Australia’s largest military exercise, Talisman Sabre, which brings together 35,000 personnel from 19 nations, will rely, in part, on renewable fuels.
Viva Energy Australia is delivering Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Blended Jet Fuel to power the Royal Australian Air Force’s KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport — an advanced Airbus A330 reimagined for air-to-air refuelling and strategic airlift operations.
Director General Fuel Capability, Brigadier Mark Baldock, said Talisman Sabre provides a valuable opportunity to trial new fuel technologies in a realistic operational setting.
“This is about improving energy security. Proving the viability of alternate fuels enhances fuel resilience by diversifying our supply chains,” Brigadier Baldock said.
“There is also the important benefit of reducing emissions.
“We are building upon our current fuel system to ensure that it is fit for the future. We are doing it in lockstep with our industry partners, our international allies, and our own people on the ground and in the air.”
The partnership with Viva Energy signals an important step forward in the Australian Defence Force’s journey toward energy resilience and what it intends as a reduced carbon footprint.
Richard Xin, Viva Energy General Manager – Specialties, Marine & Defence said Viva Energy would supply both conventional and renewable fuels for the Talisman Sabre 2025 exercise as the Commonwealth’s strategic fuel partner.
“By supplying both conventional and renewable fuels for Talisman Sabre 2025, we’re helping to unlock a different type of capability for Defence and facilitating solutions which shore up energy security whilst supporting the energy transition,” he said.
“Together with the ADF and our international partners, we’re very proud to take this important step with sustainability during such a large and significant exercise.”
As Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25) ramps up across Australia, the skies above Queensland have marked a new milestone in Defence’s commitment to cleaner energy with the use of SAF.
Australian and UK partners trialled the fuel technology on a special VIP flight.
SAF is a certified ‘drop-in’ fuel used in both military and civilian aviation around the world. It is made from renewable feedstocks like used cooking oil, waste fats, and plant oils.
When blended with fossil-derived fuel in accordance with international standards, It requires no modifications to aircraft or fuel infrastructure and has the potential to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to fossil-derived fuel.
The SAF used on this mission, fuelled a 33 Squadron MRTT aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland, ahead of a TS25 mission.
“Exercises like Talisman Sabre give us a perfect opportunity to work with industry and international partners to trial next-generational fuels in ways that support capability and climate resilience,” said Brigadier Baldock.
“We are building upon our current fuel system to ensure that it is fit for the future. We are doing it in lockstep with our industry partners, our international allies, and our own people on the ground and in the air.”
Flight Lieutenant Michael Que Hee, a pilot at 33 Squadron flying the mission, said that from a user perspective the switch to SAF was seamless.
“From the cockpit, there’s no difference, the aircraft flies exactly the same,” Flight Lieutenant Que Hee said.
“Knowing we are helping to enhance the fuel supply chain and reducing emissions just by doing our job makes it even more rewarding.”
Aircraft technician Leading Aircraftman Tikiri Lamb involved in the VIP flight preparation, echoed the same sentiment from the tarmac.
“With the same equipment and process, it’s just like refuelling with standard aviation fuel,” Leading Aircraftman Lamb said.
“It’s great knowing we are contributing to something bigger, while still doing our job the same way we always do.”
Defence’s use of SAF reflects key objectives outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, the Defence Net Zero Strategy, and the Defence Future Energy Strategy, driving greater energy independence, climate responsibility, and fuel security.
The SAF initiative at TS25 demonstrates, according to the ADF, how strategic partnerships and operational readiness can go hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship.
Extracted in full from: https://primemovermag.com.au/talisman-sabre-takes-flight-on-renewable-fuels/
