HMAS Hobart leaves Darwin for Southeast Asia deployment

With harpoon anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air munitions and a combat helicopter on-board, one of Australia’s leading warships has left Darwin for the waters of Southeast Asia.

Air warfare destroyer HMAS Hobart has departed Darwin for Southeast Asia.

An air-warfare destroyer with a crew of 230 sailors has set departed Darwin, marking the ADF’s first regional deployment for 2025.

On Friday, HMAS Hobart pulled away from the docks of HMAS Coonawarra to complete its six week deployment to Southeast Asia.

The destroyer launched from Darwin having left its Sydney home port on January 6.

Vice Admiral Justin Jones says the ship will advance efforts to promote a “peaceful and prosperous” Indo-Pacific.

Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said voyages to the near region were necessary in maintaining a “peaceful “Indo-Pacific”.

“Regional Presence Deployments demonstrate Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting regional security and stability, and promoting a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

“These deployments also provide the opportunity to engage with our partner nations at sea and in the air to enhance interoperability.”

HMAS Hobart has deployed with a MH-60R Romeo Seahawk (pictured) on board.

Commissioned in 2017, HMAS Hobart is considered the lead vessel of the three-ship Hobart Class and equipped with the Aegis combat system – a capability which integrates sensors and weapons to provide air and missile defence to the vessel.

The ship also possesses Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and SM-2 and ESSM surface-to-air missiles.

Pilots have also deployed with the ship alongside a MH-60R Romeo Seahawk combat helicopter.

It has also been confirmed HMAS Hobart will train alongside French vessels operating in the region in biennial activity Exercise LA Perouse.

HMAS Hobart commanding officer Alisha Withers says her crew are ready for deployment.

Currently, the French navy have been particularly active in the region, with Paris having deployed a carrier strike group, centred around aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, to the Indo-Pacific.

HMAS Hobart commanding officer Alisha Withers maintained her team was prepared for the weeks ahead.

“All of the crew are looking forward to representing Australia in the Indo-Pacific region and I thank their families for their ongoing support.”

HMAS Hobart is expected to conclude its deployment in late February.

Originally published as HMAS Hobart leaves Darwin for Southeast Asia deployment