Two Royal Australian Navy ships to take part in international exercise, acting Defence Minister confirms.
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Two Royal Australian Navy ships will take part in a multilateral naval exercise in the Indian Ocean, acting Defence Minister Marise Payne confirmed on Sunday.
HMA Ships Anzac (III) and Sirius are undertaking a two-month deployment, in which they will partake in French-led Exercise La Perouse in the north-east Indian Ocean.
Minister Payne confirmed that this was part of Australia and the Australian Defence Force’s commitment to ongoing international arrangements.
“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."
RAN Commander Brendan Horn, Commander of the task group, outlined that Exercise La Perouse was a chance for HMA Ships Anzac (III) and Sirius to build on their operational capabilities working alongside Australia’s allies.
“I am extremely proud of our ability to safely deploy and maintain operational readiness, while working within COVID-19 safe conditions," CMDR Horn noted.
“Importantly, we acknowledge the support of our families and friends, who remain our anchor in achieving this important mission.”
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