The Royal Thai Army Military Technical Training School (MTTS) dropped in at Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering earlier this month in the spirit of connection and shared learning.
The schools began a re-establishment of a once close relationship dating back to the Vietnam War era, which saw Australian Instructors teaching at (MTTS), Thai trainees learning in Australia and the ADF donating tooling to the MTTS.
The visit was a fruitful one, with visions to share knowledge and trade training processes.
Images and information courtesy of Defence
AIM 9X sidewinder missile live fire - Woomera Test Range South Australia
Above: A Hawkei High Mobility Launcher from 16 Regiment, fires an AIM 9X sidewinder missile at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia.
NASAMS is a short-range ground based air defence system, delivering an enhanced force protection system for the Australian Army, as part of the Australian Defence Force’s integrated air and missile defence capability. The live-fire trial at the Woomera Test Range 24 – 31 May 2025, was to certify the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile for use with NASAMS.
Above: Soldiers from the 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, load Sidewinder missiles on a NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher during a live-fire certification activity at Woomera Test Range, South Australia.
The trial also involved the use of the NASAMS High Mobility Launcher from the Hawkei platform. The National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program directed Defence to invest in increasing missile defence capability to protect critical Defence infrastructure, facilities and personnel from long-range and high-speed missile threats.
Images and information courtesy of Defence
75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War - Canberra
Above: An Australian veteran lays a wreath at the Australian National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on 25 June 2025.
To mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, held a National Commemorative Service at the Australian National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on 25 June 2025. More than 18,000 Australians served during the Korean War and post-armistice ceasefire monitoring. 340 Australians lost their lives, more than 1,200 were wounded, and 30 were taken prisoner. Of those who lost their lives, 42 have no known grave. Another 16 Australians died serving in South Korea with the ceasefire monitoring force in 1953-57, and 11 died serving in Japan with base units of British Commonwealth Forces Korea. This anniversary provides the opportunity to honour and remember the service of all Australian men and women who served in the Korean War, and the sacrifice of their families.
Image and information courtesy of Defence
Australia’s Role in Korea – From division to peacekeeping
Above: 23154 SGT Charles Shearim, of Sydney, NSW, RAEME attached to 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), Korea. (Original British Commonwealth Forces Korea (BCFK).
After Japan’s defeat in World War II, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel into Soviet-occupied North Korea and US-occupied South Korea, originally a temporary measure to facilitate self-rule. The United Nations attempted to unify the peninsula, establishing the United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea (UNTCOK) in 1947, with Australia as one of its nine member states. However, Cold War tensions led to further division. Democratic elections were held in the south, forming the Republic of Korea under President Rhee Syngman, while the north, under Soviet influence, became the Democratic People's Republic of Korea led by Kim Il-sung.
Above: Australian and Korean mechanics work side by side at the 1st Commonwealth Division Workshops in Korea. Giving his unidentified offsider a few pointers on vehicle maintenance is 48513 Private (Pte) Desmond William (Des) Lear of Blackwood, SA. Pte Lear was a clerk in the Taxation Department at Adelaide, SA, before he joined the Australian Regular Army as a motor mechanic in RAEME. He served in Korea from March 1955 to January 1956.
In the lead-up to war in 1950, Australia’s smallest peacekeeping contingent, Major Stuart Peach and Squadron Leader Ron Rankin played a pivotal role. As the only military observers in Korea, they completed a coast-to-coast reconnaissance along the 38th parallel and found no indication of impending conflict. Just hours after their report was filed, North Korean forces launched a surprise invasion. The UN deemed this a full-scale attack, triggering international military support for South Korea, including over 18,000 Australians across the RAN, RAAF and Australian Army. Over three years of war, more than 350 Australians lost their lives, and an armistice in July 1953 formalised a demilitarised zone.
Above: Kure, Japan. 1951. SGT John Parker, RAEME armourer, inspecting Owen guns which have been returned by 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), in Korea to Returned Stores Depot, Base Ordnance Depot.
During and after the war, Australian diplomats and military personnel continued to contribute to Korea’s stability through the United Nations Commission for the Unification and Rehabilitation of Korea (UNCURK). Australian diplomat James Plimsoll was instrumental in redefining UNCURK’s role as a political liaison and morale support during extended conflict. UNCURK remained active until 1973, monitoring elections, reporting on humanitarian issues, and assisting with Korea’s post-war reconstruction and refugee crisis.
Australia’s peacekeeping legacy in Korea continues under Operation Linesmen. Through its contribution to the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC), Australian Defence Force personnel help monitor the Korean Armistice Agreement within the DMZ. Their duties today include security cooperation, explosive ordnance clearance, and recovery of remains from the war. With 68 Australians having served in this long-standing operation, the legacy of Australian service and sacrifice in Korea is remembered annually on Korean Veterans’ Day, 27 July.
Images courtesy of AWM and information courtesy of ANZAC Portal
