EXERCISE PACIFIC PROTECTOR 06

Australia has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Proliferation Security Initiative by hosting the multinational Exercise Pacific Protector 06 in Darwin.

Pacific Protector was the first PSI air interdiction exercise to be held in the Asia Pacific region. Thirty-two countries were represented at Pacific Protector 06. Six countries participated in the three day exercise. Twenty-six countries sent delegates or observers.

The PSI was established in 2003 and is an informal arrangement designed to combat the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and related materials. Under the PSI, countries agree to cooperate with each other, as necessary, in intercepting and deterring illicit WMD trade.

The PSI framework has been used a number of times to successfully intercept WMD-related shipments. Many PSI interdictions are not publicised because they involve sensitive intelligence and diplomatic issues.

Australia is a strong supporter of the PSI because it is a practical and effective response to the emerging challenges faced by this region and by the world. Australia and the region must work together to protect our citizens from the threat of WMD.

Australia regards the PSI as an extra mechanism supporting the traditional arms control and non-proliferation treaties.

Exercise Pacific Protector is designed to test Australia's procedures to contain and manage a proliferation incident, and improve interoperability with our partners.

Further details of Exercise Pacific Protector 06 and Australia's commitment to PSI are available at:

www.defence.gov.au/psi and www.dfat.gov.au/

Two Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 aircraft from 75 Squadron interdict and escort a New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 suspected of carrying illicit cargo of proliferation concern during Exercise Pacific Protector 06.
(Date taken: 06 April 2006)

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston (left) with Rear Admiral Sunil Samaratunga (right), the Commander Eastern Naval Area Sri Lanka, observe the ground phase in Darwin of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) air interdiction exercise, Pacific Protector 06.
(Date taken: 06 April 2006)

Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie (left), Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson (third from left), and Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston (leaning forward) join observers from twenty-six other countries for the ground phase of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) air interdiction exercise Pacific Protector 06 in Darwin.
(Date taken: 06 April 2006)