Enhanced Air Cooperation 

Enhanced Air Cooperation (EAC) was announced as an initiative in February 2017.

EAC includes a program of engagement between the Royal Australian Air Force and US air elements, aiming to deepen air-to-air integration that allows for seamless operation and delivers security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

Activities include:

  • Integration of advanced and combined warfighting capabilities
  • Collaborative airbase operations and combat support
  • Cooperation with air-power enabling capabilities
  • Collaborative logistics supporting airpower
  • Bilateral regional engagement.

EAC provides opportunities to enhance Australia and US engagement with regional partner air forces through involvement in exercises and training activities.

Enhanced Land Cooperation

Enhanced Land Cooperation (ELC) was introduced as a new initiative at the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations in 2021. Secretaries and Ministers endorsed this additional cooperation domain to promote a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region and create a deterrent effect.

ELC consists of a range of complex, integrated and combined engagement activities with allies and partners in the region. These are supported by a rotational presence of US Army capabilities and personnel, as well as associated infrastructure including fuel infrastructure, explosive ordnance storage infrastructure and facilities to support the workforce.

These activities will enable exercises and training as well as allow for further opportunities for regional engagement, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support to the region.

Enhanced Maritime Cooperation

Enhanced Maritime Cooperation (EMC) was introduced as a new initiative at the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations in 2021.

EMC has sought to increase the logistics and sustainment capabilities of US surface and subsurface vessels in Australia. The initiative also explores ways to enhance engagement of all services in the maritime domain to create a deterrent effect.

This includes activities such as:

  • establishing maritime maintenance facilities
  • rotations of US Navy capabilities
  • combined fleet exercises with a wide range of partners
  • integration of new maritime technologies.

The EMC improves Australia and the US’ maritime domain awareness. It also contributes to regional security by promoting a rules based order in the region. This includes enabling other countries to exercise their maritime rights and freedoms in a manner consistent with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Enhanced Space Cooperation

Enhanced Space Cooperation was declared as a new Force Posture Initiative at the 2023 Australia – US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN).

This initiative enables closer cooperation through increased space integration on existing exercises and operations under the AUS-US Force Posture Agreement.