The Royal Australian Air Force’s 4 Squadron has played host to the Philippine and Royal Thai Air Forces on Exercise Havoc Strike, an important multilateral training opportunity.
A close air support exercise, Havoc Strike exposed regional partners from Philippines and Thailand to RAAF training systems and 4 Squadron’s internationally accredited air-land integration procedures.
Flight Lieutenant N, a combat controller with 4 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown, was the officer-in-charge of the exercise, and described the activity as an opportunity for collaboration with Australia’s international partners.
“During the exercise, the Filipino and Thai controllers had the opportunity to work with our F-35A Lightning II, F/A-18F Super Hornet and PC-21 aircraft across a number of non-Defence training areas and Defence ranges in New South Wales and Queensland,” Flight Lieutenant N said.
“It is very fulfilling working with other controllers from our near region, who demonstrate a sound understanding of the processes we use, and have shown they can seamlessly integrate with Australian fixed-wing fighter aircraft – particularly ones they may not have worked with previously.”
This was the first time the Royal Thai Air Force had participated in Havoc Strike, further strengthening the longstanding relationship between Australia and Thailand. The Philippine Air Force returned having participated previously, reinforcing its status as one of Australia’s most important regional Defence partners.
“It has been very beneficial having the Royal Thai Air Force as a participant on the exercise for the first time,” Flight Lieutenant N said.
“Both the Philippine Air Force and Royal Thai Air Force use the internationally endorsed processes for conducting close air support missions. Impressively, both air forces worked effectively alongside each other.”
Commanding Officer 4 Squadron Wing Commander Steven Duffy highlighted the importance of the exercise as an opportunity for the Air Force to train with partners and enhance interoperability.
“The exercise was an opportunity for Australian and Philippine Air Force controllers to continue the close air support training we usually do together through the Joint Australian Training Team – Philippines. However, this year the activity was enhanced with the participation of the Royal Thai Air Force combat controllers,” Wing Commander Duffy said.
“The activity is a part of our ongoing regional engagement between Air Force special operations and air combat forces to make a small, but important, contribution to security and stability in the region.
“To see the Philippine Air Force aircrew flying with 4 Squadron aircrew, and teaming with Philippine, Thai and Australian controllers, was a highlight. Another highlight was the wider participation from Air Combat Group. Their routine and daily training with regional partners was impressive.”
