DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 395/09
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
RAAF JETS TAKE TO THE SKIES
FOR EAST COAST EXERCISE
Royal Australian Air Force personnel will play an important role as fighter jets take to
the skies for the East Coast Air Defence Exercise (ECADEX 09), to be conducted off
the coast of New South Wales.
The exercise began on Monday 16 November 2009 and will run until Friday 4
December, with the majority of flying commencing Monday 23 November.
Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Neil Hart, said, “ECADEX 09 is a
vital training exercise for Air Force personnel, to maintain operational capability and
to practice key air defence skills.
“The exercise also provides an opportunity for Air Force personnel to practise their
skills at maintaining the integrity of Australian airspace and protecting vital
infrastructure, such as a shipping port or an airfield”.
The majority of the aircraft assets and personnel will be operating out of their home
bases at RAAF Williamtown (NSW) and RAAF Amberley (QLD) for the duration of
the exercise. Exercise flying will be conducted over water from Newcastle to Evans
Head.
The exercise scenario is designed to test both passive and active air defence
capabilities where a ‘Blue’ or friendly force will protect the integrity of Australian air
space and vital infrastructure against attack from a ‘Red’ or opposing force.
Up to 28 military aircraft from Amberley, Williamtown and Tindal (NT) will
participate in the annual exercise.
“The Air Force is taking every possible measure to minimise the impact of ECADEX
on the local community,” Air Commodore Hart said.
“We appreciate the ongoing local community support for our need to conduct this
vital training”.
Members of the community are encouraged to ring the toll free hotline 1800 033 200
for further information about ECADEX 09.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
