Australian Defence Force personnel are deployed to operations overseas and within Australia, in order to actively protect Australia's borders and offshore maritime interests.
Currently, Australia's largest international military commitment comprises approximately 1550 ADF personnel deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Slipper. This is Australia's contribution to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
Since World War Two Australians have taken part in many other wars and conflicts, including Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and the ongoing "War on Terror". In some conflicts we have marched into the front line, in others we have worked as peacekeepers and humanitarians.
In 2022 the Australian Government announced that the ADF would join an international mission in the UK to provide training for Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) recruits. No ADF personnel will enter Ukraine.
A contingent of up to 70 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel will deploy as part of ADF Operation KUDU to assist with the UK-led and based training program.
The Army protects Australian interests well beyond our own borders. We have a presence in several countries including Iraq, Egypt, Israel and South Sudan; and have recently served in Afghanistan and East Timor. Military training exercises test and reinforce our ability to respond to a variety of situations.
The Australian Government will provide additional Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to Ukraine. These systems provide a battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability for the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to fight.
It has three branches: the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The ADF has a strength of just over 90,000 personnel and is supported by the Department of Defence and several other civilian agencies.
Australia imposes autonomous sanctions in relation to Russia in response to the Russian threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Since the war began, 8 million Ukrainians have fled to neighbouring countries – and nearly 5,000 have come to Australia seeking refuge.
Australian Defence Force personnel are deployed to operations overseas and within Australia, in order to actively protect Australia's borders and offshore maritime interests.
The nation holds a Power Index score of 0.2567 with a score of 0.0000 being considered exceptional in the GFP assessment.
Under the Australian Constitution, former royal prerogatives—including the power to make war, deploy troops and declare peace—are part of the executive power of the Commonwealth. Executive power is recognised in section 61 of the Constitution.
There are two US military bases currently in Australia. One of them is operated by members of the United States intelligence community and another is operated by the United States Navy.
China has a defence budget six times higher than Australia and boasts 42 times more soldiers, 55 times more tanks, 13 times more submarines and 16 times more fighter jets. Across land, air and sea, China has Australia covered with 3.3 million troops in service compared to Australia's relatively feeble 80,000.
Shared membership of important global and regional multilateral forums including the G20, APEC and the EAS. Australia has a mature relationship with Russia that allows us to confront our differences directly when necessary but work constructively where our interests intersect.
Australia has worked with our partners to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its actions. International unity has underpinned the effective response to Russia's invasion. Contact between Australia and Russia began in 1807, when the Russian naval vessel Neva arrived in Sydney.
NATO and Australia have been engaged in dialogue and cooperation since 2005. Australia is one of a range of countries beyond the Euro-Atlantic area, often referred to as “partners across the globe”.
The world's 12th largest economy
Strong growth in 2021 solidified Australia's position as the world's 12th largest economy in 2021. Nominal GDP was around A$2.2 trillion (US$1.6 trillion) in 2021. Australia is home to just 0.3% of the world's population, but accounts for 1.7% of the global economy.
Which country has the most active military personnel? According to US data group the World Population Review, China has the highest number of active-duty military personnel, with more than two million members. It is followed by India, which has almost 1.5 million, and the US, with just under 1.4 million.
The Australia, New Zealand, and United States (ANZUS) Security Treaty, concluded in 1951, is Australia's pre-eminent security treaty alliance and enjoys broad bipartisan support.
We honour the unwavering resolve and strength of the Ukrainian people as they stand up to Russia's continued aggression. We are proud to stand with Ukraine as it defends its people, its territory, and its sovereignty.
No official figures are available on how many Australians are fighting in Ukraine, but previous estimates put the number at between 200 and 600, despite warnings from the Australian government not to travel to the country.
RAAF Base Amberley
It is Air Force's largest base and employs over 5000 people.