Australia's fleet of E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft, considered the world's most capable, will be replaced in the next decade. Funding for the replacement has been allocated, but Defence Minister Pat Conroy says planning is still underway. Options for replacement include upgraded aircraft or drone fleets, with some analysts suggesting radar-equipped drones could offer more flexibility and resilience. The Australian Defence Force will also replace its 10 C-27 Spartans aircraft, which are set for retirement, with "commercial options" to maintain airlift and surveillance capabilities in the Pacific.