Australia Military Exercise

An Australian Light Armoured Vehicle provides flank support as the Australian Abrams M1A1 AIM-Main Battle Tanks take up the fight during a simulated battlefield attack (photo : DefenceGovAu)

The Australian Army has demonstrated its latest combat weapons to Army officers, soldiers and invited guests during Exercise Chong Ju (EXCJ) at the Puckapunyal Military Area (PMA).

After destroying the enemy, Australian Abrams M1A1 AIM-Main Battle Tanks cover their withdrawal with smoke during a simulated battlefield attack (photo : DefenceGovAu)
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 also provided live close air support.

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


Australian troops break contact and begin to mount the waiting M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers during a simulated battlefield attack (photo : DefenceGovAu)
“The exercise provides young officers and soldiers awareness of the effects of our latest weapons and how best to use them in operational scenarios,” COL Kingsford said.


An Australian M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carrier moves into attack position during a combat team combined arms attack (photo : DefenceGovAu)
COL Kingsford also thanked local residents for their ongoing support of training in the PMA. 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.