RAA Liaison Letter 2024 - 2025 Edition

RAA Liaison Letter – 2024 / 2025 Edition 72 best effector’. The end state of this experiment, saw the passage of data at a rate and ability never before tested, pushed digital systems to their upper limits, and further enhanced interoperability with international partners. BIENNIAL, UNILATERAL, JOINT CPX This year, OSB supported a large scale, unilateral, Joint CPX. OSB members embedded with and supported the Integrated Air and Missile Defence Cell (IAMDC) which held operational command responsibilities, and helped manage theatre Integrated Air and Missile Defence tasking based upon the strategic intent, and developing scenario. OSB provided an IAMD planning function, demonstrating an ability to support theatre functions while delivering an Air and Missile Defence Capability for Australia. This year’s participation built heavily upon previous iterations and experience, and highlighted the importance of the newly formed IAMDC that is now a permanent cell within JOC. All members of the team were individually commended for their output by the senior ADF Officer and exercise director. Air Defence Artillery Fire Control Officer (ADAFCO) development ADAFCO COURSE Australia’s first Air Defence Artillery Fire Control Officer (ADAFCO) Course was conducted in September/October this year at RAAF Base Williamtown with the purpose to improve coordination and integration as NASAMS is introduced. Five Army Air Defence Officers and one RAAF Air Battle Manager graduated the course, which is designed to enhance airspace deconfliction, prevent fratricide and maximise a Joint or Combined Kill chain. The course is set to be conducted annually, supported by the Surveillance and Control Training Unit (SACTU) and will likely include US personnel on future iterations IOT enhance interoperability between Australia and coalition forces. ADAFCOs will play a key role in upcoming exercises such as TALISMAN SABRE 2025, where NASAMS will be showcased. Communications development NETWORK MANAGEMENT CELLMC (NMC) The NMC has seen a dynamic shift in the nature of its support role to 16 Regt RAA in 2024 from what the cell has historically provided to the unit. With an ever-growing communications requirement, the NMC has been required to grow in size and trade diversity, to enable the Air Defence capability. The influx of new equipment has meant the NMC has had to surge it’s training of personnel, IOT ensure the provision of effective SMEs to the Regiment and its mission. The requirement to operate in the Joint space, has seen the NMC working hand in glove with RAAF counterparts, ensuring both organisations can speak the same language. The NMC’s ability to adapt to an ever changing signals and communication battlespace, will enable it to meet the regiment’s requirements in an even more complex environment. TACTICAL DATA LINK CAPABILITY AND TRAINING 16 Regiment has participated in numerous exercises throughout 2024, further developing on tactical data link (TDL) training from previous years. Most significantly on Project Convergence, incorporating a notional NASAMS troop via Beyond Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) communications and connectivity, into a coalition network for Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD). The Regiment went on to support the Air Warfare Instructor Course, seamlessly connecting NASAMS into a joint, high-end warfighting exercise, and testing the new capability against other ADF platforms. The TDL capability at 16 Regiment continues to evolve, with numerous training courses conducted throughout 2024 involving Joint Data Networks and original equipment manufacturers.