19 August 2025
The Australian Defence Force is continuing its Regional Presence Deployment (RPD) program, with ships and crews participating in multinational activities throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Images of RPD 25-3 are available on the Defence image gallery.
You can also read the blog from the second RPD, which concluded in late July, and find out more about RPDs.
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Latest updates
HMAS Brisbane heads to Philippines for Exercise Alon 25
Tuesday, 19 August 2025 - 15:00 PM
HMAS Brisbane has joined Australia’s largest overseas military exercise for 2025, Exercise Alon 25 in the Philippines. Alon – Tagalog for ‘wave’ – demonstrates the strength of Australia’s security relationship with the Philippines.
Over the coming weeks, Brisbane will participate in a range of exercises alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as well as the Royal Canadian Navy and US Marine Corps, to train and exchange practices and enhance future cooperation.
It’s been a busy start to HMAS Brisbane’s Regional Presence Deployment.
Earlier this month, she conducted integration training with UK Carrier Strike Group under Operation Highmast.
Brisbane joined ships from the UK, US, Japan, Spain and Canada for a range of exercises and engagement activities, including a ship visit from Royal Navy Commodore James Blackmore, Commander United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group, and a spectacular ‘PHOTEX’ – military speak for a photo exercise where ships move into a formation to be photographed from above.
A PHOTEX is not just an opportunity for an Insta-worthy image, but a coordinated drill that demands precision and teamwork to keep the ships’ movements in sync. The images above demonstrate the Australian Defence Force’s high levels of integration and cooperation with our partners and allies.
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Monday, 11 August 2025 - 16:00 PM
HMAS Brisbane has conducted a replenishment at sea (RAS) with Royal Navy ship RFA Tidespring.
RFA Tidespring provided Brisbane with fuel while sailing through the Philippine Sea during Operation Highmast 2025.
A RAS is a whole-of-ship activity that can take up to two-and-a-half hours, and involves personnel from across the ship’s company working as a team for the duration of the task.
The RAS allows a ship to receive supplies like fuel, stores and ammunition while under way. This is critical to extend a ship’s time at sea and to keep the fleet in the fight.
Operation Highmast is the United Kingdom-led carrier strike group mission to the Indo-Pacific.
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The journey begins for HMAS Brisbane
Friday, 8 August 2025 - 11:00 AM
Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Brisbane has departed the Port of Townsville to begin the third Regional Presence Deployment (RPD) for 2025.
Brisbane's four-month deployment follows the successful deployments of HMA Ships Hobart and Sydney this year.
She will participate in multinational activities including Exercise Alon, conduct port visits to the Philippines and Japan, and operate alongside regional partners to enhance cooperation and maritime interoperability.
RPDs are a key part of the ADF's ongoing engagement with the region and highlight Australia’s role as a proactive and reliable security partner, and reinforce Australia’s commitment to supporting a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
