More nations combine to defend space
France, Germany and New Zealand recently joined Australia and other international partners, including the US, Canada and the UK, to strengthen cooperation among coalition space forces under Operation Olympic Defender.
File photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Annika Smit.
The US-led operation is a multinational effort to optimise space operations, improve mission assurance and strengthen deterrence against aggressive actions in space.
For Australia, Operation Olympic Defender forms part of Operation Dyurra, the country’s overarching space-domain commitment.
Named after the Ngunnawal word for stars, it recognises the commitment to a safe, secure and sustainable space domain as it becomes increasingly contested and congested.
Headquarters Joint Operations Command Acting Joint Force Space Component Director Space Operations Group Captain Darrell May said Operation Olympic Defender, which Australia joined in 2020, enabled a unified response to space operations to allow better information sharing and access to existing and emerging technologies.
“Working with our international partners is integral to Australia’s commitment to enhancing international security and supporting a rules-based order – which extends to space,” Group Captain May said.
OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION:
Operation Dyurra is the dedicated Australian Defence Force space operation which integrates space capabilities, services and effects into wider operations.
Operation Dyurra includes the integration of ADF space operations with our partners through the US-led Operation Olympic Defender.
This operation enhances allied cooperation to strengthen deterrence against hostile actors and improve interoperability.
Space domain awareness and access to space services supports decision making, enhances our understanding of the space environment and enables the conduct of synchronised multi-domain operations, activities and actions around the globe.
Australia is committed to a rules-based global order and Defence will continue efforts to promote responsible behaviour in space.
Assured access to space is critical to the ADF’s warfighting effectiveness, space situational awareness and the delivery of real-time communications and information.
Dyurra is the word for ‘stars’ in the Ngunnawal language.
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