Australia and U.S. strengthen Pacific fuel resilience and energy security

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has begun rolling out low carbon liquid fuel (LCLF) blends across its national network. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is among the early adopters, with RAAF Base East Sale and the Army Aviation Training Centre already utilizing blended fuels. All ADF aviation assets are now certified to operate on these fuels, which are produced from sources such as canola oil, sugar cane, waste oils, and forestry residue. Because LCLF is chemically indistinguishable from fossil fuels, it serves as a drop-in replacement that requires no modifications to existing aircraft or equipment.

In a parallel effort to strengthen Pacific readiness, the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy has established a new fuel support arrangement with the Australian Fuel Capability Branch. Effective August 1, 2026, this agreement allows for the storage and terminaling of DLA Energy-owned aviation fuel at RAAF bases. The arrangement modernizes mutual logistics processes and expands fuel availability, advancing U.S. Pacific Command theater campaign priorities regarding posture and resilience in the region.