Australian Aircraft Join Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise

Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion aircraft have joined forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and United States Navy in a test of anti-submarine warfare off the Philippines coast.

An AP-3C Orion from No. 92 Wing flew a maritime surveillance sortie in support of a US Navy P-3C using an expendable mobile anti-submarine training target.

The activity was held as part Exercise Balikatan 2014, the major regional exercise for the Philippines and the US.

The Australian contingent commander, Wing Commander Nicholas Pratt, said this was a significant event for all involved.

“The P3 flying program highlighted the mutual cooperation that is required during a maritime security scenario such as that being exercised during Balikatan 2014,” Wing Commander Pratt said.

Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were aboard the aircraft to observe the capabilities and techniques being employed.

“Activities such as today’s missions are directly contributing to stronger regional security cooperation,” Wing Commander Pratt said.

The Australian Defence Force is participating in Exercise Balikatan on the islands of Luzon and Palawan in the Philippines until 16 May.

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Press Release, May 16, 2014; Image: Australian Navy