A Blackhawk army helicopter flies over Perth during emergency response exercises. Picture courtesy: Steve Ferrier/The West Australian
Camera IconA Blackhawk army helicopter flies over Perth during emergency response exercises. Picture courtesy: Steve Ferrier/The West Australian Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Black Hawks and military personnel taking part in scheduled counter-terrorism exercises

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

IN PREPAREDNESS for a potential terrorist attack in the South-West Black Hawk helicopters have been darting across our skies since late April.

The Black Hawks and soldiers have been taking part in scheduled counter-terrorism exercises using civilian locations in the greater Perth metropolitan area and South-West region.

The Department of Defence has advised that the public should not be alarmed if they see low-flying helicopters, vehicles and military personnel or hear the associated noise of the helicopters, blank gunfire and pyrotechnics.

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The training uses commercial buildings and transport hubs – locations chosen for their training value and the added realism that comes from training in these areas.

Australian Army and United States military Black Hawk helicopters and personnel will also fly through Perth skies from late-April to mid-June to practice operations against simulated terrorist targets.

People who see the training should not be concerned that any of the locations are under any form of actual threat.

The Department says the training helps ensure Australia and our US allies remain among the best counter-terrorism response capabilities in the world.

Anyone with concerns should email army.contact@defence.gov.au.

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