Two programs designed to enhance the ADF air capability and increase regional security are the "model programs in international cooperation", according to a senior US military leader.
Speaking at the Australian International Airshow, United States Marine Corps Brigadier General David Walsh said the US was working closely with the ADF on key programs delivering the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon and Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) MH-60R Seahawk.
"It's really built on trust and transparency between the programs as we deliver these important capabilities for our Australian partners and for ourselves," Brigadier General Walsh said.
"We look forward to continuing research and development cooperation to bring new capabilities to these platforms and to expanding our sustainment base here in Australia.
"I've worked on a lot of foreign military sales and cooperative programs, and I've never seen collaboration closer than with Australia."
Director General Air Combat Capability RAAF Air Commodore Angus Porter said the successful partnership was enabling Australia to continue keeping the region safe by deterring and denying potential threats.
"When you look at the P-8A Poseidon, there is no finer example of how we work closely with the US and how we work together to deliver on that strategy of denial," Air Commodore Porter said.
"The P-8A Poseidon is the world's premier anti-submarine warfare platform. It also has a lot of other capabilities including long-range strike."
Director General Navy Aviation, Aircrew Training and Commons, RAN Commodore Anthony Savage, said the MH-60R Seahawk provided the flexibility to support combat operations while also enabling logistics and movement at sea.
"This is arguably the most capable combat maritime helicopter in the world," Commodore Savage said.
"We will continue to align with the growth path of the US Navy Romeo in terms of research development and evaluation of new capabilities to deal with not only the emerging threat, but obsolescence management of the platform."
The Poseidon and Seahawk formed part of the displays alongside a host of other ADF aircraft at the Australian International Airshow, which ran from March 25 to 30.
