RAA Liaison Letter – 2025 / 2026 Edition 90 132nd Battery 2025 has been a year of significant milestones for 132 Battery, marked by operational deployments and capability achievements. The Battery commenced the year by deploying in support of the 3rd Combat Brigade during North Queensland Warfighter Exercise 25 (NQWFX25). This exercise was pivotal, as it enabled the Battery to meet critical performance metrics that contributed to achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the Defence 129 Phase 3 (DEF129-3) Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (TUAS) project. This success represented a major step forward for the Regiment by integrating the new TUAS capability into the broader Army operational framework. Following a deliberate Refit to Fight and operations preparation cycle, 132 Battery transitioned to a new operational challenge with its deployment on Operation Resolute. Supporting Australia’s national border security effort, the Battery worked alongside Maritime Border Command (MBC) to deliver meaningful outcomes despite encountering equipmentrelated challenges. This deployment provided valuable insights into the practical application of the newly operational TUAS capability in a realworld environment, reinforcing its role in enhancing surveillance and security across Australia’s maritime approaches. Throughout the year, 132 Battery has remained committed to refining its operational practices and advancing its technical proficiency. A key focus has been the continued development and enhancement of Dispersed Flying Position (DFP) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring the Battery remains agile and adaptable in diverse operational contexts. These efforts underscore 132 Battery’s dedication to innovation and excellence, positioning the 20th Regiment as a critical enabler of Defence’s future operational capability. 132 Battery deployed on Operation Resolute and 3rd Bde Warfighter 133rd Battery For the recently re-raised 133 Battery, 2025 proved to be another exciting and busy training year. Commencing with the posting in of a number if substantive positions (BSM and BK), as well as a general increase in the overall posted strength, the Battery was positioned well to continue the great work of 2024 in the Force Modernisation and project delivery space, while continuing the Force Generation of the Integrator TUAS operator workforce. Shortly after the Christmas RTP, a key Detachment of 133 Battery facilitated the final large Acceptance Test & Evaluation activity for DEF129-3, whilst the majority of 133 Battery JNCOs and SNCOs commenced instructor support and attendance on initial qualification and trade progression courses. On the exfiltration from SWBTA, 133 Battery diverted through Brymaroo Satellite Airfield on the outskirts of Oakey to conduct additional Navigation Systems T&E sorties and commence the enduring task of Launch and Recovery wind data capture. Following this busy start, 133 Battery has gone on to have representation on every Regimental activity and Integrator TUAS qualification or Trade progression course, including support to the following key activities throughout 2025: • NQWFX (DEF129-3 Initial Operating Capability (IOC) declaration activity) • Agile GCS trial in Sydney (trialling TUAS fitout on the Polaris ATV) • Wide Area Surveillance and Hyperspectral Payload Sensor trial with RAAF • EX TS 25 (as Liaison Officer, Launch and Recovery Troop and Agile GCS Trial ISO Divisional Recon) • OMNI Directional range testing and ROVER 6 long range antenna T&E in Oakey • EX ALON 25 (Liaison Officers as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 25) • Support to TUAS Type Conversion Course, OP Resolute 25 and SOArty OP UAS IET Courses With morale high and all members benefiting from the broad range of diverse experiences that 2025 has provided, 133 Battery is eagerly anticipating the challenge of taking over as the Ready TUAS Task Element for the Regiment in 2026.
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