9News has learned that Australian personnel are currently aboard an American submarine as part of a training rotation under the AUKUS alliance.
The submarine launched a Mark-48 torpedo at the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, resulting in the deaths of over 80 Iranian sailors. This attack was referred to as a “quiet death” by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
The IRIS Dena was making its way back to Iran following its participation in joint military exercises off the eastern coast of India.
The Australian Defence Department has declined to disclose the rank or specific roles of the Australians aboard the US submarine.
“There are established protocols regarding third-country deployments to ensure that Australian interests are properly managed,” a Defence spokesperson stated.
“It is not suitable to provide further details on the matter,” the spokesperson added.
“For operational security reasons, the Australian Defence Force does not disclose specific details regarding third country deployments, including the number of personnel or their location.”
“As the United States and Israel have said, the military strikes were initiated and conducted by the United States and Israel – not Australia.”
Sri Lanka’s navy said 87 bodies had been recovered and that 32 Iranian sailors were rescued. The ship had about 180 on board.
IRIS Dena was about 40 nautical miles (75 kilometres) off Galle when it sent a distress call between 6am and 7am AEDT (00:30 to 01:30 GMT).
Up to 100 Australians are expected to be embedded on US submarines as part of the AUKUS rotation program this year.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong told the Senate: “US submarine operations are a matter for the United States.”
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