The Australian Border Force (ABF) has joined counterparts from India, Japan and the United States on a 13-day voyage across the Indian Ocean, strengthening maritime partnership and sharing operational expertise as part of the 2026 Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission.
Officers from each country embarked an Indian Coast Guard vessel which departed Chennai, India on 25 September. The vessel arrived in Fremantle on 7 October after completing the passage across the Indian Ocean.
During the mission, officers worked and trained side-by-side, including knowledge-sharing exercises focused on maritime search and rescue, marine pollution response, maritime law enforcement operations, and boarding operations.
The engagement enabled officers to reinforce organisational ties, improving coordination, building mutual understanding and strengthening collective capability to respond to maritime security challenges across the region.
The mission contributes to the ongoing work of Quad partners to ensure an Indo-Pacific region that is safe, secure, and prosperous.
The mission also builds on the growing partnership between ABF Maritime Border Command and the Indian Coast Guard, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in July 2026 to strengthen practical cooperation between the two agencies.
Quotes attributable to Commander Maritime Border Command Rear Admiral Brett Sonter
“Australia’s maritime security is strengthened by strong partnerships with trusted regional and international counterparts.
“The Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission is a practical demonstration of the close and enduring partnership between Australia and India, and our shared commitment with Japan and the United States to a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
“This mission provides a valuable opportunity for all four Quad nations to work together at sea, sharing operational experience, building trust and strengthening the professional relationships that support effective cooperation in the maritime domain.
“Exercises like this help strengthen Quad interoperability and improve Quad ability to respond to maritime incidents and emerging security challenges.
“The relationships developed through this Quad initiative is critical to maintaining effective cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and contribute to a safer and more secure maritime environment for all.”
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