JabX uncrewed aircraft completes milestone long-haul flight from Brisbane to South Australia

The aircraft, based on the Jabiru 400 airframe and Jabiru-3300 engine, has reportedly already conducted tactical landing and take-off training from grass and dirt airstrips.

It is now expected to begin integration of a Mission Systems’ Boobook detection and avoidance radar system to provide all-weather flight benefits.

“By taking on routine logistics missions, autonomous aircraft will free up our aviators and crewed platforms for the tasks only people can do – particularly in demanding or contested conditions,” said deputy director Disruptive Experimentation Wing Commander Keirin Joyce.

“By automating cargo movement across the north, we strengthen our logistics tail. It ensures dispersed teams – from littoral operators to personnel at remote airbases – remain supported without over-tasking our crewed transport fleet.”

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.