CURRENT OPERATIONS

About 2000 Australian Defence Force personnel are deployed on more than 10 operations around the globe. In addition, a number of Defence personnel are also deployed on exchange, third country deployments and specific tasks such as support to border protection operations.

Current overseas operations include:

Middle East - Operation Catalyst

Operation Catalyst is Australia's contribution to the rehabilitation of Iraq. The Government adjusted Australia's military commitment to Iraq after the transition from offensive combat operations to stabilisation and recovery operations. The ADF will continue to participate in Coalition efforts to develop a secure environment in Iraq, assist national recovery programs and facilitate the transition to Iraqi self-government. The Australian Joint Task Force Headquarters in the Middle East is responsible for ADF maritime, land and air elements deployed on both Operation Catalyst and Operation Slipper (Australia's contribution to the war against terrorism). Operation Catalyst comprises approximately 850 personnel. More Information.
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Middle East - Operation Slipper
Operation Slipper is Australia's contribution to the war against terrorism. A RAAF AP-3C Orion detachment is conducting maritime patrol operations, with one aircraft and associated command and support elements supporting both the rehabilitation operation in Iraq and the Coalition operation against terrorism. More Information.
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East Timor - Operation Citadel
The UN Mission in Support of East Timor (UNMISET) was established by UN resolution 1272/99 on 25 October 2000 and implemented on East Timor's Independence Day, 20 May 2002. Australia provides about 25% of the Peace Keeping Force, consisting of an infantry battalion group (including an infantry company from Fiji), headquarters personnel and UN Military Observers. The number of ADF personnel deployed on Operation Citadel is about 440.
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Solomon Islands - Operation Anode
Operation Anode is the ADF's contribution to the Australian led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands known as Operation HELPEM FREN. The Australian contribution comprises approximately 550 Australian Defence Force personnel, Australian Federal Police and personnel from the Australian Protective Service to the multinational stabilisation force. Military personnel from Australia, Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea provide security for police assisting the Solomon Islands Government to restore law and order. They are also assisting with logistic and operational support. More Information.
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(Thanks to Ian Polanski)

Middle East - Operation Paladin
Operation Paladin is Australia's contribution to the UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO). UNTSO was established in 1948 to supervise the truce agreed at the conclusion of the first Arab/Israeli War and operates in Israel, Syria, and Lebanon. Australian personnel have been part of this mission since 1956. Some members of the Australian contingent may be employed as staff officers in the UNTSO Headquarters in Jerusalem or military observer headquarters in Tiberias (Israel), Damascus (Syria), or Nacquorar (Lebanon). The current ADF commitment is 11 personnel.

Bosnia - Operation Osier
Operation Osier is Australia's contribution to the NATO-led, UN mandated Yugoslavia Security Force (SFOR) and Kosovo Force (KFOR). Eight Australian Defence personnel are currently employed with UK forces in Bosnia, and Croatia. ADF personnel are fully integrated with British units or headquarters and gain significant experience in peacekeeping operations. These personnel provide staff officer functions in logistics, engineering, artillery, operational planning and civil-military cooperation projects.

Sinai - Operation Mazurka
Operation Mazurka is Australia's contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai. The MFO was established in 1981 to oversee the Camp David Accords of 1978 and the Egypt/Israel Peace Treaty of 1979. There are 25 Australians who assist in the peace process by monitoring the border and preparing daily operational briefings, and support to the Headquarters. In addition to these staff functions, Australians undertake an important force training function that includes physical training.

Eritrea and Ethiopia - Operation Pomelo
Australia contributes two Army officers to the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE). The UNMEE mission includes monitoring the cessation of hostilities, troop deployments and the temporary security zone between the two countries. The mission also provides assistance to the Ethiopian and Eritrean Border Commission talks on marking the international border. The Australian contribution is on the UNMEE Force Headquarters where they undertake staff functions that include geo-spatial expertise and force training advice.

Afghanistan - Operation Palate
Following the ADF's significant and successful role in Afghanistan as part of the International Coalition Against Terrorism, the ADF has now provides one Army officer who is deployed as a military liaison officer to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The military liaison officers' function is to establish and maintain liaison with Coalition forces, the Nato led International Security Assistance Force and the emerging Afghan Army. UNAMA integrates all UN activities in Afghanistan, focusing on rebuilding Afghanistan institutions.

Other operations:

Southern Ocean - Operation Mistral
The Australian Defence Force supports Coastwatch and AFMA by providing support to the civil agencies enforcing Australian sovereign rights and fisheries laws in the Southern Oceans. Military patrols are regularly undertaken in support of these civil authorities. Actions to date have successfully apprehended foreign fishing vessels with million of dollars of illegal catch on-board.

Northern Australia and Sea Air Approaches - Operation Cranberry
This is Northern Australia's sea, air and land surveillance program, undertaken primarily by RAN Fremantle Class Patrol Boats and Army Reserve personnel from the Regional Force Surveillance Unit, in support of civil agencies such as Coastwatch and Customs, to detect illegal activity such as smuggling and illegal fishing.

Australian border protection - Operation Relex II
This is the Australian Defence Force operation which contributes to the whole of government program to detect, intercept and deter vessels carrying unauthorised arrivals from entering Australia through the North-West maritime approaches. Operation Relex II includes naval, air force and army units supported by Coastwatch and Customs.