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.

The deployment follows recent operational successes, including a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17A Globemaster III airdrop delivering critical equipment and life support stores to Casey Station. 

The operation demonstrates Defence's ability to project and sustain capabilities in remote and challenging environments in support of Australian Government priorities.

Operation Southern Discovery remains vital for ongoing international climate science, and supports Australia's contribution to globally significant research undertaken through the Australian Antarctic Program.

Personnel from the Navy, Army and Air Force will operate across Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, providing specialist capabilities to enable scientific research and logistic operations. 

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 Antarctic 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 the Australian Antarctic Division’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 augmenting a New Zealand Defence Force team to unload logistics vessels at McMurdo Station, demonstrating enduring defence cooperation.

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

“Operation Southern Discovery demonstrates the strength of our integrated joint force, with Navy, Army and Air Force personnel working together to support Australia's interests in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean under some of the most challenging conditions on Earth.

"By establishing a reliable lifeline across vast distances, our people are enabling critical scientific research while supporting Australia's enduring interests in Antarctica.

“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/