News

ADF to conduct training in Illawarra

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Locals are being warned not to panic if they see Australian Defence Force helicopters and personnel around the Illawarra this month. 

The ADF is set to conduct counter-terrorism training in the Illawarra, Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Southern Tablelands and Hunter Regions.

The training will be conducted during the night and day and involves responses to simulated terrorist scenarios.

People who see the training should not be concerned that any of the locations are under any form of actual threat.

The public should not be alarmed if they see or hear military helicopters, vehicles and military personnel carrying weapons. No ammunition will be used during the training.

Commander of Army’s 16th Aviation Brigade, Brigadier David Hafner, said ADF personnel were looking forward to the opportunity to use the selected areas for this essential training.

“Aviation training to support counter-terrorism activities is designed to be complex, and is required to be undertaken in locations unfamiliar to the aircrew,” Brigadier Hafner said.

“We acknowledge these activities may result in some noise disturbance for residents in the vicinity, but I want to reassure everybody this is essential to provide our personnel with realistic training.

“Defence will not take any risks with the health of local residents and for everybody’s safety we ask that if you do see or hear the training, please maintain your distance.”

 

Photo credit: Search: Royal Australian Air Force & helicopter