17 warships arrive for naval show

17 warships arrive for naval show

DARWIN, Australia (AFP): The biggest naval build-up seen in Australia's tropical northern waters since World War II was under way here in preparation for a seven-nation exercise starting today.

Among the 17 warships which have arrived so far for exercise Kakadu II was the frigate KRI Fatahillah, the first Indonesian craft to join in the exercises, first held in 1993.

The Australian Defense Force spokesman, Lt. Col. Andrew Reynolds, said the exercise's aim was to foster closer working relationships between Australia and the Asian nations taking part, in line with Canberra's defense policy.

A total of 24 ships from the defense forces of New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong will participate along with the Royal Australian Navy, he said.

A total of 5,000 military personnel with fighter aircraft and helicopters would be taking part in the 18-day exercise, which to begin with war games in Darwin harbor, followed by maneuvers at sea, Reynolds said.