iscover
The year 2026 marks an important date for Australia’s military history, celebrating 125 years of the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army operation and service to the country.
For well over a century, the service people in the Army and Navy have sacrificed their time and lives to keep Australia and its people safe throughout battles and operations around the world.
From early conflicts to modern peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, their contributions have extended far beyond national borders, reinforced Australia’s reputation as a strategic, significant and valuable defence force, evident throughout global campaigns across recent history.
Gallipoli campaign
Australia’s involvement in the Gallipoli campaign (April 1915–January 1916) during World War I remains one of the most defining moments in our national military history.
For the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac), a relatively young nation compared to their Allied counterparts (i.e. France and Britain), Gallipoli became instantly significant.
Launched in April 1915 as part of an Allied attempt to seize control of the Dardanelles, a critical strait between Europe and Asia, and contribute to the defeat of the Ottoman Empire, the campaign quickly devolved into a brutal stalemate marked by devastating casualties and thousands of deaths on all sides involved.
Australia was involved in critical points throughout the campaign, such as the landing at what is now known as “Anzac Cove’, the Battle of Lone Pine, and the Nek charge.
Throughout the course of the campaign, Australian soldiers faced approximately 26,000 casualties and 8,000 lives were lost.
A total of 58,000 Allied troops died throughout the campaign.
Though the campaign failed in its strategic goals, the “Anzac spirit” was born, with the qualities attributed to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps elevated into national virtues.
These ideals have since been woven deeply into Australia’s cultural memory and today, Gallipoli is commemorated annually on Anzac Day.
Battle of the Coral Sea
The Battle of the Coral Sea (4–8 May1942) was a turning point in the Pacific during World War II and saw critical support and involvement by the Royal Australian Navy.
The conflict took place in the Coral Sea, north-east of Australia, and saw Allied forces from the United States and Australia work together against the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Japan’s objective was to capture Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, which would have allowed them to threaten northern Australia and disrupt Allied supply lines. Allied forces, having broken Japanese codes, intercepted and engaged the invasion fleet.
Although both sides suffered losses, including the sinking of the US carrier USS Lexington, the Allies succeeded in halting the Japanese advance.
Australian naval units, including cruisers and destroyers, operated alongside US forces, while Australian air bases and intelligence networks contributed to the effort.
The battle prevented a direct threat to Australia and marked the first time Japanese expansion in the Pacific was refuted.
Although tactically inconclusive, it was a crucial strategic victory that set the stage for later successes, including the Battle of Midway.
Involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq
Australia’s military involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq formed a major part of its contribution to global security operations in the early 21st century, particularly alongside the United States.
In Afghanistan, Australia joined the war following the September 11 attacks. The mission, known as Operation Slipper, began in 2001 and aimed to dismantle terrorist networks like Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power.
Australian Special Forces were among the first to be deployed, focusing on counter-terrorism and reconnaissance. Later, troops were sent to Uruzgan Province, where they helped train Afghan security forces and support reconstruction efforts.
At its peak, around 1,500 Australian personnel were deployed. Combat operations officially ended in 2013, with a transition to training roles before full withdrawal in 2021.
In Iraq, under Operation Falconer, Australian forces contributed to the initial invasion through air, naval, and Special Forces operations.
The Royal Australian Navy played a key role in securing oil infrastructure and enforcing maritime security in the Persian Gulf.
After the invasion, Australia continued its involvement through Operation Catalyst, focusing on training Iraqi forces and supporting stability.
Australia redeployed forces to Iraq in 2014 under Operation Okra to combat ISIS, primarily through airstrikes and training missions.
Peacekeeping in East Timor
The Australian Defence Force has played a significant role in international peacekeeping, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, with one of its most notable contributions being in East Timor.
Following decades of Indonesian occupation, violence escalated after the 1999 independence referendum. In response, Australia led the multinational International Force East Timor (INTERFET), authorised by the United Nations.
INTERFET successfully restored order, facilitated humanitarian aid and helped stabilise the region.
After INTERFET, Australia continued its involvement through the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor, which oversaw the country’s transition to independence in 2002.
Australian personnel contributed military, police and civilian expertise, helping establish governance structures, law enforcement and basic infrastructure.
In 2006, political instability and internal conflict in Timor-Leste prompted another intervention. Australia again took a leading role in the International Stabilisation Force, working alongside Timorese authorities and international partners to restore peace and support security sector reform.
Beyond East Timor, Australia has participated in peacekeeping missions globally, including in Cambodia, the Solomon Islands, and the Middle East.
While Australia maintains a comparatively smaller defence force than many other Western nations, its involvement in major international campaigns has consistently highlighted its strategic capability, adaptability and effectiveness.
Get involved with the discussion and let us know your thoughts on what you would like to see from Australia’s political leaders in the comments section below or get in touch at
