HMAS Sydney deployed on sanctions enforcement against North Korea

The ADF is supporting the enforcement of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea through the deployment of HMAS Sydney under Operation Argos.

Since 2018, the ADF has enforced UNSC sanctions against North Korea to deter and disrupt illegal maritime activity, including ship-to-ship transfers at sea. 

These sanctions limit North Korea’s imports of refined petroleum and crude oil, and its exports of coal.

HMAS Sydney’s support to Operation Argos marks the 13^th time a Royal Australian Navy vessel has been deployed to enforce UNSC sanctions since 2018.

Operation Argos underlines Australia’s ongoing contribution to regional peace and stability, as well as its support for the rules-based global order. 

Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones:

“Operation Argos supports the international community’s goal of the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of North Korea.

“Australia also deploys maritime patrol aircraft to enforce Operation Argos, with a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon having deployed to Japan in April.

“Enforcing UNSC sanctions against North Korea is consistent with Australia’s commitment to a rules-based global order.”

Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer HMAS Sydney, Commander Ben Weller:

“HMAS Sydney previously supported Operation Argos in September 2024. The ship’s company is proud to support this important work; upholding UNSC resolutions whilst also building their experience working with international partners.

“We work closely with the Enforcement Coordination Cell located at Yokosuka in Japan, and sail in areas where suspected illegal activity is expected to take place.

“The ship is equipped with an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and a suite of sensors that allow us to monitor illegal ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods.

“We are supporting Operation Argos as part of a three-month Regional Presence Deployment which commenced in late March.”

Media note:

Media can access file imagery of HMAS Sydney supporting Operation Argos at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20242525.

Information about Operation Argos is available from: https://www.defence.gov.au/operations/argos.