Sep 23 2022

German Air Force continues cooperation with Australia during Air-Maritime Integration exercise

RAMSTEIN, Germany - Six German Eurofighters and some 250 personnel joined regional Partners during the Royal Australian Navy-led exercise Kakadu 2022.

Exercise Kakadu 2022 is being conducted in Darwin and the Northern Australian Exercise area from September 12-24, 2022. This is the 15th iteration of the flagship biennial regional Maritime International Engagement exercise which drew together approximately 3,000 personnel, 17 warships and 34 aircraft from 22 countries.

We get to get together with our regional partners and other visiting partners so that we can operate together at sea and in the air

Hosted by the Navy, it is supported by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and other air forces making it an international multi-domain activity; exercise Kakadu has grown in size and complexity since its inception in 1993. During several phases, participants simulate communication links and warfare tactics, techniques and procedures of naval and air units. These drills are to enable participating Navies and Air Forces to operate as one team during Kakadu 2022 planning, executing and back-briefing combined and joint missions.

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German Air Force concludes exercise Kakadu22 with a Eurofighter leading a multinational formation with Singapore F-15s and F-16s above HMAS Perth at sea. Photo by Bundeswehr.

Royal Australian Navy gunners practicing Air Defence drills on board a ship during exericse Kakadu 2022. Photo by Royal Australian Navy.

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Aerial view of ships participating in exercise Kakadu 2022 at the Port of Darwin in Northern Australia. 
Photo by Bundeswehr / Johannes Heyn.

“We get to get together with our regional partners and other visiting partners so that we can operate together at sea and in the air, and do so effectively across a whole spectrum of activities and operations,” said the exercise’s Officer Commanding, Commodore Paul O’Grady. “I’m privileged and thankful for the opportunity to be part of the leadership that is delivering this activity, and the themes of partnership, leadership and friendship have been evident across all the participants,” he concluded.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office