Australian Army aviators will be better prepared to respond to terrorism threats following training across New South Wales this month.

The aviation training will be conducted across the greater Sydney, Wollongong and Goulburn regions and will train both air and ground crews, with soldiers and aviators responding to high-end and complex simulated threat scenarios.

Colonel Charlie Barton, Acting Commander 16th Aviation Brigade, said the training provides a critical opportunity for crews to prepare for their role in responding to domestic threats.

“Being ready to respond, especially within the parameters of counter-terrorism, requires precision, courage, and years of the best of training,” Colonel Barton said.

“Communities across Sydney and New South Wales will see our Black Hawk helicopters flying throughout the day and night; they may fly low over urban areas. We understand this may cause disturbances and we appreciate your patience and support over the coming weeks.

“This type of training is essential to providing our people with the realistic environments required to hone their skills and to ensure the Australian public has the best aviation capability available for any contingency.”

The training activity follows the delivery of two UH-60M Black Hawks in early October, taking Army’s utility helicopter fleet to 17.  

Defence is continuing to develop the UH-60M capability for land, amphibious and special operations, with Black Hawks also embarked on the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Canberra to conduct Landing Helicopter Dock First of Class Flight Trials.   

The trials enable Army Aviation to confirm ship helicopter operating limits and embarked procedures, whilst also supporting deck-landing qualifications, and UH-60M embarked operations.

The UH-60M Black Hawk is a versatile utility helicopter that is able to rapidly respond to domestic emergencies and future security challenges, as well as expanding Australia’s capacity to support regional partners in times of need.

Media note

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