Defence Showcases Its Firepower At Exercise Chong

Defence Showcases Its Firepower At Exercise Chong JU

The Australian Army demonstrated its latest combat weapons to Army officers, soldiers and invited guests during EXERCISE CHONG JU (EXCJ) at the Puckapunyal Military Area (PMA) today.

This live firepower demonstration showcased Army and Air Force weapons and vehicles, including the M1A1 Abrams tank, ASLAV, Bushmaster, 105 mm Hamel gun, infantry and sniper teams, and the firing of the Javelin anti-armour missile.

RAAF F-111 and F/A-18 aircraft will also provide live close air support.

Colonel Michael Kingsford, the Commandant of the Army’s Combined Arms Training Centre, said EXCJ is an essential part of combat training for the Army’s junior officers.

“The exercise provides young officers and soldiers awareness of the effects of our latest weapons and how best to use them in operational scenarios,” Colonel Kingsford said.

Colonel Kingsford also thanked local residents for their ongoing support of training in the PMA.

“We note that the noise generated by this demonstration today can be heard by nearby residents and I’d like to thank the local community for their understanding. It is vitally important that our soldiers are able to train safely with their ‘tools of trade,” Colonel Kingsford said.

EXCJ was named after a battle in North Korea in 1950 when the Third Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, supported by tanks and artillery, attacked and captured a large North Korean defensive line during their northward advance to the Yalu River.

ENDS

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