29 June 2015

MEDIA RELEASE

RNZAF NH90s practise formation in run-up to Talisman Sabre

The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s 3 Squadron have practised flying and landing the NH90 helicopters in formation at the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area in Central Queensland in the run-up to Exercise Talisman Sabre, Australia’s largest warfighting exercise.

“Talisman Sabre marks the first time the NH90s have been taken offshore and is a great opportunity to use the helicopters to their full ability in a coalition environment,” said Air Commodore Kevin McEvoy, Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has been invited to participate fully for the first time in Talisman Sabre, which will be held from 5 – 21 July in multiple training areas in Australia and the United States.

“Exercises such as Talisman Sabre provide excellent training to further hone our people’s warfighting capabilities and their ability to respond to a wide variety of contingencies,” says AIR CDRE McEvoy.

“It is also an opportunity to train with key partners – Australia and the United States – so we can enhance our ability to operate alongside them,” he added.

The Air Force’s 3 Squadron, led by Commanding Officer Wing Commander Scott McKenzie, will operate as part of the Australian Defence Force’s 16th Aviation Brigade during the exercise.

“NZDF can use learnings from Talisman Sabre to develop our Joint Task Force, which can deploy, operate and sustain combat forces from Army, Air and Navy away from New Zealand,” said AIR CDRE McEvoy.

The Joint Task Force makes NZDF an expeditionary force able to fully deploy overseas, and is targeted to be fully operational by the end of 2015.

The NZDF has deployed two ships, four aircraft (two NH90s, a Seasprite helicopter and a C-130 Hercules), around 45 military vehicles including 22 Light Armoured Vehicles, and 620 personnel for Talisman Sabre.

ENDS

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