Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigate transits South China Sea

February 13, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba has transited the South China Sea in the vicinity of the Spratly Islands as part of its 2026 regional presence deployment.

Commanding Officer Toowoomba Commander Alicia Harrison confirmed the routine transit took place from February 9 to February 10, 2026. She said that while foreign naval vessels were present during the transit, there was no confrontation.

All interactions with foreign warships throughout the passage were conducted in a safe and professional manner, Harrison added.

Harrison confirmed that at all points Toowoomba was operating in international waters in accordance with international law.

“This transit reaffirms Australian vessels and aircraft will continue to exercise our rights to freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Harrison commented.

Australia has been committed to maintaining a near-continuous presence in the region through the deployment of Royal Australian Navy ships and other Australian Defence Force assets in recent years. Regional presence deployments are vital to ensuring the country’s long-term security and prosperity by protecting its interests.

To remind, Australia sent two Anzac-class frigates, HMA Ships Toowoomba and Warramunga, from Fleet Base West in Western Australia as part of the Australian Defence Force’s Regional Presence Deployment program.

The vessels will conduct exercises and engagements in South, Southeast and East Asia.