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Key defence industry players join forces to deliver advanced Australia-based air combat and air-land integration training capabilities.

MELBOURNE, Australia, March 26, 2025 – Australian defence company, Milskil, and world-leading provider of contracted adversary air (ADAIR) services and air-land integration training, Top Aces, signed a teaming agreement today during the Avalon Australian International Airshow. By combining their service offerings, the goal of the partnership is to provide the safest and most technically advanced, sovereign-based 5th Generation training solution for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Since 2003, Milskil has delivered fully integrated, high-end air combat training services to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), including simulation-based air combat training, Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) training, and maintenance instruction for the entire spectrum of the RAAF’s fast jet aircraft. “By partnering with Top Aces, customers will now benefit from an optimum blend of live, synthetic, and AI-based training for enhanced operational readiness,” stated Mr. John “Lono” Lonergan, Managing Director, Milskil.

Particularly with the adoption of 5th Generation fleets, the need for realistic, challenging, and affordable training scenarios that replicate near-peer adversary capabilities has surged. “Many allied Air Forces are recognising the value of the commercial ADAIR industry for operational efficiency, fleet life economies, and the continued service of highly experienced veteran Air Force pilots,” said Mr. Paul Bouchard, Chief Executive Officer, Top Aces Inc.

Top Aces is the world’s only commercial owner/operator of the F-16 Viper, the most realistic and threat representative training adversary available on the market today. Equipped with the company’s proprietary, open architecture Advanced Aggressor Mission System (AAMS), its F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighters carry networked, cutting-edge sensors including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, helmet mounted cueing system (HMCS), scanning long-wave infrared search and track (IRST), and a multitude of other high-end capabilities – effectively replicating the threats posed by 5th Generation adversary fighter aircraft.

“The flexibility of our unique AAMS technology allows customers to continuously adapt their training threats according to their needs and budget. This includes the integration of ongoing advancements in LVC elements and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA),” continued Bouchard.

In 2022, Top Aces expanded its portfolio by acquiring Blue Air Training, the world’s leading provider of Close Air Support and joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training. A key objective of the Top Aces / Milskil teaming agreement, beyond providing live ADAIR services, is to leverage Blue Air Training’s expertise to establish an Australian-based solution for JTAC and Joint Fires training, including both currency and advanced training.

“The partnership with Top Aces formalizes a long-standing relationship built on a shared culture of delivering exceptional training to the warfighter,” said Lonergan. “Our team will bring world-leading sovereign air combat training capabilities to Australia, enhancing the crucial preparedness and readiness of the ADF and its partner defence forces.”

Bouchard continued: “We’re excited to join forces with Milskil, Australia’s trusted strategic defence partner. Milskil’s deep heritage and understanding of the nation’s air combat training requirements, combined with Top Aces’ 25 years of experience in delivering value-added defense training solutions, will enable us to deliver a truly sovereign, fit-for-purpose capability for the ADF.”

About Milskil

Milskil, a 100% Australian defence industry company headquartered in Newcastle, New South Wales, has been delivering fully integrated high-end air combat training services to the Royal Australian Air Force since 2003. The company currently provides training and support services on the F-35A Lightening II, F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, as well as to the Air Warfare Centre. Built by operators for operators, Milskil is dedicated to enhancing the capabilities and readiness of the defence forces.

About Top Aces

With over 130,000 accident-free flight hours, Top Aces Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Top Aces Corp. and Blue Air Training Corp., provide advanced ADAIR services and JTAC training to the world’s leading armed forces. Recently, Top Aces supported the Australian Defence Force with JTAC training at various U.S. locations and provided ADAIR training to the Royal Australian Air Force at RAAF Williamtown. In an industry where Experience Matters, Top Aces boasts the largest fleet of commercially operated fighter aircraft in active service and is the world’s only commercial owner/operator of the F-16. Top Aces’ mission-critical training enhances the operational readiness of combat forces by delivering real-world experience while creating significant cost efficiencies and extending the lifespan of military aircraft fleets. For more information, please visit www.topaces.com

Media Contacts

Ben Johnson
Director of Operations, Milskil
0499 079 848
benjamin.johnson@milskil.com

Erin Black
Marketing Communications Manager, Top Aces
+1 (514) 867-0886
media@topaces.com