• Two RAN warships are conducting exercises in Asia.
Defence
    Two RAN warships are conducting exercises in Asia. Defence
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Two RAN ships, HMA Ships Anzac and Sirius, are conducting a two-month deployment throughout the Northeast Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

The task group will conduct a number of bilateral and multilateral activities including participating in Exercise La Perouse, a French-led multilateral maritime exercise in the Northeast Indian Ocean.

Acting Minister for Defence Senator Marise Payne said the deployment is part of the ADF’s ‘robust and longstanding’ program of international engagements.

“We are strongly committed to our vital work with regional partners to address shared challenges, including our region’s maritime security,” Minister Payne said.

“Regular cooperation with our partners and neighbours is critical for maintaining a peaceful, inclusive, sovereign and resilient Indo-Pacific region, where the rights of all states are respected.”

Commander of the task group, Commander Brendan Horn, RAN, said the routine deployment is an exciting opportunity for both ships’ companies to exercise at sea and to operate with neighbours and international partners.

“I am extremely proud of our ability to safely deploy and maintain operational readiness, while working within COVID-19 safe conditions,” Commander Horn said.

In October last year, Australia was invited to join Exercise Malabar alongside the US, Japan and India, marking the first time since 2007 that all four members of the Quadrilateral Initiative have conducted joint military training.

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