Following the coming into effect of the Five-Power Defence Arrangements in November 1971, the forces of the external powers were reconstituted as follows:

Australia

2 squadrons of about 40 Mirage fighter aircraft based at Butterworth, Malaysia (HQ of the IADS)

6–8 Mirages, drawn from the above 40, based at Tengah (Singapore)

1 infantry battalion in Singapore

1 destroyer or frigate and 1 submarine in rotation with the UK

New Zealand

1 infantry battalion in Singapore

1 frigate

Transport aircraft and a contribution of HQ and logistical personnel to the IADS

Occasional deployment of air units

Britain

1 infantry battalion in Singapore

Up to 6 frigates

Up to 4 Nimrod maritime reconnaissance aircraft

1 squadron of Whirlwind helicopters

Combat units, ships and aircraft on visits

1 submarine in rotation with Australia

The combined Australian, New Zealand and United Kingdom (ANZUK) force totalled 7,000 men, of whom about 3,300 were Australians, 4,150 New Zealanders and 2,550 British. These forces were the direct responsibility of the ANZUK Commander, who was answerable to the Chiefs of Staff of the three external powers in accordance with the directives approved by their governments.

Within a year of the establishment of these forces, a change of government in Australia was to result in a fundamental alteration to the existing well-balanced force structure. In late 1972 the ALP under Gough Whitlam won office after years in the political wilderness.