7 August 2023
‘Train the way we fight’ is an essential mantra of the ADF, and Exercise Talisman Sabre was no exception.
Deployed to RAAF Base Darwin, 11 Squadron provided a maritime strike capability to the north-western region of the exercise. This involved the fitment of ATM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles to the P-8A Poseidon for large-force employment missions.
The ability to support maritime operations with long-range strike capability has become a high priority for Air Force. Corporal Braedon Meakin said Talisman Sabre was a great chance for the P-8A aircrew and armament section to increase experience with the weapon system.
“Regular training with loading, carriage and unloading of the Harpoon on the P-8A allows us to work effectively as a team and better understand our role at 11 Squadron,” he said.
“Control and release checks were tested prior, then using a full armament team we tested the aircraft to receive the Harpoon onto the wing pylon and used manual handling equipment to load it onto the wing.”
The Harpoon travels at more than 800 kilometres per hour across more than 60 nautical miles, providing maritime strike capability for Air Force.
For Talisman Sabre, a telemetry missile was fitted, as opposed to an AGM-84. Identified by the blue colour bands around the Harpoon, the telemetry missile does not have a high explosive and acquires flight and performance data for training development.
Deputy Flight Commander for 11 Squadron Flight Lieutenant Max Harding said the training benefit for carrying telemetry harpoons is that personnel can coordinate, transport, and load and employ them.
“There is a great deal of work required to ensure a Harpoon is employed at the right place and right time,” he said.
“Talisman Sabre was a great opportunity to test our current processes, train new people, and identify where we can make safety and efficiency improvements to ensure we are optimally prepared to use these weapons if required.”
During Talisman Sabre, P-8A crews were able to integrate with other forces in the land and maritime domain, as well as operate alongside partner nations such as the United States to practise more in-depth crew planning and consideration.
11 Squadron deployed multiple P-8A crews to RAAF Base Darwin and also to RAAF Base Amberley, providing an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability, conducting anti-submarine warfare and delivering a maritime strike capability.
