Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science today announced that the Australian War Memorial in Canberra received one of the recently retired Caribous. “One aircraft was received by the RAAF Museum at Point Cook yesterday, while another was presented to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra today,” Mr Combet said.

“Famed for its ability to take off and land on short and unprepared airstrips, the Caribou was purchased to replace the Dakota transport with No. 38 Squadron. A total of 29 aircraft were received between 1964 and 1971. This aircraft has served in Vietnam, supported United Nations efforts in Kashmir, and has seen extensive service in South East Asia and across the South Pacific. Australia’s Caribou have had an illustrious career over the last 45 years, and their record is a testament to all who worked on and flew the aircraft. However age, serviceability and performance issues are affecting the Caribou’s ability to operate efficiently and effectively. As such, the Caribou is unable to adequately support a vast number of ADF theatres and exercises.”

In the interim, the Caribou will be replaced by the Super King Air, which will provide a modern and efficient transport capability for the Australian Defence Force. A long-term replacement for the Caribou will be selected under AIR 8000 Phase Two. Disposal of remaining Caribou aircraft will be managed by Defence Materiel Organisation.