What is the Largest Military Exercise Ever Held with 19 Countries and 35,000 Troops in Australia?

Canberra, July 14 (NationPress) The Talisman Sabre 2025, marking the largest military exercise in history, commenced in Sydney on Monday, uniting more than 35,000 troops from Australia, the United States, and various allied nations, as stated by the Australian Ministry of Defence.

Initially launched in 2005, Talisman Sabre began as a bilateral military training event between Australia and the US.

This year, over 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations gathered in Sydney, Australia, to kick off the exercises following an opening ceremony aboard the HMAS Adelaide, an Australian naval vessel, at Garden Island.

The US Embassy in Australia reported that during the next three weeks, military forces from Australia and allied countries will be deployed across regions including Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Christmas Island.

For the first time, activities will extend beyond Australia, with participation from Papua New Guinea and observer roles for Malaysia and Vietnam, according to the US Embassy.

Alongside the US and Australia, military forces from 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 United Kingdom will participate as partners in this military exercise.

The Australian Ministry of Defence confirmed that Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25) is the 11th and largest iteration of the exercise, featuring a live firing exercise and field training exercises that will include force preparation activities, amphibious landings, ground force maneuvers, and operations in air combat and maritime domains.

According to Vice Admiral Justin Jones, the Australian Chief of Joint Operations, Talisman Sabre offers an unmatched opportunity for joint training across various domains: sea, land, air, space, and cyber.

He added, “It remains a strong demonstration of Australia’s ongoing commitment to enhancing relationships with trusted allies and partners for a peaceful, stable, and sovereign Indo-Pacific.”

He also expressed gratitude for community support throughout the planning and execution phases, stating that site surveys and consultations with state authorities, traditional owners, and stakeholders have been conducted to ensure a safe and effective exercise for all involved nations.

Lieutenant General Joel B. Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Pacific, emphasized that Talisman Sabre 2025 showcases the combined strength, trust, interoperability, and readiness across the Indo-Pacific region.

He asserted, “Together, we are building tactical trust, rehearsing our operational maneuvers, and reaffirming our strategic commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”