Purpose. (Context) Air Battle Management (ABM) is the control of military air operations that may include the control and coordination of integrated air and missile defence, offensive counter-air, strategic attack, close air support and other warfighting or supporting air activities. (Hazard) Ineffective ABM provision can compromise Aviation Safety. (Defence) This regulation requires MAOs conducting ABM and Air Battle Management Operators (ABMOs), to ensure Air Battle Management Operations (ABMOps) are conducted safely by an approved organisation.
An Air Battle Management Operator (ABMO) must operate only to the extent approved in the ABMO Certificate (ABMOC) issued by DASA.
As an exception from:
DASR ABM.10(a), a MAO that conducts ABM does not require a separate ABMO or OpSpec
DASR ABM does not apply to Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs).
An ABMO applicant organisation must utilise a Compliance Statement (CS) to apply to DASA for: GMGM AMCAMC
The ABMO CS should include the following information for the ABMO Certificate:
ABMO name. The Force Element Group (FEG) or equivalent.
ABMO location. Location of the ABMO headquarters.
Declaration. A statement that ABMO operations will be in accordance with the attached Operations Specification (OpSpec).
The ABMO CS should include the following information:
the Accountable Manager (AM) listed by command or management position, eg 'CDR SRG’
Hazard Tracking Authority (HTA) within the ABMO
the safety manager within the ABMO (per DASR SMS)
the scope of ABMOps provided.
The CS should demonstrate how the ABMO will safely conduct Air Battle Management Operations (ABMOps) and meet:
DASR ABM
Operational limitations. DASA prescribes operational limitations on the OpSpec to assure safe operations for a particular ABM operation within the ability or maturity of the ABMO. An operational limitation will typically include reference to a plan and timeline to remove the limitation. An ABMO may apply to DASA to remove, or impose, an operational limitation on the OpSpec via the submission of a CS.
Accountable Manager attestation and signature. The AM should make the following attestations and sign the CS:
I am accountable for [insert organisation] compliance with the Defence Aviation Safety Regulation.
This Compliance Statement for an Air Battle Manager Operations Certificate and Operations Specification is complete and correct.
I am satisfied that appropriatep arrangements are in place to meet with the Defence Aviation Safety Regulation and support the scope of operations contained in the Operations Secification.
Application for variation of an ABMOC OpSpec. The ABMO AM should amend the extant CS and submit this to DASA, highlighting those OpSpec items being varied. DASA, when satisfied, will issue an updated OpSpec to the ABMO. Application for variation to an OpSpec is required, at a minimum, when there is:
an addition, removal of, or change to ABMOps
a request to impose or remove operational limitations.
Purpose. (Context) Air Battle Management (ABM) is the control of military air operations that may include the control and coordination of integrated air and missile defence, offensive counter-air, strategic attack, close air support and other warfighting or supporting air activities. (Hazard) Ineffective ABM provision can compromise Aviation Safety. (Defence) This regulation requires MAOs conducting ABM and Air Battle Management Operators (ABMOs), to ensure Air Battle Management Operations (ABMOps) are conducted safely by an approved organisation.
Provision of evidence. Organisations should make use of existing data and documents to satisfy DASR ABM.20(a), rather than creating unique documents with no enduring value once the ABMOC is issued.
issue of an ABMOC, or attached Operations Specification (OpSpec) GMGM
The issue of an ABMOC supplies the basis for the judgement of suitability of an ABMO, in that Air Battle Management Operations (ABMOps) will be provided and maintained to approved standards and limitations, by competent and authorised individuals, who are acting as members of an approved organisation.
DASA will issue an ABMOC when satisfied that the applicant organisation can satisfy the requirements of DASR ABM.20. The ABMOC authorises the provision of ABMOps. The ABMOC contains:
the ABMO name
the location of the ABMO headquarters
reference to the Operations Specification (OpSpec), including the words ‘ABMOps will be conducted in accordance with the attached Operations Specification’
period of validity or expiry date.
ABMOC OpSpec. Each ABMOC has an attached OpSpec that details the:
Accountable Manager (AM)
Hazard Tracking Authority appointments within the ABMO
scope of ABMOps provided
contracts, agreements or other arrangements between the ABMO and supporting third parties
operational limitations as prescribed by DASA (typically an operational limitation will include reference to a plan and timeline to remove the limitation)
DASA signature, endorsing the OpSpec.
Initial issue of an ABMOC and attached OpSpec. DASA will issue an ABMOC and OpSpec when satisfied all requirements have been met.
reissue of, or variation to an ABMOC, or attached OpSpec. GMGM
Application for reissue or variation to an ABMOC or OpSpec. DASA will issue a new ABMOC or OpSpec when satisfied all requirements have been met.
Addition of an operation to an ABMOC OpSpec. The CS for the addition of an operation to an ABMOC OpSpec addresses whether the ABMO can safely operate and maintain their systems, as applicable. The statement does not need to address, but may reference, any acquisition documentation to demonstrate how new capabilities will be transitioned safely into service.
As an exception from DASR ABM.20(a), a MAO that conducts ABM does not require a separate ABMOC or OpSpec. However, the MAO OpSpec and CS must reflect the scope of ABM operations provided IAW DASR ABM. AMCAMC
The MAO's Quality Management System (QMS) and Safety Management System (SMS) must incorporate the requirements of DASR ABM.40 and DASR ABM.50.
The MAO must comply with DASR ABM.60 and DASR ABM.70.
An ABMO must define its organisational structure to include: GMGM AMCAMC
The ABMO organisational structure must include:
an AM, usually a FEG CDR or equivalent
an appropriate chain of command or management
appropriately qualified personnel
Key Staff with appropriate experience
The ABMO organisational structure should account for:
fixed or mobile facilities that are sufficient and suitable for the type of ABMOps provided
suitable, documented processes and procedures
a SMS IAW DASR ABM.40
a QMS IAW DASR ABM.50.
Purpose. (Context) Air Battle Management (ABM) is the control of military air operations that may include the control and coordination of integrated air and missile defence, offensive counter- air, strategic attack, close air support and other warfighting or supporting air activities. (Hazard) Ineffective ABM provision can compromise Aviation Safety. (Defence) This regulation requires MAOs conducting ABM and Air Battle Management Operators (ABMOs), to ensure Air Battle Management Operations (ABMOps) are conducted safely by an approved organisation.
An ABMO is an organisation that can consist of operational, maintenance, logistics and engineering personnel, usually as part of a FEG or equivalent force structure, which provides ABMOps to a defined scope.
Key Staff. An ABMO should list Key Staff (including engineering and maintenance appointments that contribute to the safe operation of an Aviation System) in their organisational structure. Where those Key Staff that form the core of the ABMO are employed in organisations external to a military unit or the contractor or tasked organisation, then the ABMO must also define the formal relationships with those organisations in which the Key Staff are employed (ie other contributors to the service provision that may directly influence the safety of ABMOps).
the authority, duties and responsibilities of all personnel performing ABMO functions, including the management personnel responsible for safety and quality management functions
the relationship and reporting lines between the personnel performing ABMO functions and other parts of the organisation
formal relationships with all other contributors to the ABMO that may directly influence the safety of their operations. GMGM
The ABMO should define formal relationships with all contributors to ABMOps. This is to define the external inputs to the ABMO that can influence the safety of ABMOps. The ABMO CS should refer to any formal agreements in place.
An ABMO must utilise an SMS in accordance with DASR SMS. GMGM
Purpose. (Context) Air Battle Management (ABM) is the control of military air operations that may include the control and coordination of integrated air and missile defence, offensive counter-air, strategic attack, close air support and other warfighting or supporting air activities. (Hazard) Ineffective ABM provision can compromise Aviation Safety. (Defence) This regulation requires MAOs conducting ABM and Air Battle Management Operators (ABMOs), to ensure Air Battle Management Operations (ABMOps) are conducted safely by an approved organisation.
An ABMO must utilise a QMS to achieve consistency, continuity and compliance of safe operations—through quality planning, quality assurance, quality control and quality improvement. GMGM AMCAMC
The ABMO should have a QMS that achieves the following purposes:
Quality planning. Quality planning defines the quality policy and approach so as to meet the safety needs of the friendly participants and neutral aircraft in the ABMOps.
Quality assurance. Quality assurance, provided through a quality assurance program, contains procedures to verify all activities are being conducted in accordance with applicable safety requirements.
Quality control. Quality control is managed by appointed representatives to monitor conformance with, and adequacy of procedures and services, to ensure safe operations.
Quality improvement. Quality improvement consists of reviews and remedial action as appropriate, for the continuous improvement of the safety of ABMOps.
Purpose. (Context) Defence is required to conduct ABMOps involving friendly participants; and neutral and non-friendly aircraft. (Hazard) Ineffective ABM provision can compromise Aviation Safety. (Defence) This regulation requires MAOs conducting ABM and Air Battle Management Operators (ABMOs), to ensure Air Battle Management Operations (ABMOps) are conducted safely by an approved organisation.
An ABMO may integrate their QMS with their other management systems (eg SMS) into a single management system, commensurate with the size and scope of the organisation. However, integrated systems must remain compliant with all relevant DASR.
An ABMO must utilise authorised ABM OIP. ABM OIP must contain the information required for the safe conduct of ABMOps. GMGM AMCAMC
MAOs conducting ABM and ABMOs should maintain ABM OIP that:
contains the information required by personnel to perform their Air Battle Management Operations (ABMOps) duties
ensures personnel are expeditiously informed of amendments
ensures personnel perform their duties in accordance with authorised OIP
are harmonised with Five Eyes Nations and NATO practices as far as practicable
should detail as a minimum:
the identification of appointments, requirements, roles, responsibilities for ABMOps
planning and briefing requirements
handover requirements between the ABMO and other agencies
record retention requirements
tactics, techniques and procedures
ABMOps limitations
the management of ABM equipment, including:
instructions for compliance with OEM design specifications
operating and installations instructions
ongoing maintenance requirements and instructions
for the introduction of new equipment, processes for managing the risk of interference or ineffective interoperability with:
other ABMO equipment
aircraft, ships, Tactical Air Control Parties, Integrated Air and Missile Defence elements, and the AOC
ongoing software safety assurance in accordance with authorised standards
defect and unserviceability reporting.
emergency procedures.
Purpose. (Context) Air Battle Management (ABM) is the control of military air operations that may include the control and coordination of integrated air and missile defence, offensive counter-air, strategic attack, close air support and other warfighting or supporting air activities. (Hazard) Ineffective ABM provision can compromise Aviation Safety. (Defence) This regulation requires MAOs conducting ABM and Air Battle Management Operators (ABMOs), to ensure Air Battle Management Operations (ABMOps) are conducted safely by an approved organisation.
ABM OIP must be easily accessible by relevant personnel.
DASR ABM.70 - Reserved.
An ABMO must ensure personnel are competent and authorised to undertake their assigned ABM duties. GMGM AMCAMC
To ensure effective personnel competency, the Air Battle Management Operator (ABMO) should:
ensure tasks are undertaken by suitably competent and authorised operators and maintainers, including contractors
maintain adequate numbers of operators and maintainers, to conduct the operation, consistent with a defined and reasonable level of overall demand
maintain training, Competency assessment and checking programs for operators and maintainers.
ABMO and instructor Competency management must be defined in:
a Learning Management Package (LMP) that considers:
education and training needs
education and training Competency and proficiency standards
education and training instructor standards.
approved OIP, including:
categorisation of skills or Competencies
Currency and recency requirements, including:
minimum criteria
methods of maintaining and regaining currency
identification of circumstances and authority for extensions.
The ABMO should ensure a method of recording Competency and Currency. The recording system should include:
secure and accessible record storage by users
recording methods and formats which are enduring
provision for no unauthorised record modifications
validation of Competency and Currency criteria listed in the recording system against requirements
record preservation IAW the Records Management Policy Manual.
Purpose. (Context) The safe delivery of ABM is supported by knowledge, skills and behaviours benchmarked against contemporary training and learning standards. (Hazard) Undesired ABM knowledge, skills and behaviours can affect the safe delivery of ABM. (Defence) This regulation requires the ABMO to establish a Defence ABM qualification and training system to:
provide the requisite knowledge and skills to support the desired behaviours for safe ABMOps.
actively monitor and correct knowledge, skills and behaviours, to ensure that the required standards are maintained.
Scope. The scope of DASR ABM.80(a) is constrained to apply only to operators and maintainers (including contractor personnel performing operator and maintainer roles).
Competency. The ABMO is responsible for ensuring personnel hold appropriate Competencies for the different types of ABM roles and functions and for assessing Competencies of personnel involved in the provision of ABM. Different Competencies will apply to ABMO operators and maintainers, depending on what role they fulfil in ensuring the safety of the overall operation. DASA does not prescribe any single Competency or framework. The ABMO has the flexibility to document these Competencies in approved OIP.
Note, this regulation is a competency and currency management system. It is not a licensing system.
Aircrew. Aircrew are subject to DASR Aircrew.10. For a MAO conducting ABM, compliance with DASR Aircrew.10 regarding Aircrew achieves the effect of a competency management system.