Defence is monitoring Russian naval vessels that are currently transiting through international waters to the north of Australia.
In accordance with international law, Defence have been monitoring the Russian vessels.
Defence regularly undertakes maritime surveillance patrols in the approaches to Australia.
The movement of these vessels is entirely consistent with provisions under international law for military vessels to exercise freedom of navigation in international waters.
Russian naval vessels have previously been deployed in conjunction with major international summits, such as the APEC meeting in Singapore in 2009. A warship from Russia’s Pacific Fleet also accompanied former Russian President Medvedev’s visit to San Francisco in 2010.
Questions regarding the vessels should be directed to Russian authorities.
Defence will not provide further details about the monitoring activity at this time.
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
