Operation Southern Discovery
Photo Justin Chambers – Palletised cargo descends under parachute from a C-17A Globemaster III to the sea ice drop zone near Mawson Research Station, Antarctica.
Operation Southern Discovery is the Australian Defence Force contribution to the Australian Antarctic Program.
Operation Southern Discovery is an enduring peace-time activity in support of the Australian Antarctic Division and the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP). It includes Australia’s national interests, which are based on the region’s scientific, environmental, strategic and economic importance.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) involvement in the AAP is consistent with the Antarctic Treaty’s prohibition of any military activity other than the provision of personnel or equipment in support of scientific or other peaceful purposes.
Operation Southern Discovery covers approximately 7 per cent of the world’s surface and includes Antarctic locations, the Southern Ocean south of 60 degrees, the internationally recognised Australian exclusive economic zone of Macquarie Island as well as the territory of Heard Island and McDonald Island.
Operation Southern Discovery occurs annually, and is primarily, although not exclusively, in support during each Austral summer period (i.e. November to March).
ADF elements regularly allocated to Operation Southern Discovery include:
- Royal Australian Air Force aircraft providing a logistics air bridge from Hobart Airport to Wilkins Aerodrome in Antarctica.
- Royal Australian Navy hydrographic capabilities to ensure safety of marine navigation and assist scientific research.
- Royal Australian Navy meteorological capabilities providing weather forecasting and climate research and analysis.
- Australian Army geospatial survey capabilities assisting infrastructure projects and airfield surveys.
