Australia has officially launched Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, its largest military exercise to date. The event began with an opening ceremony aboard HMAS Adelaide, the Department of Defence confirmed.
Now in its 11th edition, Talisman Sabre has become the most complex and wide-reaching defence exercise in Australian history.
Over the next three weeks, more than 35,000 troops from Australia and its partners will conduct training operations. These will take place across Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Christmas Island. For the first time, exercises will also extend into Papua New Guinea.
Broader international involvement and enhanced capabilities
The training includes forces from 18 countries, such as the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and India. Meanwhile, Malaysia and Vietnam are taking part as observers.
Participants will carry out live-fire drills, amphibious landings, field training, and air and maritime operations. Additionally, Australia will introduce new capabilities, including the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and Precision Strike Missiles.
Canberra clarifies defence policy amid Taiwan Concerns
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy stated that any decision to commit troops to future conflicts will rest with the government in office at the time. He made this clear in response to recent reports suggesting the US had asked Australia and Japan about their roles in the event of a conflict over Taiwan.
According to The Financial Times, US defence officials, including Elbridge Colby, have been encouraging allies to prepare for possible regional tensions. On social media, Colby noted that the US continues to follow former President Donald Trump’s “America First” strategy. This approach focuses on strengthening deterrence and urging allies to contribute more to collective defence.
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province. In contrast, Taiwan maintains it is self-governing and rejects Beijing’s claims.
