Testing evolving air assault capability

Soldiers from 1RAR conducted a live-fire activity to test and refine Army’s air assault capability.

Supported by the 5 Avn Regt and 3CER, Exercise Septimus Strike saw Bravo Company inserted by helicopter before attacking an enemy position, defending against a counterattack and extracting by air.

OC Bravo Company Maj Callum Stewart said the exercise marked an important step in the battalion’s air assault training.

“This combat team live-fire exercise was the culmination of our air assault training throughout 2026,” Maj Stewart said.

“It demonstrated our ability to integrate air and ground effects alongside the 5 Avn Regt and 3CER.”

The exercise also tested aerial resupply and casualty evacuation, as well as the insertion and extraction of soldiers by day and night.

Unlike air mobility, which moves personnel and equipment around the battlespace, air assault inserts a combat force into a contested environment to disrupt or defeat an enemy.

Septimus Strike formed part of 1RAR’s work to refine tactics, techniques and procedures for future use across the RAR.

Cpl Kurt Pennell said the exercise demonstrated the battalion’s progression throughout the year.

“The air assault gave our junior soldiers valuable combined-arms experience,” Cpl Pennell said.

“They have progressed from trialling tactics and procedures through the full training continuum to conducting a live-fire activity.”

During the assault, engineers from 3CER breached an obstacle belt to enable the combat team to continue its advance.

The lessons from Septimus Strike will support the continued development of air assault procedures for use by infantry battalions across the RAR.