Australia
Practice Relating to Rule 8. Definition of Military Objectives
Section D. Weapons and weapon systems
Australia’s LOAC Manual (2006) gives “enemy armed forces and their military weapons” as examples of military objectives.
In its chapter on “Maritime Operations”, the manual states: “Merchant vessels and civil aircraft are civilian objects unless they are military objectives”.
In its chapter on “Air Operations”, the manual states: “Enemy military aircraft may be attacked and destroyed in any airspace other than neutral airspace”.
The LOAC Manual replaces both the Defence Force Manual (1994) and the Commanders’ Guide (1994).