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Australia will provide new Timor-Leste National Police maritime patrol vessels, strength Timor-Leste’s cyber security capabilities and digital forensics under a newly signed bilateral Defence Cooperation Framework.
The Defence Cooperation Framework was signed in Dili by Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP, and Timor-Leste's Prime Minister, His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
Under the modernise defence cooperation agreement worth more than $60 million; Australia will support to strengthen Timor-Leste’s cyber security capabilities through specialist advisers, cyber incident response support and enhanced protection of critical systems and infrastructure over the next five years. Support for the development of digital forensics capabilities to strengthen Timor-Leste's national policing agencies' ability to investigate cybercrime and disrupt scam centre operations.
As well as supply new vessels for the PNTL to patrol Timor-Leste’s waters for maritime security, marine search and rescue and countering transnational crime; while strengthening measures to strengthen Timor-Leste’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities, including through closer integration with ASEAN and Australian disaster response systems.
Australia and Timor-Leste will continue to deepen cooperation across a range of areas, including maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping, specialist capability development, infrastructure and English language training.
“Australia and Timor-Leste share a history of deep security cooperation, underpinned by decades of security cooperation and strong people-to-people ties. This package reflects the trust and friendship between our countries,” according to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
“As Timor-Leste takes on a greater role in our region as ASEAN’s newest member, Australia is proud to stand alongside our close neighbour and work together in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”
It will also strengthen the longstanding Defence Cooperation Program, which has partnered with the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) and Ministry of Defence since 2002, and builds on the ambitions outlined in the Parseria Joint Declaration, signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in January 2026.
“The Parseria Joint Declaration is driving a new era of cooperation between Australia and Timor-Leste, and these initiatives are a demonstration of our close partnership and friendship,” according to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong.
“As close neighbours and partners, Australia and Timor-Leste are working together to address shared challenges and ensure the peace, stability and prosperity of our region.”
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