Defence News

After three weeks of intensive training and complex manoeuvres across three states, around 17,000 military personnel from seven nations are ready to say goodbye. Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS21), Australia’s largest bilateral defence exercise with the United States, officially concluded today at a ceremony in Townsville. Commander Deployable Joint Force Headquarters, Major General Jake Ellwood, said […]

With more than seven live-fire traces open simultaneously, the culminating activity of Exercise Southern Jackaroo, held from June 15-24, took months to plan, and included forces from the US Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defence Force. Private Brendan Hannam, from 5 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR), fired the first Javelin in the Mount Bundey Training Area. […]

HMAS Ballarat’s crew felt the full force of eight United States Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft when they flew overhead during the ship’s Regional Presence Deployment last month. Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Antony Pisani said this provided valuable realistic training for the ship’s company and the US aviators from VAQ-132 Squadron. “This activity enabled Ballarat and VAQ-132 to conduct realistic high-end […]

HMAS Parramatta joined Royal Brunei Navy ships Darulehsan and Syafaat for shared training during a recent visit to Brunei. The three ships conducted a range of contactless training activities, including communication exercises, replenishment-at-sea approaches and maritime manoeuvres. Commanding Officer Parramatta Commander Anita Nemarich said the chance to train with Brunei was a great success for both navies. “The in-company training built upon the strong […]

UP to 160 Victorian-based ADF members have deployed as part of Operation COVID-19 Assist to support the Victorian Department of Health with the Household Engagement Program. The program involves visiting close contacts and returned travellers to ensure they are aware of their status, and to provide information and support services while in isolation.  The role […]

Australian Defence Force (ADF) members from across Victoria are preparing for deployment on Operation COVID-19 Assist. This morning they were briefed and prepared for their upcoming tasks. The Defence members are supporting the Victorian Department of Health to carry out the Household Engagement Program (HEP) across the state. The HEP aims to visit positive cases, […]

The crew of HMAS Perth met with Lord Mayor of Perth Basil Zempilas and CEO of the city of Perth Michelle Reynolds on May 28 at Council House. The new crew transferred from HMAS Arunta earlier this year. Perth is currently out of the water as it progresses through the Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program upgrades. The crew is eagerly awaiting the ship’s […]

HMAS Parramatta has joined French Navy Marine Nationale vessels FS Tonnerre and FS Surcouf — operating as the Jeanne d’Arc Task Group — to complete a cooperative passage through the South China Sea.  The Sydney-based Anzac class frigate had recently completed the Japan-led Exercise Arc21 with Tonnerre and Surcouf also taking part.  The three ships conducted a range of training activities, including communication exercises, replenishment-at-sea approaches, maritime manoeuvers […]

The new Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles are being put to the test in the largest exercise they have operated in since being introduced into the Army. The vehicles are being used in the 7th Brigade-led Exercise Diamond Walk at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland.  Trooper Harrison Dietrich, a gunner on the Boxer, said the crews […]

Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Anzac has returned home, marking the end of an extended deployment that culminated in the ship re-tasked to support a critical search and rescue effort. The Anzac-class frigate departed Australia with HMAS Sirius in early March for a deployment throughout South-East Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean.  Originally due to return to her homeport of […]