Australian navy ship arrives in Da Nang for port call

Lieutenant Colonel Alicia Harrison, commanding officer of the Australian naval ship, and its crew were welcomed by representatives from the municipal Department of Foreign Affairs, the Naval Region 3 Command, the city’s Military Command, the city’s Border Guard Command, and the Da Nang Port Border Guard Command.

The visit comes amid steadily expanding bilateral naval ties, following the recent deployment of Vietnam’s naval ship 016-Quang Trung to Australia in early March, where it participated in the Kakadu Exercise and an international fleet review marking the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy.

Notably, this marks the first time naval ships from the two countries have conducted official visits to each other at nearly the same time.

The event underscores the positive trajectory of Vietnam - Australia defense relations, particularly after the two nations upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in March 2025.

During their stay in Da Nang, the ship’s officers are scheduled to pay courtesy calls to leaders of the municipal People’s Committee and the Naval Region 3 Command.

They will also attend an official reception hosted aboard the ship.

Besides, they were set to take part in sports activities and cultural experiences in the city.

Colonel Alana Burkitt, Australia’s Defense Attaché to Vietnam, said that the visit reflects the robust development of bilateral defense cooperation since its establishment in 1999.

Australia has supported the training of more than 5,000 officers of the Vietnam People’s Army in English language skills.

It has also assisted Vietnam’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, including professional training, language instruction, and logistical support for Level-2 field hospitals deployed to South Sudan.

Lieutenant Colonel Harrison shared that the vessel is capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, surface combat operations, and reconnaissance.

The ship has a displacement of over 3,500 metric tons and measures 118 meters in length.

It is equipped with Evolved Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles, Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles, a 127mm naval gun, torpedo launch systems, and can operate an MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopter.

The visit reaffirms Australia’s commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, while further strengthening defense cooperation with regional partners, including Vietnam.