air Battle Managers, Maritime Patrol and Response Officers, Weapon Systems Officers, and Electronic Warfare Officers. The F-AMTS offers students an engaging and seamless learning experience, and provides post-graduate instructor training that equip them with powerful tools to teach more effectively.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “The Albanese Government is revolutionising air mission training so that more Defence personnel are trained and ready for the challenges of tomorrow. This investment underscores our commitment to building sovereign capability, backing Australia’s defence industry and delivering jobs for Australian workers. By partnering with CAE, we are delivering cutting-edge training systems for our Defence force personnel and creating up to 190 jobs for Australian workers.”
“Achieving mission readiness for today’s rapidly evolving defence and security landscape requires a training partner who deeply understands the complexity and challenges faced in operations,” explained France Hébert, President Defense & Security – Canada and International. “CAE is proud to deliver a future-ready training system that combines innovation, technical advantage, and trusted partnerships to help the Australian Defence Force to raise, train, and sustain skilled personnel. This is more than a shift in how training is delivered – it is a strategic investment in Australia’s national resilience and defence capability. By delivering a world-class, scalable, and cost-effective training solution, CAE will equip aviators with the skills, confidence, and agility to meet operational demands effectively.”
ADF graduates celebrate end of training
The Australian Defence Force Academy’s (ADFA) final year trainee officers celebrated the end of their military training and the achievement of a world-class academic degree at the 2025 graduation parade. A cohort of 330 graduating trainee officers took to the parade ground for the final time before they are posted to first appointments or service-specific schools for further training. The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, reviewed the parade in the presence of proud families and friends.
Chief of Personnel, Lieutenant General Natasha Fox, AO, CSC, said the young leaders were joining the officer ranks of the ADF at an important time. “As the Australian Defence Force grows and evolves we will need more leaders with the skills, capability and fortitude that is instilled over three years of study and training at ADFA,” Lieutenant General Fox said. “ADFA graduates join the ADF at a pivotal moment in time, as we deliver on the National Defence Strategy and where the opportunities to work with emerging technologies and capabilities are aplenty. Entering the ADF through ADFA is an attractive option for hundreds of Australians who compete for a place at this institution, where they are supported by fantastic instructors, mentors and a close-knit community as they focus on their development into future leaders. Congratulations to the graduates of the 2025 ADFA class, and thank you to all of the family members and friends who have supported you and, in doing so, become part of our Defence family.”
Students undertake joint military education and training, which builds foundational knowledge in leadership, ethics, national security and joint warfare. Single service training in Navy, Army or Air Force then immerses them in the traditions and operational skills of their chosen service. This combination ensures graduates are ready to lead in diverse, complex and high-pressure environments from day one.
Among the 2025 graduate cohort, there are 18 international students from Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Jordan, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia and Thailand. These students will complete their military training in their respective country and use the skills and knowledge learnt at ADFA to enhance regional collaboration, while maintaining a lifelong connection back to the ADF.
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