Australian strikes 'put IS under pressure'

Australian air strikes against terrorist group Islamic State in Iraq are helping check the militants' momentum, a senior defence chief says.

Australian super hornets have contributed more than 180 sorties since operations against militants began in October as part of an international mission to disrupt and degrade IS.

More than 100 munitions have been deployed by super hornets against 44 targets, destroying 36 and damaging a further six.

During ground operations, Australian Special Forces are training local Iraqi soldiers in counter-terrorist tactics, co-ordinating air-strikes and managing dozens of improvised explosive devices.

Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral David Johnston says IS is coming under immense pressure.

"The militants' momentum has been checked since the air campaign commenced," he said in a statement on Saturday.