von The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP said one of the world’s largest co-ordinated virtual military exercises between Australian, American, British and Canadian defence forces begins today.
Mr Snowdon said the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is facilitating Exercise Coalition Virtual Flag.
“It’s a four-day simulation activity designed to provide training, it will also provide a means to evaluate planning for joint combat missions,” Mr Snowdon said.
“RAAF pilots will fly in high-end exercises from DSTO’s newly enhanced Air Operations Simulation Centre in Melbourne.
“DSTO will work around the clock to connect the RAAF to a virtual international network, providing two F/A‑18 Hornet cockpits in the centre’s sophisticated simulation cube and dome facilities,” Mr Snowdon said.
He said recent enhancements, including classified and more capable hardware and software components, mean DSTO’s Air Operations Simulation Centre is suitably equipped to support networked coalition forces in advanced simulation and modelling activities.
Mr Snowdon said virtual exercises are a valuable means of determining important combat mission data in an environment that is safer, less expensive and requires fewer resources.
“The outcome of the exercise is expected to benefit participating nations by providing mission-critical information relevant to future deployments.”
The Australian Defence Force’s Joint Combined Training Centre is providing a link between Australian simulation assets and other participating nations.
Coalition Virtual Flag, led by the US Air Force and coordinated across three continents, commences today on 20 September.
Media contacts:
Alice Plate (Snowdown): 0400 045 999
Stephen D’Arcy (DSTO): 0419 991 909
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
Press release
Ministerial Support and Public Affairs,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, Australia