About Operation Astute, Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste, Australian Dept of Defence Website, Updated 23 Mar 2007

Operation Astute is the ADF’s contribution to the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in restoring peace and stability to their country.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has deployed to Timor-Leste with a mission to assist the Government and the United Nations to bring stability, security and confidence to the Timorese to allow them to resolve their differences democratically and peacefully.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is working alongside the ADF to assist with this mission.

International police from Australia and 20 other nations provide security in Dili as part of the United Nations Police Force. The ADF provides support to these police operations as required.

Current ADF commitment
There are now about 1100 ADF personnel in Timor-Leste, together with around 150 New Zealand Defence Force personnel.

This force will remain in Timor-Leste continuing to provide a robust response capability to support the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Police.

Australian forces now deployed to Timor-Leste include:

• Headquarters Joint Task Force 631 (HQ JTF 631) drawn from elements through out the ADF and commanded by Brigadier Mal Rerden;

• A Battle Group (ANZAC Battle Group) consisting of:

o Elements from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment;
o Elements from the 16th Air Defence Regiment;
o Elements of the 4th Field Regiment;
o Elements of the Army's 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion;
o Elements of the 17th Construction Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers;
o Elements from the 1st Military Police Battalion;
o M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers and supporting armoured vehicles from 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment;
o Australian Army Black Hawk helicopters; and
o An Army Aviation Light Observation Troop with Kiowa helicopters.

A Rifle Company, Victor Company, from the 1st Battalion, The Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment is integrated into the Battle Group, hence the designation ANZAC Battle Group.

The ISF was recently augmented with the arrival of extra ADF troops to Dili. This decision was based on a need to ensure the general level of security does not deteriorate in light of recent events.

United Nations Security Council Resolution effect on Operation Astute

Australia welcomes the extension of UNSCR 1704 passed in New York on the 22nd of February 2007.

The resolution officially confirms the ongoing United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) support to the stabilisation process of Timor-Leste.

The UN Security Council has agreed to an Australian-led international coalition to provide the military component for UNMIT.


Information current at 23 March 2007