Defence continues to support sanctions against North Korea

Australia’s contribution to multinational efforts to enforce United Nations (UN) Security Council sanctions against North Korea continues, with a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P‑8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft deployed for Operation Argos. 

The RAAF P-8A will operate from Kadena Air Base in Japan conducting airborne surveillance to monitor and detect illegal ship-to-ship transfers of goods in the region.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, RAN said Australia remained deeply committed to enforcing UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

“We will continue to operate where required to enforce these sanctions, in accordance with international law, alongside partner nations,” Vice Admiral Jones said.

Since 2018, Australia has deployed RAAF maritime patrol aircraft 14 times and Royal Australian Navy surface vessels 12 times under Operation Argos. 

Commanding Officer of No. 11 Squadron, Wing Commander Adam Saber, said the Squadron had experience operating in the region, having contributed to Operation Argos a number of times since it commenced.

“The versatility of the P-8A aircraft, its interoperability with partner nations, and its exceptional reliability make it well suited for Operation Argos,” Wing Commander Saber said.

“I am very proud of the dedication, professionalism, and drive of 11 Squadron personnel that underpins all our operations.”

Australia continues to work alongside partners including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States who all conduct operations in support of UN Security Council Resolutions. 

MEDIA NOTE:

Media can access imagery of ADF’s support to Operation Argos at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20242525

Information about Operation Argos is available at: https://www.defence.gov.au/operations/argos