2026 National Defence Strategy: Australia to replace C-27J Spartan fleet with commercial aircraft mix

Australia will enhance strike capability, long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance of the Royal Australian Air Force through “replacement of the C-27J Spartan aircraft fleet with a commercial aircraft fleet to support personnel and logistics transport across the Pacific… replacement of the E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft with a next-generation aircraft,” according to the documents.

“(It will also include) integration of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile with the P-8A, F/A-18F and F-35A to enable the ADF to strike maritime targets at longer ranges; integration of the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range with the EA-18F and F-35A, allowing the ADF to target radar systems;

“Integration of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range on the F/A-18F and F-35A to enhance the ADF’s ability to strike land targets. Integration of the Joint Strike Missile onto the F-35A (and) development of hypersonic air launched weapons for employment from the F/A-18F.

“Investment in uncrewed capabilities like the MQ-28A Ghost Bat to augment surveillance and strike capabilities and improve the survivability of combat aircraft.”

In wider 2026 National Defence Strategy news, the government is committing $425 billion over the next decade to overhaul the Australian Defence Force. To get there, the government is injecting an extra $14 billion over the next four years and $53 billion over the decade. This funding surge will see Australia’s Defence spending climb to 3 per cent of gross domestic product by 2033.

“The Government is investing $34-$41 billion over the decade in capabilities that will enable Air Force to undertake expeditionary air operations to project force, sustain protracted combat operations and maintain situational awareness in our primary area of military interest,” according to the documents.

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“This investment will ensure Air Force can deliver air power across air mobility, air combat, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and uncrewed air systems to deliver asymmetric advantage.

“Air mobility is critical to sustaining rapid deployments of Australian personnel and equipment into the Indo-Pacific, including in contested environments or those impacted by conflict or humanitarian disasters.

“The Government is investing $11-$13 billion over the decade in ongoing projects to optimise the air mobility fleet through a new and expanded fleet of 20 C-130J Hercules medium air mobility aircraft to replace the existing fleet of 12 first-generation C-130J Hercules aircraft operated by Air Force.

“Continued sustainment and maintenance of the C-17A Globemaster III and KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft fleets to support the rapid deployment of personnel and equipment.

“Replacement of the C-27J Spartan aircraft fleet, including options to maintain the ADF’s ability to support the sovereign airlift and surveillance needs of Pacific partners through the Defence Pacific Air Program and enhancements to Defence’s network of northern air bases to improve resilience against attack.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.