Australian Army airmen will enhance their ability to respond to terrorist threats through intensive aviation training to be held in New South Wales.
The exercise, which will involve air and ground crews, will take place in the metropolitan regions of Sydney, Wollongong and Goulburn. Soldiers and airmen will face complex, high-level simulated threat scenarios designed to test their readiness and coordination under realistic conditions.
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Col. Charlie Barton, acting commander of the 16th Aviation Brigade, said the activity provides a vital opportunity for personnel to hone the skills needed to respond effectively to insider threats.
“Being prepared to respond, particularly within the parameters of counterterrorism, requires precision, courage and years of world-class training,” COL Barton said.
The training follows the delivery of two additional UH-60M Black Hawks in early October, bringing the Army’s operational fleet to 17 aircraft.
Defense continues to expand the UH-60M’s capabilities for ground, amphibious and special operations roles. Black Hawks recently embarked on HMAS Canberra for first-class flight testing at the Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), confirming onboard operational limits, embarked procedures and deck landing qualifications.
COL Barton added: “Communities across Sydney and regional New South Wales will notice our Black Hawk helicopters operating both day and night, occasionally flying at low altitudes over built-up areas. We recognize this may cause some disruption and greatly appreciate the public’s patience and support during this essential training period.
According to Defense, the UH-60M Black Hawk is a highly versatile utility helicopter capable of rapidly responding to national emergencies and national security contingencies, and also enhances Australia’s ability to assist regional partners during humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
COL Barton said: “Exercises like this are critical to ensuring our people can train in realistic environments, maintaining the high level of proficiency the Australian public expects from their Defense Force.”
