Australia's outgoing military envoy to NATO, Air Vice-Marshal Di Turton, has warned against complacency regarding global conflicts, stating that North Korea's "strengthening partnership" with Russia implies a presence of "more combat-ready troops operating in our region." Air Vice-Marshal Turton is concluding a two-year posting as Australia's military representative to NATO and the European Union in Brussels.
She noted that global conflicts, once geographically distinct, are now interconnected. The deployment of North Korean troops to support Russia in Ukraine is cited as a key example. This deployment provides North Korean forces with combat experience and exposure to Western weapon systems, potentially leading to more experienced troops and technology transfer that could impact Australia's region. North Korea already possesses intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching continental Australia.
Australia, a NATO partner since 1953, has significantly contributed to Ukraine's defense, providing $1.7 billion in aid and training over 3,000 Ukrainian troops. A key mission overseen by Air Vice-Marshal Turton involved the 2025 deployment of a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) surveillance aircraft to Poland to monitor Russian activity under NATO command. The ADF also delivered 49 retired M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine and assists with troop training for their use.
Air Vice-Marshal Turton also represented Australia at meetings of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of 35 nations committed to providing security guarantees to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. This initiative is currently in the planning stages.
NATO Chief Mark Rutte has emphasized the interconnectedness of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific theaters, highlighting support for Russia from North Korea, China, and Iran. This perspective underscores the importance of Australia's involvement. Australia's Chief of Defence, David Johnston, along with counterparts from New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea, is meeting NATO military chiefs in Brussels to discuss these regional and global challenges.