Operation ASTUTE
Operation ASTUTE is the ADF contribution to the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of East Timor to assist in restoring peace and stability to their country.The ADF has deployed to East Timor with a mission to assist the East Timorese government and the United Nations to bring stability, security and confidence to the Timorese people to allow them to resolve their differences peacefully.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is working alongside the ADF to assist with this mission.
Together, the ADF and NZDF personnel form the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in East Timor.
International police from Australia and 20 other nations provide security in Dili as part of the United Nations Police Force. The ISF provides support to these police operations as required.
Current ADF commitment
The Australian-led ISF is comprised of approximately 750 Defence Force members alongside 170 New Zealand Defence Force troops.
The ISF is composed of:
- A Joint Task Force Headquarters drawn from elements throughout the ADF and commanded by Brigadier Mark Holmes, MVO;
- An Aviation Task Group; and
- An Infantry Battle Group.
East Timor Battle Group 5 consists of:
- An infantry battalion headquarters;
- Three Australian infantry companies and an administration company from the 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, and a New Zealand Rifle Company (Kiwi Coy); and
- A Battery from 16 Air Defence Regiment.
Specialists and additional personnel from a number of other units around Australia are also involved in the Battle Group. A total of approximately 35 units are involved.
The East Timor Aviation Group (EMAG) comprises of about 70 personnel including:
- An Australian Army Aviation detachment equipped with Black Hawk helicopters; and
- Technical support staff, logistic staff, headquarters and operations staff, and an emergency response cell.
The EMAG provides a logistic and airmobile response capability for the JTF.
East Timor Battle Group 5 is commanded by LTCOL Justin Ellwood and consists of:
An infantry battalion headquarters;
Three Australian infantry companies and an administration company from the 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, and a New Zealand Rifle Company (Kiwi Coy); and
A Battery from 16 Air Defence Regiment