Login
iscover
Full-time and Reserve Australian Defence Force elements have commenced Exercise Austral Shield 2024, trialling Defence’s ability to rapidly deploy across the nation’s north.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Defence confirmed that Exercise Austral Shield 24 commenced on 12 July, assessing Defence’s ability to project power and deploy forces to remote locations across Australia’s north.
The training will be held around Derby in Western Australia, Darwin, Cairns, and Christmas Island.
Defence expects that the exercise will promote regional security with a persistent Defence presence in the nation’s north and will utilise assets across land, air, and sea.
The Australian Army issued a warning to local communities this week to not be alarmed if they see Defence personnel taking part in the activity.
Austral Shield will conclude on 28 July 2024.
Exercise Director, Brigadier Damian Hill AM said it will test Defence’s ability to form a Joint Task Force from full-time and Reserve elements while providing a realistic training scenario.
“This will comprise of security and response forces from the 13th Brigade, 11th Brigade, and Regional Force Surveillance Units who will deploy as part of an integrated Joint Task Force alongside other air and maritime assets,” BRIG Hill said.
“The ADF’s contribution to Exercise Austral Shield supports our shared vision of a peaceful region and makes a meaningful contribution to collective security.
“The nature of Exercise Austral Shield means local residents in these locations are likely to see increased military activity in their community.
“In order to get the most realistic training for our people, we will be using public areas and residents may observe simulated weapons fire or military vehicle traffic.
It is being held as Australia is hosting a record-breaking Exercise Pitch Black.
Exercise Pitch Black tests the use of aircraft and battle management systems across complex scenarios, with aircraft operating from the Northern Territory’s RAAF Base Darwin and Tindal, and additional tanker and transport aircraft operating from Queensland’s RAAF Base Amberley.
It also marks the first time that an aircraft carrier has taken part in the activity, with the Italian aircraft carrier and national flagship Cavour taking part.
One hundred forty aircraft and 4,000 personnel are expected to participate in the activity, with the Philippines, Spain, Italy and Papua New Guinea and embedded personnel from Fiji and Brunei taking part for the first time.
“Exercise Pitch Black is our premier activity for international engagement, held every two years to build stronger ties with like-minded nations,” Exercise Director Air Commodore Peter Robinson said.
Exercise Pitch Black will also include participants from France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and embedded personnel from Canada and New Zealand.
