3 September 2025
Air Force's Surveillance and Control Training Unit (SACTU) has reintroduced live air battle management and fighter control duties to its training continuum in a significant milestone for the ABM category.
Live control is a critical component of the Air Battle Manager Basic Course and this change is a pivotal step in preparing the next generation of war fighters to ensure air battle managers are better prepared to undertake integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) duties in defence of Australia and its national interests.
Seven students from 205 Air Battle Manager Basic Course participated in live control from RAAF Base Williamtown as part of Exercise Arnhem Thunder 2025.
The exercise serves as one of the final evaluations for students before they complete their Initial Employment Training (IET) and are posted to operational units including 114 Mobile and Control Reporting Unit, 3 Control and Reporting Unit, 1 Space Surveillance Unit, 1 Remote Sensor Unit and 2 Squadron.
The Air Battle Manager Basic Course spans more than four months and combines intensive theoretical and practical assessments designed to equip trainees with the skills needed to execute complex air warfare activities confidently.
These include defensive counter air, offence counter air, force marshalling and IAMD scenarios.
Commanding Officer SACTU Wing Commander Andy Boereê said the reintroduction of live control emphasised SACTU’s commitment to "operationalising" the workforce and "developing the decision maker".
"The updated courseware ensures graduates are operationally ready and supports Chief of Air Force’s intent to ‘Preserve the Force’ by delivering the most operationally prepared and strategically focused graduates to Air Force tactical units,” Wing Commander Boereê said.
The successful recommencement of live control serials reflects SACTU’s recent revisions to the training continuum.
This outcome better aligns IET with the National Defence Strategy to produce highly capable Air Force air battle managers and Royal Australian Navy fighter controllers for the joint force.
