Refining their ability to rapidly deploy across Australia, Air Mobility Group (AMG) rehearsed key operating concepts in this year’s iteration of Exercise Mobility Bluegum.

Held throughout October, the exercise practised critical processes, the culmination of which proved AMG's readiness through the region.

Throughout the week-long activity, participants demonstrated their ability to project air power at short notice. They operated from established and austere airfields in the north and conducted missions from dispersed locations with minimal ground support.

Exercise Director Group Captain Alan Bowers said Mobility Bluegum 25 tested Air Force personnel, platforms and processes in realistic conditions.

“It saw our aviators plan, coordinate and execute under pressure, building confidence in their ability to project and sustain air mobility from anywhere in the country,” Group Captain Bowers said.

"Rehearsals like these ensure Air Mobility Group remain ready to support the government's objectives in protecting Australia's northern approaches and critical sea lines of communication."

Exercise Mobility Bluegum 25 incorporated the full spectrum of AMG capability: from the C-17A Globemaster III’s strategic airlifter, to the C-130J Hercules’ medium-airlifter and the C-27J Spartan’s tactical light transporter into unlit and unsealed northern runways. Together, these aircraft underwent training scenarios in simulated combat conditions to deliver personnel, cargo and equipment to support joint force objectives.

'It saw our aviators plan, coordinate and execute under pressure, building confidence in their ability to project and sustain air mobility from anywhere in the country.'

A key component was the integration of AMG and Army's Ready Brigade, the 7th Brigade, with elements including infantry, 155mm artillery, protected mobility vehicles and communications as part of Exercise Diamond Trident II.

Commander 7th Brigade, Brigadier Giles Cornelia, said the force projection demonstration tested the participants’ ability to rapidly deploy combat forces and equipment over continental and oceanic distances – employing an intermediate staging base to remote overseas territories.

“This year’s joint planning validated the ability of AMG and 7 Brigade to execute tactical air-land operations in challenging and time-sensitive scenarios,” Brigadier Cornelia said.

“It is clear that the ADF’s contingency forces have increased our air-land competence. I am delighted with our integrated force approach and the foundation we have collectively set for our joint readiness responsibilities across a range of warfighting, evacuation and humanitarian assistance contingencies,” he said.

The joint exercise forms a key component of the ADF’s focus on northern basing and operational agility, aligning with Defence’s strategy to enhance responsiveness and resilience in a dynamic regional environment.

Along with Headquarters for 7th Brigade, AMG proved its rapid response capability, delivering ready, adaptable capability at short notice.