HMAS Sydney policing North Korea sanctions
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 sanctions against North Korea.
FILE PHOTO: HMAS Sydney conducts Officer of the Watch manoeuvres during Exercise Pacific Dragon 2024. Photo by Leading Seaman Daniel Goodman.
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.
Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said Australia was 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,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
“These deployments, as part of an international pressure campaign on North Korea to denuclearise, demonstrate Australia’s commitment to the global rules-based order.”
Commanding Officer HMAS Sydney Commander Grant Coleman said he was 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,” Commander Coleman said.
“All members of Sydney’s crew are honoured to be making such important contributions to regional security, while representing Australia in the Indo-Pacific.”
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