Joint Operations Command
The role of Joint Operations Command is to plan, control and conduct ADF operations We ask that you follow our posting guidelines below.
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Joint Operations Command (JOC) consists of the Headquarters and specialised components: Special Operations, Border Protection Command, Northern Command, Joint Movements Group and when raised, Joint Task Forces. The Headquarters component includes embedded support elements, such as movements, joint and combined exercises, logistics and welfare support for deployed forces. The Headquarters plans, mounts, conducts and controls all Defence operations. The Chief of Joint Operations Command is also responsible for the ADF’s commitment to the Coastwatch civil surveillance program and Border Protection Command tasking, providing maritime surveillance assets that are tasked routinely in accordance with the Government’s direction. More information on the Australian Defence Force’s current operations can be found at www.defence.gov.au/Operations
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16/09/2026
HMAS Sydney recently completed the U.S. Navy-led Exercise Pacific Dragon, off the coast of Hawaii.
The biennial exercise included ships from the US, Chile, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Spain, and is designed to enhance cooperation, improve information sharing, and refine the tactics and procedures necessary to operate in support of regional security and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Sydney wrapped up the exercise by conducting a replenishment at sea and receiving essential fuel and stores from USNS Washington Chambers.
Royal Australian Navy Australia in the United States
For 10 years, the Australian Defence Force has proudly supported Australia’s Antarctic mission through Operation Southern Discovery.
Heavy cargo. Extreme conditions. Critical support.
From tractors and helicopters to specialised scientific equipment, Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemasters have delivered critical cargo to some of the most remote locations on Earth. Whether landing at Wilkins Aerodrome or conducting precision airdrops, Defence provides rapid and reliable logistics support to Australia’s Antarctic research stations.
This enduring partnership with the Australian Antarctic Program demonstrates the ADF’s unique capability to operate in challenging environments over great distances, and support Australia’s world-leading Antarctic science efforts.
21 Nations. One Plan.
Representatives gathered at Gallipoli Barracks for the Initial Planning Conference for 2027. It was the first major milestone in shaping the largest and most complex Australian military exercise to date, building the partnerships, interoperability and readiness needed to operate together across the Indo-Pacific.
The road to 2027 has begun.
16/09/2026
Major General Hugh McAslan, Deputy Commander Joint Operations was pleased to host Brigadier General Daniel Taylor, U.S. Marine Corps, Head of Delegation at Headquarters Joint Operations Command.
As Australia and the United States continue to deepen cooperation under our enduring alliance, leader engagements such as these are vital to strengthening the warfighting capabilities, interoperability and readiness of our respective forces.
Through closer integration, shared understanding and enhanced operational coordination, we are building a more capable and resilient combined force, better prepared to deter conflict and respond to emerging challenges in our region.
Together, we continue to advance the relationships, trust and military capabilities that support Australia's National Defence Strategy and contribute to collective security and regional stability.
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15/09/2026
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, FFA, Australian Defence Force Joint Operations Command, U.S. Coast Guard, and regional partners recently completed Operation Island Chief, a maritime surveillance activity combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing throughout the Pacific.
From Aug. 4-15, participants from Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga, and Vanuatu conducted 100 boardings, including 53 in port and 47 at sea. An additional 100 vessel sightings were recorded and 12 vessels of interest were identified.
The Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan aircraft and aircrew conducted aerial surveillance patrols and captured images of suspicious activity for FFA analysis.
Pacific Quadrilateral Defense Coordinating Group (P-QUAD) partners Australia, New Zealand, France, and the U.S. supported coordination of the operation at the FFA’s Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre in Honiara, Solomon Islands. U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District representatives identified potential vessels of interest and assisted in the planning of enforcement and surveillance activities.
This coordinated effort demonstrated the strength of Pacific partnerships in protecting valuable marine resources and ensuring a stable, secure future for the region.
Refuelling, Resupplying, Remaining on Task 💪
While transiting from Subic Bay, HMAS Choules conducted a simultaneous Replenishment at Sea (RAS) and Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), demonstrating the skill, coordination and teamwork required to sustain maritime operations far from port.
These complex evolutions enable fuel, stores and essential supplies to be transferred while underway, allowing ships to remain on station and continue their mission without interrupting operations.
As a critical Royal Australian Navy capability, RAS and VERTREP extend operational reach, enhance endurance at sea, and ensure deployed forces can continue supporting regional activities and partners across the Indo-Pacific.
HMAS Choules is currently supporting Pacific Partnership 2026, a United States-led multinational mission focused on strengthening relationships, enhancing interoperability, and supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster response preparedness across the region.
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15/09/2026
The Headquarters was pleased to welcome Commodore Timoci Natuva, Chief of the Republic Of Fiji Navy during his recent visit.
As trusted Vuvale partners, Australia and Fiji continue to strengthen a Defence relationship founded on shared interests, mutual respect and a commitment to regional security.
Engagements such as these enhance warfighting readiness, deepen interoperability and strengthen our ability to operate together in response to shared security challenges across the Blue Pacific. Through closer cooperation, we are building a more integrated, capable and resilient force, ensuring our people are prepared to deliver operational effects when and where they are needed most.
14/09/2026
🔗 Interoperability in action
Royal Australian Navy and Papua New Guinea Defence Force teams recently mapped uncharted waters in Morobe Province, enhancing navigation safety for PNG’s ferries, shipping and visiting vessels.
Working side by side, the sailors shared skills and strengthened bonds built over 50 years of hydrographic cooperation 🇵🇬 🇦🇺
These missions deepen defence cooperation and strengthen regional stability across the Blue Pacific.
Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea Australian Consulate-General, Lae
Flight ready. Always prepared.
HMAS Stuart III has commenced her regional presence deployment and will spend the coming months conducting a series of patrols, visits and engagements throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
To support the deployment, Stuart's embarked Flight 804 and MH-60R Seahawk “Billfish” conducted Flight Integration Training, ensuring the ship's crew and aviation teams are integrated, ready and always prepared for the deployment ahead.
Royal Australian Navy Defence Australia
14/09/2026
Strengthening Australia-India Defence Cooperation 🇦🇺 🇮🇳
Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Commander Joint Operations, recently welcomed Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy to Headquarters Joint Operations Command.
As trusted strategic partners, Australia and India continue to strengthen defence cooperation in support of a secure, stable and resilient Indo-Pacific.
The visit reinforced our shared commitment to enhancing warfighting readiness, improving interoperability and deepening operational cooperation across the maritime domain. Through stronger relationships, greater integration and increased information sharing, both nations are building the capability to operate more effectively together in increasingly complex security environments.
Discussions focused on advancing practical defence cooperation, strengthening combined operational understanding and developing the people, partnerships and capabilities required to address shared security challenges.
Aligned with Australia's National Defence Strategy, engagements such as these contribute to a more focused, integrated and credible force, strengthening collective deterrence and ensuring our warfighters are better prepared to respond to emerging regional challenges.
Together, Australia and India continue to build the trust, interoperability and operational readiness that underpin regional security and support a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
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