Air Force live fire exercise—Delamere Air Weapons Range

The Royal Australian Air Force is conducting Exercise Black Dagger 21-1, the final activity for the students on No. 67 Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Course at Delamere Air Weapons Range.

Black Dagger, conducted from 3 to 14 May 2021, is a critical component of JTAC training, providing the students with an opportunity to coordinate aircraft and ordnance in live and simulated air-to-ground strikes and consolidate everything learnt throughout the five-week course.

Wing Commander Sean Jobson, Commanding Officer No. 4 Squadron, said Black Dagger was a live fire activity which ensured the JTACs were operationally ready to direct combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other air operations from forward positions in support of the Joint Force.

“The JTACs will execute all phases of a typical close air support mission, from the planning and briefing, to controlling and reporting,” Wing Commander Jobson said.

“Students on this course, who come from both the Army and Air Force, will have the opportunity to control aircraft during several close air support scenarios.

“Supporting the exercise are F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft from No. 75 Squadron, PC-21 Forward Air Control aircraft from No. 4 Squadron, Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter from 1st Aviation Regiment, as well as 81mm Mortars from the 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.”

Noise reduction and the environment are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of military activities, and Air Force appreciates the ongoing support of the Northern Territory community during these training activities.

Further information regarding exercise flying will be made available at the Air Force Flying Activity website: https://www.airforce.gov.au/operations/flying-operations/flying-activity.