General Information
The Australian-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF) consists of Navy, Army and Air Force personnel from Australia and New Zealand commanded by Colonel Luke Foster. Operation ASTUTE is the military codename for the Australian contingent of the ISF.
The ISF operates at the invitation of the Government of East Timor, and in support of the United Nations (UN), to maintain stability and provide a secure environment for the ongoing development of East Timor.
The ISF currently comprises around 460 personnel, 390 personnel of which are from the ADF. The Australian commitment includes infantry from the 4th Brigade in Victoria, the Timor-Leste Aviation Group (TLAG) which operates Australian Army Black Hawk helicopters from 16 Brigade, and support elements from the wider ADF including engineers, communications and logistics personnel.
The New Zealand contingent of the ISF, called GYRO 12, primarily comprises troops from the 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Army, based at Palmerston North.