RAAF Jets Take To The Skies For Exercise

RAAF Jets Take To The Skies For East Coast Exercise

Royal Australian Air Force personnel will play an important role as fighter jets take to the skies for the East Coast Air Defence Exercise (ECADEX 09), to be conducted off the coast of New South Wales.

The exercise began on Monday 16 November 2009 and will run until Friday 4 December, with the majority of flying commencing Monday 23 November.

Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Neil Hart, said, “ECADEX 09 is a vital training exercise for Air Force personnel, to maintain operational capability and to practice key air defence skills.

“The exercise also provides an opportunity for Air Force personnel to practise their skills at maintaining the integrity of Australian airspace and protecting vital infrastructure, such as a shipping port or an airfield”.

The majority of the aircraft assets and personnel will be operating out of their home bases at RAAF Williamtown (NSW) and RAAF Amberley (QLD) for the duration of the exercise. Exercise flying will be conducted over water from Newcastle to Evans Head.

The exercise scenario is designed to test both passive and active air defence capabilities where a ‘Blue’ or friendly force will protect the integrity of Australian air space and vital infrastructure against attack from a ‘Red’ or opposing force.

Up to 28 military aircraft from Amberley, Williamtown and Tindal (NT) will participate in the annual exercise.

“The Air Force is taking every possible measure to minimise the impact of ECADEX on the local community,” Air Commodore Hart said.

“We appreciate the ongoing local community support for our need to conduct this vital training”.

ENDS

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