The latest iteration of Australia’s largest war-fighting drills Exercise Talisman Sabre has officially commenced, strengthening regional security.
The bilateral-planned, multilaterally conducted military training event between Australia and the US will take place from 13 July to 4 August 2025 and will feature more than 35,000 personnel from 19 countries.
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In addition to the US forces, participating nations are Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga and the UK.
Malaysia and Vietnam will be present as observer nations.
Royal Australian Navy joint operations Chief Vice-Admiral Justin Jones stated: “Exercise Talisman Sabre remains a powerful demonstration of Australia’s enduring commitment to strengthening relationships between trusted allies and partners, in support of a peaceful, stable and sovereign Indo-Pacific.
“Defence appreciates the support of the community for our essential training, throughout planning to execution we have been conducting site surveys and meetings with state authorities, traditional owners and key stakeholders to inform a safe and productive exercise for all participating nations.”
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By GlobalDataMilitary personnel will be deployed throughout Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Christmas Island.
The 2025 exercise extends beyond Australian territory with activities planned in Papua New Guinea for the first time.
These will include live-fire exercises and field training with force preparation activities.
Participants will engage in amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, air combat and maritime operations.
The exercise will also introduce new capabilities of the Australian Defence Force such as UH-60M Black Hawks helicopters and precision strike missiles.
US Army Pacific Deputy Commanding General Lieutenant General Joel Vowell stated: “Exercises like Talisman Sabre allow us to employ war-winning capabilities, operate in critical locations, signal our multinational resolve and galvanise our collective will. This is how we generate deterrence and work towards our ultimate goal: no war.
“Together, we are building tactical trust, practising our operational manoeuvres and reaffirming our strategic commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
