JTAC trainees take aim
Australia’s close air support capability was put to the test during Exercise Black Dagger 2025-2, which brought together air and ground forces to strengthen joint operations and regional partnerships.
CAPTION: An F-35A Lightning II from 77 Squadron takes off from RAAF Base Townsville, Queensland, during Exercise Black Dagger 25-2. Story by Flight Lieutenant Sharon Sebastian. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Nell Bradbury.
Conducted at the Townsville Field Training Area and RAAF Base Townsville from October 27 to November 7, the exercise marked the final phase of the No. 77 Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Course – a critical qualification that produced mission-ready controllers capable of integrating air power into complex land operations.
Aircraft from 4 Squadron and 77 Squadron, including the Pilatus PC-21 and F-35A Lightning II, supported the training, delivering precision air effects alongside ground elements such as the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment.
CAPTION: Soldiers from 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, set the coordinates for their 81mm mortar during Exercise Black Dagger.
Commanding Officer 4 Squadron Wing Commander Steven Duffy said the exercise demonstrated how training built operational capability across the Australian Defence Force.
“Exercise Black Dagger is about developing capable JTACs who could bring air power seamlessly into joint operations,” Wing Commander Duffy said.
“Exercises like this directly contribute to our deployable capability and operational effectiveness.”
Under the supervision of experienced instructors, trainees were tested in scenarios that replicated the intensity and complexity of operational environments.
CAPTION: An Air Force PC-21 Pilatus from 4 Squadron taxis onto the flightline at RAAF Base Townsville during Exercise Black Dagger.
Each mission demanded precise coordination between air and ground elements, reinforcing communication, control and decision-making under pressure.
The exercise also demonstrated preparedness and regional interoperability, with embedded personnel from the United States and Philippine Air Forces, and observers from the Indonesian National Armed Forces participating to enhance cooperation and strengthen shared regional security objectives.
Scenarios throughout the exercise challenged participants to synchronise multiple aircraft, manage targeting information and integrate precision effects safely and effectively in support of ground forces.
“The experience gained ensured our JTACs were prepared to operate effectively in dynamic environments,” Wing Commander Duffy said.
“It was about skill, teamwork and partnership – the hallmarks of effective joint operations.”
CAPTION: Australian Army soldiers and a soldier from the PNG Defence Force prepare to fire an 81mm mortar as part Exercise Black Dagger.
.
.
.
.
