BILLING IN PROGRESS [Australia]: Operation Gateway

[Owen]

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OPERATION GATEWAY​

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Objective:	Operation Gateway is the Australian Defence Force contribution to the preservation of regional security and stability in South East Asia as well as search and rescue operations.
Date:	1980 - Present
Location:	Strait of Malacca, Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea
Status:	Ongoing

BELLIGERENTS​

Australia Royal Australian Navy Royal Australian Air Force In support of: Malaysia Singapore Philippines Indonesia Brunei Timor-Leste

Jemaah Islamiyah Abu Sayyaf Sultanate of Sulu Moro National Liberation Front Moro Islamic Liberation Front Pirates People Smugglers Drug Smugglers Oil Smugglers Drug Cartels Mayaki cartel Xaysana cartel Usman cartel Unorganised Terrorists

COMMANDERS AND LEADERS​

Julia Gillard (Prime Minister) John Faulkner (Minister for Defence) Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston (Chief of the Defence Force) Vice Admiral David Johnston (Chief of Joint Operations) Vice Admiral Ray Griggs (Chief of Navy) Air Marshal Mark Binskin (Chief of Air Force) Rear Admiral Katherine Richards (Commander Australian Fleet) Air Vice-Marshal Leo Davies (Air Commander Australia)

Zarkasih Abu Bakar Baasyir Khadaffy Janjalani Isnilon Hapilon Radullan Sahiron Jamalul Kiram III Ismael Kiram II Nur Misuari Murad Ebrahim

STRENGTH​

Royal Australian Air Force: Air Command: Surveillance and Response Group: No. 92 Wing: No. 92 Wing Detachment A (50x Regular Personnel, 2x Lockheed AP-3C Orions)

Unknown

CASUALTIES AND LOSSES​

None

None

 

[Owen]

At Fleet Base West in Perth, the following ships would be prepared for deployment on Operation Gateway:

• HMAS Bataan (Adelaide-class Frigate)
• HMAS Arunta (Anzac-class Frigate)
• HMAS Torrens (Anzac-class Frigate)

At Fleet Base East in Sydney, the following ships would be prepared for deployment on Operation Gateway:

• HMAS Toowoomba (Adelaide-class Frigate)
• HMAS Warramunga (Anzac-class Frigate)

They would be fitted out with their full weaponry and complement which would include for the Adelaide-class Frigates:

• 184 sailors and officers
• 32x RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles in 8-cell Mark 41 Vertical Launching System
• 6x MU90 Impact torpedoes in 2x Mark 32 torpedo tubes
• 40x RIM-66 Standard missiles in 1x Mark 13 missile launcher
• Full rounds for 1x OTO Melara 76mm naval gun, 1x Phalanx CIWS, 2x .50 calibre Mini Typhoons and 6x 12.7mm machine guns

Anzac-class Frigates:

• 163 sailors and officers
• 64x RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles in 2x 8-cell Mark 41 Vertical Launching Systems
• 8x RGm-84 Harpoons in 2x 4-canister launchers
• 6x MU90 Impact torpedoes in 2x Mark 32 torpedo tubes
• 16 Nulka decoys in 4x four-cell Nulka decoy launchers
• Full rounds for 1x 5"/54 calibre Mark 45 mod 2 naval gun, 1x Phalanx CIWS, 2x .50 calibre Mini Typhoons, 6x .50 calibre machine guns and 2x Mark 36 Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Countermeasures Chaff and Decoy Launching Systems

The 60 members of Clearance Diving Team Four's Maritime Tactical Operations Force Element would be spread across all vessels. Sailors would begin farewelling their families as they began this 6 month deployment to South East Asia, to be replaced midway in the year by other vessels. Their first stop would be Singapore, at the Australian Defence Singapore Support Unit at Sembawang Naval Base, set up following the status of forces agreement between Singapore and Australia. This would take them through transit route: OF > OG > OH > OI > OJ from Perth or QF > QG > QH > PI > OI > OJ from Sydney.

The Royal Australian Air Force element, No. 92 Wing Detachment A, with two AP-3C Orion aircraft and 50 personnel would depart from RAAF Base Edinburgh for RAAF Base Tengah in Singapore, a joint base with the Republic of Singapore Air Force. They would be stationed there permanently under the external defence agreement with Singapore running patrols out to the South China Sea and Strait of Malacca. Personnel would be rotated through Singapore from No. 10 Squadron based at Edinburgh.

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[Bossza007]

Secret and Encrypted unless contextually possible. | NSST 1.0 Architecture​

Following a period of expedited democratic deliberation, the Thai Ministry of Defense authorized the Republic Navy to deploy eight offshore patrol vessels in support of Australia-led Operation Gateway. Naval crews and embarked marines were in peak operational readiness, benefiting from structured rest cycles, optimized nutrition, and comprehensive stress management programs. Regular training exercises had honed their proficiency in maritime interdiction, boarding operations, counterterrorism, medical evacuation, and multinational coordination. Additionally, personnel received instruction in cross-cultural communication to ensure seamless interoperability with allied forces.

All deployed vessels were fully mission-capable, with navigation, propulsion, and weapons systems maintained at optimal performance levels. Redundancy was integrated into critical systems to mitigate failure risks. Logistical provisions—including munitions, fuel, food, water, and spare parts—were stockpiled to sustain a continuous three-month deployment without external resupply. Radar arrays, electronic warfare suites, and encrypted communication networks were fully functional. The Republic Navy had established predefined resupply points, secured refueling agreements, and implemented emergency docking protocols.

Operational engagement was governed by a clearly articulated, legally sound, and universally recognized rules of engagement (ROE) framework that balanced force protection, mission objectives, and de-escalation imperatives. Maritime assets were authorized to employ force as a deterrent and to neutralize verified threats to regional security. All engagements required strict adherence to minimizing collateral damage and civilian harm. Preemptive action against potential maritime threats necessitated authorization from higher command. Marines were instructed to exhaust all non-lethal countermeasures before applying force, ensuring proportionality in all responses. In cases of confirmed hostile intent, direct engagement was permitted to neutralize threats, while preemptive assaults required explicit approval from senior command authority.

In addition, two replenishment vessels were authorized to integrate into Operation Gateway, providing sustained logistical support to both Thai and Australian naval assets. An additional two replenishment vessels remained on standby for contingency deployment. Each vessel carried 8,927 tons of fuel oil, supplemented by 23 tons of MREs and 50 tons of potable water, ensuring emergency rations sufficient to sustain 300 personnel for 45 days under austere conditions.

Each replenishment vessel was also equipped with a Eurocopter EC725, enhancing operational reach and logistical flexibility. The crews and embarked personnel aboard these auxiliary assets maintained peak operational readiness, benefiting from the same structured rest cycles, optimized nutrition, and rigorous training protocols as the offshore patrol vessels. All systems, including propulsion, navigation, and replenishment equipment, were meticulously maintained at optimal performance levels to ensure uninterrupted sustainment operations throughout the deployment.

Thailand would be contributing the following assets and resources to Australian-led Operation Gateway:

Republic Coast Guard

• People's Patrol Squadron One (PS1)
  • [4] Pattani-class OPV
    • HTMS Pattani
      • 84 Crews
      • 15 Marines
      • 1 Eurocopter EC725
    • HTMS Khok Pho
      • 84 Crews
      • 15 Marines
      • 1 Eurocopter EC725
    • HTMS Nong Chik
      • 84 Crews
      • 15 Marines
      • 1 Eurocopter EC725
    • HTMS Su-ngai Kolok
      • 84 Crews
      • 15 Marines
      • 1 Eurocopter EC725
• People's Patrol Squadron Five (PS5)
  • [4] Pattani-class OPV
    • HTMS Bacho
      • 84 Crews
      • 15 Marines
      • 1 Eurocopter EC725
    • HTMS Yi-ngo
      • 84 Crews
      • 15 Marines
      • 1 Eurocopter EC725
    • HTMS Ra-ngae
      • 84 Crews
      • 15 Marines
      • 1 Eurocopter EC725
    • HTMS Rueso
      • 84 Crews
      • 15 Marines
      • 1 Eurocopter EC725

Republic Auxiliary Fleet

• People's Logistics Support Squadron Three (LSS3)
  • [2] Similan-class Replenishment Tanker (Type 908)
    • HTMS Bon
      • 157 Crews
      • 1 Eurcopter EC725
    • HTMS Ba-ngu
      • 157 Crews
      • 1 Eurocopter EC725
• People's Logistics Support Squadron Six (LSS6)
  • [2] Similan-class Replenishment Tanker (Type 908)
    • HTMS Ha
      • 157 Crews
      • 1 Eurcopter EC725
    • HTMS Miang
      • 157 Crews
      • 1 Eurocopter EC725

Pattani-class OPV Specification

Secret and Encrypted
Pattani-class OPV specification
Class: Offshore Patrol Vessel
Displacement: Maximum 1,440 long tons (1,460 tons)
Length: 94.5 meters (310 ft 0 in)
Beam: 11.8 meters (38 ft 9 in)
Draft: 3.3 meters (10 ft 10 in)
Propulsion: 2 × Ruston 16 RK 270 diesel engines, driving two shafts with controllable pitch propellers
Speed: 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph)
Range: 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 km; 4,000 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)
Complement: 84 personnel
Crew: 15 marines
Surveillance and Operational Systems:

• 1 × Selex RAN-30X/I multi-mode radar with IFF
• 1 × Oerlikon TMX/EO fire control radar and electro-optical fire control
• 3 × Raytheon NSC-25 SeaScout navigation radars
• Atlas Elektronik COSYS combat management system
• 1 × Catiz combat management system
• 1 × STIR 1.2 EO Mk.2 fire control system
• Navigation system: Raytheon Anschütz IBS/INS NSC series
• Communication system: Rohde & Schwarz integrated communication system

Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures:

• 1 × Vigile 100S Mk.2 electronic warfare system

Armament:

• 1 × OTO Melara 76/62 Super Rapid naval gun with 800 rounds mix of HE and AA ammunition
• 2 × Denel Land Systems GI-2 20mm automatic cannons with 1,000 rounds mix of HEI and API ammunition each
• 2 × U.S. Ordnance M2HB .50 caliber machine guns with 3,000 rounds mix of HEIAP and API ammunition each

Aviation Support Equipment:

• 1 × flight deck with 1 Eurocopter EC725

Owen​

 

[Owen]

All the ships deployed on the operation would begin arriving into Sembawang Naval Base in Singapore. There they would be supported by elements of the Republic of Singapore Navy to dock the vessels and replenish them in line with the Status of Forces Agreement between Singapore and Australia.

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HMAS Bataan, Warramunga and Torrens would prepare for deployment eastwards towards Borneo. They would navigate out of Singapore towards Malaysian Borneo, following the coastline up towards the Sulu Sea. They would primarily station themselves and operate patrols near the Malaysian city of Sandakan and down towards Tawau (OJ and PJ). This was an area frequently visited by Abu Sayyaf and other groups operating in the Southern Philippines to attack Malaysia.

HMAS Toowoomba and Arunta would prepare for deployment westwards into the Strait of Malacca. Their patrol area would be from Singapore up towards a line cutting across Banda Aceh to Phuket (OJ and NJ). This was an area notorious for pirate and smuggling activity and would involve Jemaah Islamiyah who have a strong presence in Northern Sumatra.

The two AP-3C Orions from No. 92 Wing Detachment A would fly regular sorties out of RAAF Base Tengah in Singapore. They would primarily focus on patrolling the Strait of Malacca but one would occassionally fly out over the South China Sea and the Sulu and Celebes Seas.

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Thailand and India would be alerted to the patrols and asked to assist where they could. The patrols would be generally classified, in terms of weaponry and precise locations but it would be public knowledge that the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force was operating in the area under public Operation Gateway. Command and control for the operation would be issued from Headquarters Joint Operations Command at the General John Baker Complex outside of Canberra.

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[Bossza007]

Secret and Encrypted​

Subsequent to considerable protraction in the deployment schedule following the authorization for the Republic Coast Guard and Republic Auxiliary Fleet to project assets in support of the Australian-led patrol operation, all preparatory phases would by this juncture have been definitively concluded. The paramount operational directive governing Thailand’s engagement in this undertaking had been stipulated as the maintenance of sustained maritime presence within the Strait of Malacca, the Sulu Sea, and the Celebes Sea, predicated on the amplified asset deployment by both India and Australia, in conjunction with the provision of consistent logistical replenishment to Australian naval vessels.

People’s Patrol Squadron One (PS1) would execute its departure from Phang Nga Naval Base at precisely 0800 hours, subsequent to mandatory pre-deployment inspections and clearances. Transit velocity for PS1 would be maintained at 12 knots per hour throughout its ingress into the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of nations bordering the Strait of Malacca. PS1’s primary operational theaters were demarcated within grid coordinates NJ and OJ, encompassing the Strait of Malacca, with patrol routes alternating between these designated sectors. (Operational Transit: Interchangeably between NJ and OJ)

People’s Patrol Squadron Five (PS5) would initiate its departure from Songkhla Naval Base at precisely 1000 hours, subsequent to mandatory pre-deployment inspections and clearances. Transit velocity for PS5 would be maintained at 12 knots per hour during its egress from Thai territorial waters and subsequent ingress into international waters within the EEZs of regional nations. PS5’s primary operational theaters were demarcated within grid coordinates OJ and PJ, encompassing the Sulu Sea and the Celebes Sea. (Operational Transit: OJ > PJ then interchangeably between OJ and PJ)

People’s Logistic Support Squadron Three (LSS3) would initiate its departure from Phang Nga Naval Base at precisely 1000 hours, subsequent to mandatory pre-deployment inspections and clearances. Transit velocity for LSS3 would be maintained at 12 knots per hour during its ingress into the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of nations bordering the Strait of Malacca. LSS3’s primary operational theaters were demarcated within grid coordinates NJ and OJ, encompassing the Strait of Malacca. It would conduct regular replenishment operations for Thai, Australian—and, contingent upon operational necessity, Indian—vessels during its patrol cycles alongside PS1 assets. (Operational Transit: Interchangeably between NJ and OJ).

People’s Logistic Support Squadron Six (LSS6) would initiate its departure from Songkhla Naval Base at precisely 1200 hours, subsequent to mandatory pre-deployment inspections and clearances. Transit velocity for LSS6 would be maintained at 12 knots per hour during its egress from Thai territorial waters and subsequent ingress into international waters within the EEZs of regional nations. LSS6’s primary operational theaters were demarcated within grid coordinates OJ and PJ, encompassing the Sulu Sea and the Celebes Sea. It would conduct regular replenishment operations for Thai and Australian vessels during its patrol cycles alongside PS5 assets. (Operational Transit: OJ > PJ then interchangeably between OJ and PJ)

In the event of an emergency—such as unexpected supply depletion or early indications of mechanical failure—vessels were authorized and instructed to return to their homeport immediately. Crews maintained constant vigilance by monitoring public radio broadcast channels for emergency communications within its operational areas. While the personnel aboard each patrol vessel remained in a state of high readiness to respond to emergent situations, they also adhered to a structured daily regimen that balanced operational preparedness with emotional well-being, ensuring sustained peak performance.

All onboard systems for each vessel deployed in support of the Australian-led patrol operation would remain in continuous operational status and be utilized in either active or passive configuration autonomously by designated operators, as dictated by operational exigencies and professional judgment.

Owen​

 

[Owen]

All the vessels currently on deployment would be replaced with other vessels. The amount of vessels on deployment to Operation Gateway would be reduced due to the absence of incidents, from 5 to 3. The focus of the operation would now be entirely on the Malacca and Singapore Straits, rather than defending Sabah from militants in the Philippines. Australia would stand ready though, should the situation in Sabah change.

At Fleet Base East in Sydney, the following ships would be prepared for deployment on Operation Gateway:

• HMAS Ballarat (Adelaide-class Frigate)
• HMAS Anzac (Anzac-class Frigate)
• HMAS Parramatta (Anzac-class Frigate)

They would be fitted out with their full weaponry and complement which would include for the Adelaide-class Frigates:

• 184 sailors and officers
• 32x RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles in 8-cell Mark 41 Vertical Launching System
• 6x MU90 Impact torpedoes in 2x Mark 32 torpedo tubes
• 40x RIM-66 Standard missiles in 1x Mark 13 missile launcher
• Full rounds for 1x OTO Melara 76mm naval gun, 1x Phalanx CIWS, 2x .50 calibre Mini Typhoons and 6x 12.7mm machine guns

Anzac-class Frigates:

• 163 sailors and officers
• 64x RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles in 2x 8-cell Mark 41 Vertical Launching Systems
• 8x RGm-84 Harpoons in 2x 4-canister launchers
• 6x MU90 Impact torpedoes in 2x Mark 32 torpedo tubes
• 16 Nulka decoys in 4x four-cell Nulka decoy launchers
• Full rounds for 1x 5"/54 calibre Mark 45 mod 2 naval gun, 1x Phalanx CIWS, 2x .50 calibre Mini Typhoons, 6x .50 calibre machine guns and 2x Mark 36 Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Countermeasures Chaff and Decoy Launching Systems

The 30 members of Clearance Diving Team Two's Maritime Tactical Operations Force Element would be spread across all vessels. Sailors would begin farewelling their families as they began this 6 month deployment to South East Asia, to be replaced midway in the year by other vessels. Their first stop would be Singapore, at the Australian Defence Singapore Support Unit at Sembawang Naval Base, set up following the status of forces agreement between Singapore and Australia. This would take them through transit route: OF > OG > OH > OI > OJ from Perth or QF > QG > QH > PI > OI > OJ from Sydney.

The Thai Government would be informed of the switch over.

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Bossza007

 

[Owen]

All maritime elements of Operation Gateway would be ordered to return to homeport in Australia. HMAS Ballarat, Anzac and Parramatta were all based at Fleet Bast East in Sydney and would begin the journey home taking transit route OJ > OI > PI > QH > QG > QF. The only remaining elements of Operation Gateway would be the AP-3C Orions flying out of Singapore, they would still conduct semi-regular patrols in the Singapore and Malacca Straits against potential threats but the mission of trying to board and stop pirate vessels directly through naval power would cease. Instead, the Australian Defence Force would provide vital surveillance in order to allow the Malaysian, Singaporean and Indonesian authorities to police their own waters.