Australian Defence Force personnel took part in multinational Exercise Freedom Shield 26 in South Korea with local, US and other nations’ troops from March 9 to 19.

Australians participated as augmentees to the United Nations Command (UNC) during the large-scale command-post exercise, to enhance defensive capabilities and strengthen readiness, while upholding stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The UNC Deputy Commander, Australian Lieutenant General Scott Winter, said the international cooperation was strategically important as a powerful symbol of unity and deterrence.

“There's a lot of theory around what constitutes deterrence. But one thing we do know is that many flags make a difference in the mind of potential adversaries,” Lieutenant General Winter said.

“Each nation coming here, recommitting themselves to security on the peninsula through their presence during an exercise, is a great opportunity for us to fly those flags together.”

UNC was established in 1950 to command forces fighting back against North Korea’s invasion of the south.

'There's a lot of theory around what constitutes deterrence. But one thing we do know is that many flags make a difference in the mind of potential adversaries.'

Today, it enforces the armistice that ended the Korean War and integrates multinational forces.

Australian participant Major Matthew Mandl said the exercise was a good chance for different nations to train together.

“As we're seeing around the world, it shows how important our international partnerships are to keep the region safe,” Major Mandl said.

Australian exercise contingent commander Colonel Nick Bolton said the ADF augmentees not only honed their warfighting capabilities but reinforced Australia’s commitment to regional security.

“I’m immensely proud of both our uniform and civilian members who have actively contributed to this highly complex exercise, reinforcing key relationships and learning about the unique culture of a key partner in our region,” Colonel Bolton said.

“They have been great ambassadors, and I strongly encourage others to join future exercises on the Korean Peninsula.”