This Sunday, we will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the beginning of Australian service in Afghanistan.
In response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States of America, Prime Minister John Howard pledged Australia’s support to the war in Afghanistan. On 11 October 2001, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) established Operation Slipper, its first declared operation to the war in Afghanistan.
Over the following two decades, more than 35,000 ADF members were deployed to Afghanistan and the wider Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) in relation to Afghanistan. Australians from government and non-government organisations worked alongside ADF and coalition forces, as well as Afghan nationals during this period.
Their service took many forms. Australians were involved, at different times and places, in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, maritime security, reconstruction, and development assistance. They also helped mentor and train Afghan national security forces to build Afghanistan’s capacity to maintain security and combat insurgency.
Our nation’s commitment was a whole-of-government effort, with staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Defence and Home Affairs, as well as non-government organisations, making significant contributions.
ADF personnel worked alongside Australian Federal Police, Australian diplomats, aid and humanitarian workers, coalition forces and Afghan nationals, reflecting a unified dedication to service, stability and support for the people of Afghanistan.
The impact of this conflict on those who served, and their families, has been profound and lasting.
Today, we pause to reflect on, honour and remember those who served, those who supported them, those who still bear the scars, both physically and mentally, and those whose lives were forever changed by the conflict.
Lest we forget.
From 10am on Sunday 11 October 2026, we’ll be delivering a national commemorative service to formally recognise the service and sacrifice of all those who served in Afghanistan, and those who supported them.
If you’re planning to attend, registration is free and available here.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be nationally broadcast on ABC iview.
To coincide with the anniversary and service, we have released a commemorative coin recognising those who served and acknowledging the lasting impact of service on veterans and families of veterans.
The non-monetary commemorative coin is intended as a keepsake, similar to a Defence challenge coin, and will be available at the service to all attendees.
Those unable to attend in person can register to receive a commemorative coin by post or collect from DVA offices following the service.
We invite Australians, especially veterans and those with a personal connection to veterans of the war in Afghanistan, to share a personal reflection on our virtual Wall of Remembrance. The Wall is an evolving tribute where the veteran community can reflect on and share what remembrance means to them.
Airfield Defence Guard at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Image courtesy of the Australian Department of Defence.