RAEME Association Queensland Inc

A quick update for members planning to attend theBrisbane ANZAC Day Parade on 25 April 2026.

The current (Version 9) Order of March (subject to change) places:

• Army – Group 4, step off approx 10:20 am
• Army Associations – Group 5, step off approx 10:30 am

The RAEME Association Queensland will march in Section I, Serial 64, led by the Mackay North State Hight School Marching Band. Please remember our serial number (64) so we can form up quickly and move into position smoothly.

Form up will be on George Street between Charlotte and Mary Street, members should arrive early to locate our serial. Look for the RAQ Banner.

Transport assistance remains centred around Queen Street.

• Jeep and buggy loading: Commonwealth Bank corner of Edward Street near Post Office Square
• Veterans needing assistance on George Street should approach marshals at George & Elizabeth Streets or visit an Information Tent
• An online transport booking form can be submitted by those veterans requiring a buggy for the parade.

Toilets will be available at:

• Queens Park
• George Street opposite Stephens Lane
• Eagle Lane

Everyman’s Services at Queens Park will again provide hot drinks for veterans.

Other Information

• Due to security measures, spectators this year cannot watch from the Adelaide Street overpass near ANZAC Square.
• Adelaide Street works are now complete.
• ABC has CASA approval to fly a drone along Adelaide Street for parade coverage.
• 2026 marks 125 years of both the Navy and Army, with 7th Brigade expected to march over 2,000 troops and vehicles.

Members should monitor emails, Spanner News Weekly, and the RAQ and Brisbane Parade websites for further updates, including the media and transport forms.

We encourage all members attending to help present a strong, organised RAEME turnout on the day.

Arte et Marte

UH-60M Black Hawk Standardisation Course – Oakey

Above: Army pilots from the School of Army Aviation prepare to depart for a training flight in a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter at Swartz Barracks in Oakey, Queensland.

The School of Army Aviation (SAA) is responsible for efficiently generating combat aviation professionals who are able to enable the integrated force. As part of this mission, SAA conducts regular courses to qualify and upskill Australian Army pilots, aircrew, and trades. The UH-60M Black Hawk Pilot Standardisation Course is designed to standardise pilots on their operational type after completing their Aircraft Qualification Course in the United States of America.

Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence 

Exercise Sea Wader 2026 - Cowley Beach

Above: Army and HMAS Canberra personnel guide a dozer off a Landing Craft Mechanised Mark 8 off the coast of Queensland as the ship prepares for Exercise Sea WADER 2026.

Exercise Sea Horizon and WADER 26 are exercises designed to hone and certify Australia’s Amphibious Forces. Exercise Sea Horizon was a Command Post Exercise designed to assure that the Headquarters can command the Amphibious Force. During Exercise WADER 26, over 1000 soldiers, sailors and aviators aboard HMA Ship's Canberra and Choules practiced amphibious landings of soldiers, vehicles and equipment onto Cowley Beach by boat and helicopter in North-eastern Queensland.

Above: An Army CH-47F Chinook prepares to land on HMAS Canberra flight deck off the coast of Queensland, during Exercise Sea WADER 2026. Click the image to view more.

Exercise Sea Horizon and WADER 26 demonstrated the ADF’s preparedness to respond to security and humanitarian incidents in our region, readiness to defend Australia and its interests and the ADF’s transformation to an integrated and focused force. The two series exercise was conducted over the period 11 February – 06 March 2026.

Image and information,adapted courtesy of Defence

Quantum Vector at the School of Artillery - Puckapunyal

Above: One of the Army's new Quantum Systems Vector AI uncrewed aerial systems in flight.

The Quantum Systems Vector AI, a 2-in-1 system, and the Sypaq Systems CorvoX are having their first introduction into service (IIS) courses at the School of Artillery, Puckapunyal Military Area in February 2026. Both these platforms will provide the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force with small uncrewed aerial systems designed to operate across a range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, enhancing situational awareness, force protection and the potency of Defence’s capabilities across land and littoral operations.

These systems will be able to operate from or within confined areas, including small marine craft, urban environments and close vegetation, and work together with and complement crewed systems on a range of missions. This enables Army and Air Force to secure and control strategic land positions without placing our people in harm’s way, hold potential adversaries at risk, and support a broader strategy of denial. These capabilities are acquired as part of Project Defence 129 and deliver enhanced situational awareness and increased force protection through the acquisition and sustainment of tactical to nano-UAS platforms capable of operating across the spectrum of maritime and land force operations.

Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence

First Australian-Made AS9 Huntsman rolls off production line - Geelong

Above: The first of three Australian-made AS9 Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzers, produced at the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, Victoria.

Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) has welcomed the first three Australian-made AS9 Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzers, produced at the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, Victoria. The vehicles follow the initial Batch 1 delivery of two AS9s and one AS10 manufactured in South Korea and delivered in early 2025. Their arrival marks a significant milestone for the LAND 8116 program and signals the return of high-technology armoured vehicle manufacturing to the Geelong region. The vehicles will now undergo further testing, verification and training, with Australian Army soldiers already working alongside Hanwha personnel at the H-ACE training wing to prepare operators and maintainers for the capability entering service.

Based on the globally produced K9 self-propelled artillery platform, the AS9 Huntsman features a 52-calibre 155mm gun system used by multiple nations worldwide. Supporting the system is the AS10 Huntsman Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle, designed to rapidly and safely replenish ammunition while protecting soldiers. The program also reflects strong Australian industry involvement, with numerous local suppliers contributing to production, and highlights the growing defence partnership between Australia and the Republic of Korea. The first Australian-built AS10 is expected to come off the H-ACE production line later this year.

Images and article adapted courtesy of Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA)