Operation Relex
Encyclopedia
Operation Relex is the name given to the Australian Defence Force
(ADF) border protection operation in the country's northern approaches conducted between 2001 and 2006. The operation was instigated following the Tampa affair
in September 2001 and its focus was on illegal immigration. Assets of all three services of the ADF were committed to the operation to prevent the arrival of Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel
s (SIEV) in the Australian migration zone
.
The primary period of activity of Operation Relex was between October and December 2001 when ten SIEV were intercepted by HMA Ships Warramunga, Arunta and Leeuwin assisted by several Fremantle Class Patrol Boats.
More details on the non-military aspects of this operation are contained in the MV Tampa
entry. Operation Relex was folded into the broader border protection activity named Operation Resolute
which commenced in July 2006.
Australian Defence Force
The Australian Defence Force is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia. It consists of the Royal Australian Navy , Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and a number of 'tri-service' units...
(ADF) border protection operation in the country's northern approaches conducted between 2001 and 2006. The operation was instigated following the Tampa affair
Tampa affair
In August 2001, the Howard Government of Australia refused permission for the Norwegian freighter MV Tampa, carrying 438 rescued Afghans from a distressed fishing vessel in international waters, to enter Australian waters...
in September 2001 and its focus was on illegal immigration. Assets of all three services of the ADF were committed to the operation to prevent the arrival of Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel
Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel
Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel is the operational term used by the Australian Defence Force and Australian Coastwatch for maritime vessels which appear to be attempting to reach Australia clandestinely without authorisation...
s (SIEV) in the Australian migration zone
Australian migration zone
The Australian migration zone refers to the parts of Australian territory where a non citizen must hold a visa to legally enter and remain. It includes all states and mainland territories, plus some external territories, at the mean low water mark....
.
The primary period of activity of Operation Relex was between October and December 2001 when ten SIEV were intercepted by HMA Ships Warramunga, Arunta and Leeuwin assisted by several Fremantle Class Patrol Boats.
More details on the non-military aspects of this operation are contained in the MV Tampa
MV Tampa
MV Tampa is a roll-on/roll-off container ship completed in 1984 by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. in South Korea for the Norway based firm, Wilhelmsen Lines Shipowning.-Tampa affair:...
entry. Operation Relex was folded into the broader border protection activity named Operation Resolute
Operation Resolute
Operation Resolute is the Australian Defence Force's contribution to patrolling Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone. Operation Resolute began on 17 July 2006 and consolidated a number of previous ADF operations, including Operation Relex....
which commenced in July 2006.