HMAS Brisbane Leads ADF’s 2025 Regional Deployment

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The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) destroyer HMAS Brisbane departed from the Port of Townsville in July 2025 as part of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) third Regional Presence Deployment (RPD) for the year. The deployment aims to enhance security cooperation and interoperability with regional partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the mission, HMAS Brisbane is scheduled to participate in integration training with the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group in early August, as part of Operation Highmast. The destroyer will also take part in Exercise Alon 25, a multinational maritime exercise hosted by the Philippines. These activities support Australia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional partnerships and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific.

HMAS Brisbane’s itinerary includes port visits to the Philippines and Japan, where it will engage with allied naval forces. According to the Department of Defence, these visits are part of broader cooperation efforts designed to promote maritime security and respect for sovereignty in the region. Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations, stated that the deployment reflects Australia’s commitment to a consistent naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of Navy, highlighted the importance of maritime security as a foundation for economic stability.

Earlier in 2025, the ADF deployed HMA Ships Hobart and Sydney on similar regional missions. These deployments are part of a broader strategy to maintain Australia’s influence and presence in the area. The ADF’s activities align with its goals to build interoperability with partner nations, including Canada, Japan, and the United States.

The Liberal National Party (LNP) has raised concerns regarding the adequacy of the Australian government’s defence funding. LNP MP Andrew Hastie has expressed that the 2025-26 defence budget, set at AUD 50.3 billion, may not sufficiently address emerging regional security challenges, particularly regarding the increasing militarization in the Indo-Pacific. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) has provided analysis emphasizing the need for continued investment in defence capabilities to meet these threats.

Images and updates of HMAS Brisbane’s deployment are available on the Australian Department of Defence website. The current deployment reflects Australia’s proactive role in regional security. However, debates continue over the sufficiency of defence funding and strategic priorities to ensure national security in an increasingly complex environment.