Source: Australian Defence Force at www.defence.gov.au

Australian support in Iraq: Operation Falconer

On 18 March 2003, Australia's Prime Minister announced the commitment of Australian Defence Force elements to the international coalition of military forces prepared to enforce Iraq’s compliance with its international obligations to disarm.

Australia’s contribution to the coalition, known as Operation Falconer, was said to involve about 2,000 Australian Defence Force personnel. The personnel were already deployed in the Middle East under Operation Bastille, the forward deployments to prepare for potential operations against Iraq, and Operation Slipper, Australia’s contribution to the war against terrorism.

Operation Falconer includes:

  • About 250 airmen and women and support crews deployed with a squadron of 14 F/A-18 Royal Australian Air Force Hornet fighter aircraft.

  • About 150 personnel deployed with three RAAF C130 Hercules transport aircraft.

  • About 150 personnel deployed with two P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft.

  • An Air Forward Command Element of about 70 personnel responsible for coordinating air operations with coalition partners and providing national control of RAAF assets.

  • Approximately 350 sailors and soldiers embarked on the sea transport ship HMAS Kanimbla with a Sea King helicopter, Army landing craft and Army air defence detachment and a specialist explosives ordnance team.

  • About 600 personnel embarked on Royal Australian Navy frigates HMAS Anzac and Darwin, who have been part of the Multinational Interception Force enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq.

  • A Navy clearance diver team capable of locating, rendering safe and disposing of mines.

  • A Special Forces Task Group of about 500 personnel. The Task Group comprises an advance party including a Special Air Service squadron, CH-47 troop-lift helicopters and personnel from 5th Aviation Regiment, specialist troops to deal with the threat of weapons of mass destruction drawn from the newly-established Incident Response Regiment based at Holsworthy, New South Wales and a quick reaction support force drawn from the Holsworthy-based 4RAR Commando unit.

  • An Australian National Headquarters of approximately 60 personnel, headed by the Australian National Commander, Brigadier Maurie McNarn.