Australia’s Hidden Jet Weapon of WWII That Few Have Heard About

A New Fighter Emerges

In the early 1950s, Australia faced a growing challenge in the skies. Pilots flying British-built Meteors were outmatched by faster Soviet MiG-15s in the Korean War. The need for a competitive jet fighter became urgent. Purchasing American F86 Sabers was an option, but reliance on foreign supply chains and parts posed a strategic risk. Australia decided instead to produce its own variant. Licensed construction at the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in Melbourne offered an opportunity to improve the original design rather than simply copy it.

By August 1953, the prototype rolled onto the Melbourne runway. At first glance, it resembled the familiar F86, but closer inspection revealed notable differences. The fuselage was wider and shorter, the engine note louder and more aggressive. Test pilots were impressed with its climb rate, acceleration, and maneuverability. This was not just a copy—it was a reimagined aircraft designed to outperform its predecessor.

Engineering a Superior Jet

The key improvement was the engine. CAC replaced the General Electric J47 with a British Rolls-Royce Avon. The Avon produced 7,500 pounds of thrust, nearly a quarter more than the J47, but its different shape required a complete redesign of the fuselage. Engineers widened the center section, adjusted fuel lines, and reconfigured air intakes. The result was the CAC CA-27 Saber, faster and more agile than any American F86 variant.

Armament was also upgraded. The six machine guns of the American model were replaced with two 30 mm ADEN cannons, capable of destroying modern jets with a single hit. Underwing pylons allowed bombs, rockets, or extra fuel, transforming the Saber into a versatile fighter capable of air-to-air combat, ground attack, and extended patrols.

Operational Service in Southeast Asia

The first CAC Sabers entered Royal Australian Air Force service in 1954. Pilots immediately noticed the improved performance and heavier punch. The aircraft became essential during the Malayan Emergency from 1958 to 1960, flying low-level ground attack missions in dense jungle terrain. Pilots adapted new tactics, using rivers and roads for navigation while hitting hidden insurgent camps. The Sabers earned the nickname “silver devils” from their opponents due to their bare-metal finish and deadly firepower.

During the Confrontasi between 1963 and 1966, the CAC Sabers patrolled Malaysian airspace, deterring Indonesian incursions without firing a shot. By 1964, all Sabers carried AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, adding precision air-to-air capability. Their presence alone maintained air superiority and protected friendly forces.

Deployment to Thailand and Continued Legacy

In 1962, Australia sent Sabers to Thailand to defend the developing air base at Ubon, protecting American operations from regional threats. Daily patrols intercepted unidentified aircraft, demonstrating the effectiveness of deterrence in preventing conflict. Between 1954 and 1971, CAC Sabers flew thousands of missions across Southeast Asia without losing a single aircraft to enemy action, a record unmatched by other F86 variants in combat.

Beyond operational success, the CAC Saber symbolized Australian innovation and independence. Handcrafted in Melbourne, it combined local expertise, engineering skill, and strategic foresight. The aircraft also served with an aerobatic team, the Black Panthers, highlighting both pilot skill and aircraft capability. Even after retirement, Sabers were exported to neighboring countries, proving their reliability and effectiveness.

Australia transformed a foreign design into a superior jet that influenced air operations across the region. Its combination of speed, firepower, and versatility made the CAC Saber a quiet but formidable tool in maintaining stability and projecting power in Southeast Asia.