Talisman Sabre 2025, the largest military exercise in Australia’s history, commenced in Sydney on Monday, bringing together over 35,000 troops from 19 countries, including the US, India, Japan, and the UK.

Initially a bilateral drill between the US and Australia in 2005, Talisman Sabre has grown into a multi-nation joint operation across air, sea, land, space, and cyber domains. The opening ceremony took place aboard the HMAS Adelaide at Garden Island.

Over the next three weeks, participating forces will engage in exercises across Queensland, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Christmas Island. For the first time, operations will also extend beyond Australia to Papua New Guinea, while Malaysia and Vietnam will attend as observers.

According to Australia’s Department of Defence, TS25 will include live-fire drills, amphibious landings, force preparation, ground manoeuvres, air combat, and maritime operations. It marks the 11th and largest iteration of the Talisman Sabre series.

Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations, said the exercise strengthens joint readiness and reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific. “This is an unrivalled opportunity to train together with trusted partners,” he noted.

US Army Pacific’s Deputy Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Joel B. Vowell, called the drill a “powerful demonstration of combined strength, interoperability, and trust” among Indo-Pacific allies. He emphasized that the exercise enhances tactical coordination and strategic resolve among nations that support a secure regional order.

The Defence Ministry thanked local communities, traditional landowners, and state authorities for their support, citing ongoing collaboration to ensure the exercise is safe, productive, and respectful of all stakeholders.