The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is celebrating 10 years of Operation Southern Discovery, having officially commenced its support to the Australian Antarctic Program for the 2026-2027 Austral summer season.

Once again, Navy, Army, and Air Force personnel will deploy across Antarctica and the Southern Ocean throughout the operation to deliver vital logistical and technical support to the program’s scientific research efforts, which is led by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Operation Southern Discovery remains vital for longstanding international climate science, and supports Australia's engagement in globally significant research through the Australian Antarctic Program.

ADF involvement in the program is consistent with the Antarctic Treaty's principle of non-militarisation outside of personnel or equipment support for scientific or other peaceful purposes.

Key contributions during the 10th Operation Southern Discovery include:

• Eight Army Air Dispatchers are working alongside the Australian Antarctic Division's Cargo Biosecurity Centre in Hobart to prepare cargo and build airdrop containers in support of the resupply mission.
• One C-17A Globemaster III airdrop to Casey Station supplying priority cargo in support of the Australian Antarctic Division’s Million Year Ice Core Project.
• Five C-17A Globemaster III cargo flights between mainland Australia and Wilkins Aerodrome delivering fresh food, infrastructure, scientific equipment and priority cargo.
• Fourteen Hobart-based air logistics specialists preparing cargo for transport to Casey Station.
• Two warehousing personnel supporting DCCEEW’s Cargo Biosecurity Centre in Hobart.
• Four Casey Station-based air logistics specialists preparing cargo for return flights.
• One Navy meteorologist embedded with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting team at Casey Station.
• One Navy communications operator supporting summer operations embarked aboard RSV Nuyina’s Voyage Two.
• Fourteen logistics specialists joining a New Zealand Defence Force team to unload logistics vessels at the United States’ McMurdo Station, demonstrating enduring defence cooperation.

Quotes attributable to Commander Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, RAN

“Operation Southern Discovery showcases the operational edge delivered by our integrated joint force. Sustaining personnel, equipment and critical supplies across some of the world's most demanding distances and conditions strengthens the skills, resilience and readiness that underpin Australia's warfighting capability.

"Every flight, airdrop and logistics task enhances our ability to project and sustain force in austere environments. The experience gained by our people directly contributes to the preparedness and agility required to meet future operational challenges.

“While supporting Australia's Antarctic interests and world-leading scientific research, our contribution reinforces Australia's commitment to the Antarctic Treaty System, international cooperation and ensuring the continent remains dedicated exclusively to peaceful purposes and world-class science.”

Media note

Media can access imagery of ADF support to the Million Year Ice Core Project at: https://images.defence.gov.au/S20263318.

Interviews can be arranged upon request.

Previous imagery of Operation Southern Discovery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20243857

Information about Operation Southern Discovery is available at: https://www.defence.gov.au/defence-activities/operations/domestic-operations/southern-discovery

Information about the Australian Antarctic Division’s Million Year Ice Core project is available at: https://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/climate-processes-and-change/antarctic-palaeoclimate/million-year-ice-core/