Navy joins China in live fire exercise

Royal Australian Navy joins China in live fire exercise

The Royal Australian Navy Frigate HMAS Warramunga has successfully completed the first live firing exercise of its kind with the Chinese Navy off the coast of China.

HMAS Warramunga’s Commanding Officer, Commander Bruce Legge said the shoot at set targets provided his crew with the opportunity to hone their skills with a regional partner.

“We have recently come from another major regional exercise Kakadu off the northern Australian coast,” Commander Legge said.

“While we are used to operating with other nations from our region, this is the first time we have undertaken such a complex exercise with the Chinese and we are looking forward to building on this experience.”

HMAS Warramunga will continue exercising with the PLA-N over the next week. The evolutions will include joint helicopter operations, search and rescue drills and personnel exchanges.

The Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane AO, CSM, RAN says this is one of the most complex exercises the RAN has ever held with the People’s Liberation Army (Navy).

“The RAN welcomes the constructive contributions that the People’s Liberation Army
(Navy) has made to regional security to date,” said Vice Admiral Crane.

“Australia is committed to developing strong and positive defence relations with China that help contribute to regional stability.”

“This is diplomacy at its best,” Commander Legge said.

”There is nothing more effective than working closely together in a military exercise to build trust and friendship between Navies and nations.”

ENDS

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