An Australian soldier killed during a parachute training incident in NSW has been identified.

Special Air Service Regiment Warrant Officer 2nd Class Lachlan Muddle, 50, died after colliding midair with another paratrooper on Monday evening.

The accident happened at the Jervis Bay Airfield, where both paratroopers reportedly collided several hundred metres above the ground, just after opening their chutes.

Both were reported to have fallen from a height, with one surviving the fall with minor injuries.

However, Muddle suffered critical injuries in the fall and was declared dead at the scene.

“The death of one of our soldiers is a tragedy and deeply felt by the Army family and across the broader Defence community,” the Australian Defence Force (ADF) said.

“Our highest priority is to support Warrant Officer Class Two Muddle’s family and all members involved in this tragic accident.

“Our thoughts are with them, their friends and the Regiment as they grieve his loss. We request that the privacy of Defence members and families is respected during this difficult time.”

Muddle joined the Australian Army in 1994 before joining the Special Operations Command in 2007.

The ADF said the pair were both extremely experienced paratroopers and had several thousand jumps completed between the two of them.

“Defence is committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel during all training activities. The Australian Defence Force has temporarily paused all parachuting training,” they said.

Veterans’ affairs minister David Harris called the incident “profoundly distressing” and said Muddle’s death will be “deeply felt across the Defence and veteran communities”.

“On behalf of the NSW Government, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and colleagues of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) soldier who tragically died during parachute training at Jervis Bay Airfield yesterday,” he said.

“ADF personnel undertake demanding and often hazardous training in preparation for service to our nation.

“That commitment reflects extraordinary professionalism, courage and dedication.”

Harris said while training is essential for soldiers for operational readiness, any loss of life during a training activity warrants careful reflection.

“My thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragic event,” he said.

In 2024 Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, 33, died in a parachute incident during a routine training activity at the RAAF Base in Richmond, about 50km northwest of Sydney.

Fitzgibbon was the son of former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon and brother to 7NEWS reporter Grace Fitzgibbon.