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.

CAPTION: France, Germany and New Zealand join Australia and other nations for Operation Olympic Defender to ensure that space is secure, and remains accessible for future generations. Story by Flight Lieutenant Jessica Winnall. 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 technology.

“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.

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