Australia’s ability to conduct Electronic Warfare (EW) has been tested in the skies over the Northern Territory.
Wing Commander Alex Cave said Trial Swagman tested new EW countermeasures for the nation’s air combat aircraft, the EA-18G Growler and F-35A Lightning II.
“Trial Swagman was a ground-breaking event that tested Air Combat Group’s EW capabilities in a field environment,” Wing Commander Cave said.
He said the activity, which was launched out of RAAF Base Tindal, used the vast NT airspace, including the Delamere Air Weapons Range.
“The world-class trial team, integrating EW specialists from partner nations, successfully conducted a complex test that will enhance platform survivability, improve ADF and Allied EW developmental test capabilities and feed future survivability optimisation activities.”
He said the evaluation of Trial Swagman’s data would improve the survivability of Air Force’s air combat aircraft in contested environments.
EA-18G pilot Flight Lieutenant Sam said Tindal provided essential resources to conduct flightline operations and servicing for the evaluation of new technologies.
“Trial Swagman was a fantastic opportunity for 6 Squadron to further develop and test our integrated tactical procedures with the F-35A, as well as enhance our agile combat employment frameworks, particularly the deployment to and from the NT in a short timeframe,” he said.
