July 15, 2025
The 11th edition of the drill began on July 13, 2025, and involves over 35,000 military personnel
Exercises will span across five Australian regions and, for the first time, extend into Papua New Guinea
Participating countries include the US, UK, Japan, France, Germany, Indonesia, and others, with Malaysia and Vietnam joining as observers
The exercise includes live-fire drills, amphibious landings, air combat, and maritime operations
India has joined 18 other nations in Talisman Sabre 2025, a major bilateral military exercise led by Australia that commenced on Sunday, July 13. Now in its 11th iteration, the drill is the largest and most complex warfighting exercise ever held in Australia, according to the country’s Department of Defence.
Over the next three weeks, more than 35,000 military personnel will operate across multiple Australian states, including Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Christmas Island. This marks a first: Papua New Guinea will also host a part of the exercise, expanding the drill’s geographical scope beyond Australia.
Apart from India, participating countries include the United States, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom. Malaysia and Vietnam are attending as observers.
The 2025 edition features a wide array of activities, including live-fire exercises, amphibious landings, field manoeuvres, and integrated air and maritime combat operations. It also highlights the introduction of advanced Australian Defence Force (ADF) capabilities, such as the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and Precision Strike Missiles.
The opening ceremony was held at Garden Island in Sydney, with Vice-Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations of the Royal Australian Navy, and Lieutenant General Joel B. Vowell, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific, officiating the event.
Source: The Hindu