Royal Australian Navy Hobart-class guided missile destroyer, HMAS Sydney, has commenced service in Operation Argos, supporting international efforts to enforce United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea, as part of its Indo‑Pacific regional presence deployment.
Australia supports UNSC sanctions through the deployment of Australian Defence Force maritime patrol aircraft and surface vessels. During Operation Argos, HMAS Sydney and its embarked MH-60R helicopter will monitor and deter illegal ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods in the region.
Since 2018, Australia has deployed maritime patrol aircraft on 13 occasions and Navy vessels 12 times in support of the operation.
HMAS Sydney is currently undertaking a regional presence deployment, encompassing the Pacific, Southeast and Northeast Asia regions, to contribute to Australia's near continuous Indo-Pacific presence.
Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones:
"Australia is committed to enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea until it takes concrete steps towards denuclearisation.
"Defence regularly deploys ADF assets on Operation Argos to monitor and deter shipments of sanctioned goods, alongside partners including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
"These deployments, as part of an international pressure campaign on North Korea to denuclearise, demonstrate Australia's commitment to the global rules-based order."
Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer HMAS Sydney, Commander Grant Coleman:
"I am pleased to bring the highly advanced sensors and capabilities of HMAS Sydney to this important surveillance and deterrence task in support of Argos.
"HMAS Sydney's operational deployment follows a number of significant international engagements that have enhanced our relationships with allies and regional partners.
"All members of Sydney's crew are honoured to be making such important contributions to regional security, while representing Australia in the Indo-Pacific."
