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ECADEX 2011

A No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit Pilot returns from a simulated air attack during the East Coast Air Defence Exercise.

The East Coast Air Defence Exercise (ECADEX) will commence on Monday 28 November and conclude on Friday 9 December 2011. The exercise will include flying activity from RAAF Williamtown in New South Wales and RAAF Amberley in Queensland. The exercise will include up to 16 F/A-18A Hornets, up to six F/A-18F Super Hornets, up to two Wedgetails and up to six Mk127 Hawks.

ECADEX is designed to train Air Force personnel in tactical defensive counter air operations within an integrated electronic warfare environment.

The exercise enables Air Force personnel to practise their air defence skills to maintain the integrity of Australian air space and protect vital infrastructure, such as a shipping port or an airfield. ECADEX will also provide Air Force with the opportunity to reinforce air operations command and control concepts and to further integrate Air Force’s new capabilities, such as the Wedgetail and Super Hornets.

Exercise scenario
The exercise scenario is designed to test both passive and active Air Force 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. Passive air defence measures involve practising procedures where Air Force aircraft and surveillance assets are required to positively identify all traffic within the designated airspace. Active air defence measures involve maintaining air exclusion zones.

No. 75 Squadron Technicians work hard on an F/A-18 Hornet to get it airborne for the East Coast Air Defence Exercise.

During ECADEX, No 3 Control and Reporting Unit will work with Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft from No 2 Squadron and Navy ships to practice command and control integration in an air warfare environment. ECADEX is a significant training activity for 41WG Air Combat Officers and Air Surveillance Operators. Surveillance and Response Group is using the exercise to continue training of operational crews and development of tactical procedures within a highly complex and integrated network.

Flying information
Communities in the vicinity of RAAF Amberley and RAAF Williamtown may notice an increase in aircraft activity at these bases. Exercise flying will be conducted in the east coast military training area off the central coast of New South Wales with some exercise flying occurring inside the promulgated Williamtown low flying area. Night flying is an essential part of training and provides invaluable experience for pilots to practice operating safely in difficult conditions. Noise abatement procedures will be in force during night operations.

Evening flying will include operations during the following windows:

  • 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Wednesday 30 November – Thursday 1 December

  • 7:30pm – 9:30pm, Tuesday 6 December – Thursday 8 December

Training activities such as ECADEX enhance the Australian Defence Force’s capability to conduct operations that preserve Australia’s national interests. Air Force is committed to minimising the impact of ECADEX on the local community while still achieving essential training objectives. Air Force appreciates the community’s ongoing support for this vital training.

An F/A-18 Hornet from RAAF Williamtown takes off for a simulated air attack off the coast during the East Coast Air Defence Exercise.

Members of the community are encouraged to ring RAAF Williamtown toll free number 1800 033 200 for further information about ECADEX.

Media Contacts
Mr Ben Wickham - Defence Public Affairs NSW, (02) 9359 2785
Mr Paul Lineham - Defence Public Affairs SEQLD, (07) 3233 4210
Flight Lieutenant Skye Smith - Air Combat Group, 0438 462 944 or acg.publicaffairs@defence.gov.au