The Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Toowoomba is conducting an official port visit to Danang, Vietnam, from 28 to 31 March 2026, reinforcing the deepening defence relationship between Australia and Vietnam.
This visit marks an historic milestone in naval cooperation, with HMAS Toowoomba’s arrival in Danang following the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) Ship 16’s visit to Australia to participate in a multi-nation maritime activity Exercise Kakadu and the Royal Australian Navy’s 125th Anniversary International Fleet Review.
It is the first time both navies have conducted reciprocal port visits at almost the same time, reflecting the strong defence relationship between the two countries, which has continued to grow under the Australia-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in March 2024.
While in Danang, HMAS Toowoomba’s officers and sailors will participate in a program of official and community engagements, with the visit to include senior level courtesy calls with the Danang People’s Committee and the Vietnam People’s Navy Naval Region 3. Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Her Excellency Ms Gillian Bird PSM, will co-host an official reception onboard HMAS Toowoomba, and there will also be friendly sporting activities and opportunities to experience Danang’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Australia’s Defence Attaché to Vietnam, Colonel Alana Burkitt CSC, said: “This visit demonstrates the strength of Australia-Vietnam Defence cooperation, that commenced in 1999 and has continued to grow in size and complexity.
The Australian Defence Force has provided English language training to more than 5,000 officers from the Vietnam People’s Army, and supported Vietnam’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping, providing training and strategic airlift for seven deployments.
I know the officers and sailors of HMAS Toowoomba are looking forward to learning more about the culture of Danang and experiencing the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people.”
HMAS Toowoomba is commanded by the Royal Australia Navy Commander Alicia Harrison.
It is an Anzac Class guided missile frigate capable of air defence, antisubmarine and surface warfare, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance. Weighing more than 3,500 tonnes and 118 metres long, the ship is equipped with surfacetoair missiles, antiship missiles, torpedo tubes and an MH60R Seahawk helicopter.
The visit highlights Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting a stable, secure and prosperous IndoPacific region, and to strengthening defence ties with important regional partners such as Vietnam.
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