Talisman Sabre 2025, the largest joint military exercise ever conducted in Australia, commenced on Monday with more than 35,000 troops from 19 countries participating. The expansive operation underscores growing international defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, with activities spanning land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains.
Originally a bilateral exercise between Australia and the United States, the drill has since grown into a multinational show of strength. The opening ceremony was held aboard HMAS Adelaide at Sydney’s Garden Island naval base.
Over the next three weeks, military forces will deploy across Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Christmas Island, with operations also extending into Papua New Guinea for the first time.
“Talisman Sabre provides an unrivalled opportunity to train together. It is a powerful demonstration of Australia’s enduring commitment to strengthen alliances and partnerships in support of a peaceful, stable, and sovereign Indo-Pacific,” said Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations at the Australian Defence Force.
Multinational Participation
Participating nations include Australia, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Fiji, Norway, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga. Malaysia and Vietnam are attending as observers.
“Together, we are building tactical trust and reaffirming our strategic commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Lieutenant General Joel B. Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Pacific.
Scope of Operations
The 11th edition of the Talisman Sabre exercise will include:
- Live fire drills
- Amphibious landings
- Air and maritime combat simulations
- Ground force manoeuvres
- Cybersecurity and space-based operations
The Australian Ministry of Defence emphasized that extensive planning was undertaken with local authorities, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders to ensure a safe and effective training environment.
“Defence appreciates the support of the community throughout planning and execution,” Jones added.
The exercise is seen as a critical platform to enhance interoperability, coordination, and strategic deterrence among allies and partners in a complex global security environment.
–Input IANS
