ECADEX 11 kicks off

As many as 30 RAAF aircraft including F/A-18F Super Hornets will take part in a bi-annual training exercise off the coast of New South Wales.

The RAAF has launched a red on blue training exercise designed to test air defence capabilities.

The East Coast Air Defence Exercise (ECADEX 11) began Monday off the coast of central New South Wales and will run through December 9. It pits a ‘Red’ opposing force against a ‘Blue’ friendly force attempting to protect Australian air space and vital infrastructure such as a shipping port or airfield.

Up to 30 RAAF aircraft will take part, including F/A-18F Super Hornets, F/A-18 Classic Hornets, Hawk 127 lead-in fighters and Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft. Most of the aircraft and associated personnel will operate out of their home bases at RAAF Williamstown and RAAF Amberley.

The RAAF says the bi-annual exercise provides vital training for domestic and overseas operations and an opportunity to further integrate new capabilities such as the Wedgetail and Super Hornet.