Against a heat-haze skyline, F-35A Lightning II aircraft from 75 and 77 Squadrons launched from RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory for this year’s Exercise Arnhem Thunder.
An annual multi-squadron exercise, Arnhem Thunder aims to enhance the capability and interoperability of Air Combat Group squadrons.
Armament officer Flight Lieutenant Jacob Newson, of 75 Squadron, explained that the exercise involved employing small-diameter bomb (SDB) glide test vehicles to measure flight characteristics of guided munitions.
“As an organisation, our understanding of some of the F-35A weapon systems is still immature and requires activities like this, supported by an extensive network of stakeholders,” Flight Lieutenant Newson said.
“From an armament perspective, this has been a great opportunity to get our hands on the SDBs and test our understanding of preparation, loading and downloading procedures.”
During the exercise, held from October 30 to November 9, the F-35As operated throughout the Northern Territory and Western Australian airspace, including RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal, Delamere Air Weapons Range and Kununurra Airport.
77 Squadron deployed eight F-35As and 78 personnel from RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW, to Tindal to embed with 75 Squadron.
Executive Officer 75 Squadron, Squadron Leader Mark Mohr-Bell, explained that this enabled the squadrons to conduct large-force employment into the Northern Territory’s vast training ranges.
“During Arnhem Thunder, F-35A aircrew integrated seamlessly into high-end offensive counter air tactics, while maintenance, armament, logistics and support crews came together, operating the larger fleet under a single command structure,” Squadron Leader Mohr-Bell said.
“The ability for two geographically displaced squadrons to come together and integrate seamlessly displays the readiness of Australia’s frontline fighter squadrons, and is a testament to the rigour put into standardisation at all levels.”
The Northern Territory airspace, renowned globally for its massive size and freedom of movement, provided 75 and 77 Squadrons with the opportunity to practise complex mission scenarios over large areas and in a realistic manner.
The opportunity to test and review understanding of SDBs within the armament team was a highlight.
“These weapons are a key capability for the F-35 and it’s vital that our gunnies get as many opportunities to familiarise themselves as possible,” Flight Lieutenant Newson said.
In summary, Squadron Leader Mohr-Bell said, “flying eight-ship formations against advanced surface and air threats, within the freedom of the Northern Territory’s vast airspace, will never get old”.
