Australian Defence Forces On Heightened Alert During Russian Military Exercises In Indonesia

Russia's Tu-95 turboprop-powered strategic bombers and missile carriers are nuclear-capable. Photo: AFP

ABC News Online: Australian Defence Force on heightened alert during Russian military exercise in Indonesia

Defence personnel in Darwin were operating at "increased readiness" earlier this month as Russian strategic bombers conducted navigation exercises close to Australia, flying out of an Indonesian military base.

The ABC can reveal RAAF Base Darwin was placed on a "short period" of heightened alert, while over 100 Russian personnel and several aircraft were stationed at the Biak Airbase in Indonesia's eastern Papua province.

During the five-day stopover two nuclear-capable Tu-95 bombers flew their first ever patrol mission over the South Pacific, prompting concerns they may have been collecting valuable intelligence.

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More News On Australian Defence Forces On Heightened Alert During Russian Military Exercises In Indonesia

Russian Nuclear-Capable Bomber Exercise Prompts Australian Air Force Alert as Putin Extends Pacific Reach -- Newsweek
Australian air force put on alert after Russian long-range bombers headed south -- The Guardian
Australian air force put on alert amid Russian bomber operation -- The Independent
ADF in 'increased readiness' following Russian military exercise -- NEWS.com.au

Russia Sends Convoy Of Warships To Australia For G20 Summit

US Kept A Close Watch On Russian Navy Fleet Heading For Australian Waters Which Are Believed To Be Acting On Orders To Spy On Leaders At G20 Summit -- Daily Mail

* Russian fleet is reportedly on its way into Australian waters
* It is understood to be a sign of solidarity with the Russian president
* Australian intelligence believe Russian vessels will spy on G20 leaders
* It is understood the US kept a close eye on Russian ships near Japan
* Prime Minister Tony Abbott has downplayed the move
* He described it as unusual but not unprecedented
* Comes ahead of the G20 summit being held in Brisbane at the weekend
* The four ships are Varyag, Shaposhnikov, Fotiy Krylov and Boris Butoma

The Russian navy fleet heading for Australian waters is believed to be acting on orders to spy on leaders and officials at the G20 summit.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to land in Brisbane on Friday night for the conference, The Australian reports US warships have been keeping a close watch on four Russian ships as they moved south near Japan.

Sources have told The Daily Telegraph they have already warned those attending the summit to be wary their conversations on phones or other communication devices may be monitored.

But the Russians aren't expected to stand alone in the act as one source says there will be others engaging in similar activity.

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More News On Russia Sending A Convoy Of Warships To Australia For G20 Summit

Canberra confirms Russian ships transiting north of Australia ahead of G20 summit -- IHS Janes 360
Russian sends warships towards Australia as Putin prepares to attend Brisbane G20 summit -- The Independent
Russia sends warships north of Australia in 'puerile' display of military clout -- The Telegraph
Russia sends convoy of warships to Australia’s northern border -- Washington Times
Russian ships a show of strength -- West Australian
Expert Says The Russian Ships Off Australia Could Be Used To Spy On The G20 -- Business Insider
G20: Russia say warships heading towards Brisbane are taking part in routine exercise -- Sydney Morning Herald
Australian warships dispatched to intercept Russian flotilla bound for G20 summit: report -- Global news
US watches as nuclear sub may be accompanying Putin flotilla -- The Australian
'It's unusual, but not unprecedented': Prime Minister Tony Abbott downplays the Russian navy fleet heading for Australian waters ahead of G20 -- Daily Mail
What's the big deal about our fleet of warships: Russia -- David Wroe, Sydney Morning Herald