Annual Report 2004-05

Outcome Four: Air Force Capabilities

Capability Performance Information

Output 4.3 Capability for Surveillance and Response Operations

The Air Force's capability for strategic surveillance and response operations is provided by the Surveillance and Response Group. This involves the provision of P-3 aircraft, crews and weapon systems at the level of capability required to conduct maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, maritime strike, offensive air support and search and rescue. Surveillance and Response Group also provides both ground-based and airborne sensors and battlespace management elements at the level of capability required to support intelligence, aerospace surveillance (wide area and focal), electronic warfare, aerospace battle management, air defence and airspace control.

	Performance Targets	Performance
	Achieve levels of preparedness directed by Chief of the Defence Force for military response options with a warning time of less than 12 months.	Achieved. Most preparedness targets were met or exceeded, as demonstrated by operational commitments to Operations Slipper, Catalyst and Relex II, including deployments of a small air traffic control element to the Middle East. A limited number of preparedness targets were not achieved due to the high operational tempo.
	Achieve a level of training that maintains core skills and professional standards across all assigned warfare areas.	Achieved. The high operational tempo placed significant pressure in some areas. High operational tempo in the surveillance role and the transition to the upgraded P-3 Orion aircraft constrained the capacity to complete all training activities.
	Maintain the Jindalee Operational Radar Network including over the horizon radar sensors at Laverton, Western Australia and Longreach, Queensland, the Jindalee Radar Facility in Alice Springs, Northern Territory and the coordination centre at RAAF Edinburgh, South Australia.	Achieved. The Jindalee Operational Radar Network has been operating for the full year, and has supported ongoing research and development and other activities.
	Maintain 10 air traffic control radars.	This target was substantially achieved. Nine air traffic control radars have now been delivered and are operational. Acceptance for the one remaining tactical radar is underway but there are still some contractual delays being experienced.
	Maintain four tactical air defence radars.	This target was not achieved. The tactical air defence radars are beyond their planned withdrawal date and are being replaced by Project Air 5375 with an expected initial operational capability of February 2006.
	19 P-3 Orion aircraft - 8,200 flying hours.	19 P 3 Orion aircraft - 8,431 hours (103 per cent) achieved as a result of maintaining a high operational tempo and associated readiness for operations.