Air Combat Group (ACG) is responsible for raising, training and sustaining Air Force’s air combat and special operations capability. ACG’s mission is to ‘provide air combat airpower to the Integrated Force in competition and conflict’. 

While Headquarters ACG was only formed in 2002, the Group traces its history back to the formation of No 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, in January 1916 and proudly carries the legacy of all the Australian fighter and bomber Wings and Squadrons that have served in the Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Australian Air Force. The Group’s current structure is:

Headquarters Air Combat Group

Headquarters 78 Wing

  • 4 Squadron – Combat Control / Joint Terminal Attack Control / PC-21
  • 76 Squadron – Hawk 127
  • 79 Squadron – Hawk 127

Headquarters 81 Wing

  • 2 Operational Conversion Unit – F-35A Lightning II
  • 3 Squadron – F-35A Lightning II
  • 75 Squadron – F-35A Lightning II
  • 77 Squadron – F-35A Lightning II

Headquarters 82 Wing

  • 1 Squadron – F/A-18F Super Hornet
  • 6 Squadron – EA-18G Growler 

The Group’s Wings and Squadrons have served with distinction in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesian Confrontation, the Vietnam War, the 1999 East Timor crisis, the 2003 Iraq War, the war in Afghanistan and the conflict against Daesh. Post the 11 September 2001 attacks in the United States, ACG has undertaken multiple domestic and regional airspace control operations over high profile events in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The Group’s Combat Controllers have served on multiple classified and unclassified operations.   

Today’s ACG plays a key role in delivering the airpower contributions of: 

Control of the Air

  • Defensive Counter Air
  • Offensive Counter Air

Strike from the Air

  • Strategic Attack
  • Offensive Air Support
  • Maritime Strike from the Air
  • Electronic Attack from the Air

Special Operations

  • Special Operations Air Warfare

ACG has approximately 2250 personnel, including 300 reservists, at four air bases across Australia; RAAF Base Williamtown NSW, RAAF Base Amberley QLD, RAAF Base Tindal NT and RAAF Base Pearce WA. With 144 aircraft, ACG operates over half the aircraft in Air Force. The Group works closely with Air Force Headquarters, Headquarters Air Command, Capability and Sustainment Group, Guided Weapon Explosive Ordnance Group and Defence Industry partners to meet its current and future capability and sustainment goals.