ADF aviators silently watched Europe’s eastern flank to assist with peace and stability in the region under Operation Kudu, Australia’s military contribution to international support for Ukraine.

Task Element (TE) 631.10.7 worked closely with NATO to deploy a vital asset, the E-7A Wedgetail.

From July to October the contingent conducted more than 45 operational missions, all commencing on ground alert with some resulting in the aircraft being scrambled to provide operational air battle management.

Throughout the deployment, the aircraft and skilled crew from 2 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), maintained a high-readiness status in preparation for contingency tasks.

Operating out of a Polish airbase, Commander of the TE, Wing Commander Samuel Thorpe, said the mission’s focus was supporting humanitarian assistance to Ukraine through Poland’s logistics hub.

At the same time, the Wedgetail also provided vital support to NATO’s integrated air and missile defence systems.

“The E-7A is the most sophisticated airborne, command and control platform in the world,” Wing Commander Thorpe said.

“It’s highly sought after and not something NATO has available to it.

“So, it's no surprise that it came as a request from the Polish and NATO forces, for the TE to come and provide support.”

'We’ve been able to achieve 100 per cent mission success thanks to the technical competence and mission focus of our people.'

Operation Kudu marked two firsts: the first operational deployment of the E-7A to Poland, and the first time the ADF deployed assets without the traditional backing of Australia’s Five Eyes partners.

“We have provided a complete organic Australian solution in a country that we are not familiar operating with,” Wing Commander Thorpe said.

The ADF’s surveillance solution to the NATO partners was welcomed by Brigadier General Robert Chojnacki, Commander of the 2nd Tactical Air Wing, Polish Air Force.

Brigadier General Chojnacki said that having the Australians operate the E-7A from a Polish airbase had increased the two nations’ cooperation as well as NATO capabilities.

“The ADF brings a very important role in the surveillance picture for NATO, which has increased our Defence,” he said.

“It extends long-range reconnaissance, providing observation all around our NATO borders.”

Wing Commander Thorpe credited the mission success to his team, through their relentless effort to never fail.

“We’ve been able to achieve 100 per cent mission success thanks to the technical competence and mission focus of our people,” he said.

“I’d like Australians back home to be proud of their loved ones and know that they have had an outstanding contribution to the NATO effort.

“Our people are a true demonstration of the Australian way for overcoming challenges and getting the job done.”

Operation Kudu continues to highlight the growing partnership between Australia and NATO as the Australian Government remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.