A joint maritime exercise called ‘Austhai 09’ conducted by the Australian Navy and Royal Thai Navy has begun in the waters off Sattahip, Gulf of Thailand.

The Australian Navy’s Adelaide Class guided-missile-armed frigate HMAS Darwin participated in the exercise and will operate along with the Thai missile corvette, HTMS Rattanakosin and the frigate HTMS Kririrat.

As part of the one-week exercise both navies will practise core mariner and warfare skills including seamanship, anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, maritime interdiction operations and anti-surface warfare.

The exercise is aimed to promote interoperability between the maritime forces of Australia and Thailand and enhance the proficiency in core mariner skills, professional standards and safety.