Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate HMAS Anzac has completed its deployment on Operation Argos as part of a routine regional presence deployment.

Australia supports the enforcement of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions through the deployment of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) maritime patrol aircraft and RAN surface vessels.

HMAS Anzac, with its embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, has monitored and deterred illegal ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods in the region.

Since 2018, Australia has deployed RAAF maritime patrol aircraft on 11 occasions and RAN vessels on nine occasions in support of the operation.

Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton:

“Australia is committed to enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea until it takes concrete steps towards denuclearisation.

“We regularly deploy ADF assets on Operation Argos to monitor and deter shipments of sanctioned goods alongside close partners including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“These deployments demonstrate Australia’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and upholding the international rules-based order.”

Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer HMAS Anzac, Commander David McPherson:

“The dedication of hard working sailors and officers aboard the frigate during Operation Argos demonstrates Australia’s continued commitment to regional security and stability.”

“We are proud to have successfully contributed to the ninth iteration of the RAN’s support to Operation Argos on behalf of Australia.”

“Team Anzac conducted monitoring and surveillance at sea in response to illicit maritime activities using a range of the ship’s advanced sensors, and the embarked MH-60R Seahawk maritime warfare helicopter, which is equipped with world-leading anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.”

Media note

Media can access imagery of ADF’s support to Op Argos at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20230463 or visit the link Defence Images: Search: Argos

Information about Operation Argos is available at https://www.defence.gov.au/operations/argos

Media Contact

Defence Media: media@defence.gov.au

Issued by Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT