Operation ASTUTE
Operation ASTUTE is the ADF’s contribution in assisting to restore peace and stability to East Timor, following a request from the Government of East Timor to the Australian Government.
The ADF deployed to East Timor to assist the East Timorese Government and the United Nations bring stability, security and confidence to the Timorese people.
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 650 Defence Force members alongside 140 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 Bill Sowry;
- An Aviation Task Group; and
- An Infantry Battle Group.
East Timor Battle Group 6 consists of:
- An infantry battalion headquarters;
- Two Australian infantry companies and an administration company from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, and a New Zealand Rifle Company (Kiwi Coy); and
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.
East Timor Battle Group 5 is commanded by LTCOL David Smith.
The East Timor Aviation Group (TLAG) 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 TLAG provides a logistic and airmobile response capability for the JTF.