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Clear skies ... An F/A-18A Hornet from Australia's Air Task Group, Operation OKRA. Source: Defence
IT’S the moment Australia’s mission to fight Islamic State had a measurable impact: the destruction of an explosives manufacturing facility in Iraq.
Australian warplanes are operating in Iraq as part of Operation OKRA and extended that mission into Syria just a fortnight ago.
The recently released footage is believed to be from attacks on the Islamic State stronghold in Iraq, the northern capital of Mosul.
On target ... A suspected explosives manufacturing facility in Mosul. The Australian Defence Force has released video showing how its “Classic†Hornet and Super Hornet fighter bombers are using accurate gliding bombs to destroy Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria. Source: DefenceSource:News Corp Australia
A Defence media statement released in conjunction with the footage states strikes in built-up areas are made only after many considerations are taken into account.
“It’s important to be extremely accurate with intelligence gathering to prevent collateral damage to neighbouring properties or innocent parties,†it reads.
“All weapons used on the F/A-18 Hornet (and Super Hornet) are precision guided.â€
The RAAF also says strike missions are conducted with a variety of weapons, each with differing capabilities. This allows pilots to select the type best suited to both destroying the target and minimising collateral damage.
Long haul ... An F/A-18A Hornet refuels from a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft during the first mission of Operation OKRA to be flown over Syria. Source: DefenceSource:Supplied
The bombs and missiles are fitted with guidance systems that control fins, allowing the weapon to ‘fly’ towards its target.
This can be done through programming a GPS system, or directing the bomb to the desired impact point by a laser.
“Both of these techniques result in an extremely high degree of bomb accuracy,†the RAAF statement reads.