HMAS Sydney Returns from Indo-Pacific Mission, Strengthens Ties

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HMAS Sydney, a Hobart-class destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy, returned to its home port on August 1, 2025, after completing a four-month Australian Defence Force (ADF) Regional Presence Deployment. The vessel travelled over 28,000 nautical miles during its mission, conducting multinational exercises and contributing to maritime security efforts across the Indo-Pacific region.

The deployment included participation in Exercise Bersama Shield 2025, conducted under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) with Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. HMAS Sydney also joined the UK’s Carrier Strike Group en route from Singapore to Australia to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, a biennial bilateral exercise involving Australia and the United States.

As part of Operation Argos, Australia’s contribution to the enforcement of United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea, the vessel conducted surveillance to detect and deter illicit ship-to-ship transfers. Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations, stated the deployment reinforced Australia’s commitment to regional security and collaboration with like-minded partners.

Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Chris Smith, highlighted that missions like these support a stable, rules-based international order and uphold freedom of navigation. Over 240 personnel were embarked on HMAS Sydney, along with an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. Port visits to Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines facilitated defence engagement activities, professional exchanges, and community outreach.

Commander Ben Weller, Commanding Officer of HMAS Sydney, expressed pride in the crew’s contribution, noting the mission strengthened Australia’s defence relationships in the Indo-Pacific. With HMAS Sydney’s return, HMAS Brisbane has commenced the next Regional Presence Deployment, continuing the ADF’s operational posture in the region.