RNZAF Eyes in the Sky head to Darwin

25 July 2008

A P-3K Orion crew from Number 5 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force will depart tomorrow for Darwin to participate in the Royal Australian Navy’s most significant exercise for 2008, Exercise Kakadu IX.

The exercise features Naval and Air capabilities and is designed to develop multilateral maritime operations in an international coalition environment.

Together with members from the RNZAF, the exercise will see around 2000 defence personnel from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, Japan, Thailand and the French Armed Forces – New Caledonia; with observers from India, the Philippines and Indonesia.

The two week exercise which began 21 July provides participating countries the opportunity for training activities, weapons practice and promotes a shared understanding of maritime security issues.

Detachment Commander Flight Lieutenant Cameron Brownlee said the exercise would provide the Orion crew with the opportunity to hone their maritime surveillance skills.

"New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone is one of the largest in the world and we also conduct maritime surveillance for a number of Pacific countries, so the opportunity to improve our maritime operations is always welcome.”

ENDS

For further information please contact Anna Sussmilch, Air Force Public Relations, 04 496 0286 or 021 676 338

 

Return to the Media Release Summary