RAAF joins New Zealand crews in joint exercise

“Flying in New Zealand can be challenging at times, as the weather can be quite dynamic,” RAAF Flight Lieutenant James Bendun said.

“Some of the drop zones that we conducted flying in are in valley locations and quite high up in the terrain, which is something we don’t have the opportunity to do back in Australia.”

Woodbourne’s narrow airstrip and mountainous terrain allowed RAAF members to adapt their regular practice to suit an unfamiliar environment, enabling them to increase their skills and ability to respond to dynamic situations.

As part of the exercise, crews were trained in the continued integration of the High Velocity Container Delivery Systems (HVCDS), which requires detailed, highly specific procedures to ensure that all rigging and restraint mechanisms are effectively in place.

“We were loading cargo to be airdropped, as well as handling passengers,” Leading Aircraftman Dylan Kramer said.

“Working closely with the RNZAF has been a great experience.

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“The lessons I have learnt about interoperability have been invaluable.”

Ensuring interchangeability, RAAF and RNZAF personnel worked closely together in practical efforts and logistics to foster cohesion and strong collaboration.

The RAAF and RNZAF have consistently worked together on aerial defence exercises, and as close allies, are prepared to work alongside each other in a potential conflict environment.

“Exercise Mobility Astra has been a great opportunity to reinforce training between the nations we have been operating with,” Bendun said.