Aviation Support to Ready Combat Team in Exercise Northern Shield

09/23/2015

09/23/2015: Brisbane based soldiers from the Ready Combat Team have been bolstered by significant aviation support during Exercise Northern Shield.

Hawk 127 jets and Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH) have been providing notional combat and close air support against a simulated enemy threat in Exmouth, Western Australia.

During one exercise scenario, soldiers and local police secured a suspect King Air aircraft notionally carrying prohibited cargo.

The aircraft was inspected, secured and the persons of interest were arrested at RAAF Learmonth.

The Brisbane based soldiers arrived in Exmouth via Air Force C-17 Globemaster, C-130J Hercules and KC-30 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft on Sunday and Monday.

Exercise Northern Shield is being run from 19th – 24th of September and involves over 1000 troops from the Army and Air Force.

Credit: Australian Ministry of Defence:9/22/15

Exercise Northern Shield 2015

Exercise Northern Shield is an Australian Defence Force (ADF) training activity where high-readiness forces deploy quickly to North Western Australia in response to a simulated security threat.

It incorporates force preparation activities, Special Forces activities, land force maneuver, air mobile operations and maritime activities.

This is the first time Exercise Northern Shield will be held.

The exercise will entail deploying land forces by air as well as establishing an enhanced air presence in the region, specifically in Learmonth and Exmouth, and simulating support to maritime security operations.

Approximately 1000 Army and Air Force personnel will directly participate in the exercise.