CSG25 takes part in massive Australian-led exercise with one ultimate goal: no war

A massive multinational exercise hosted by Australia and involving Carrier Strike Group 25 is now under way.

Exercise Talisman Sabre is the largest and most sophisticated warfighting exercise ever conducted in Australia.

Over the next three weeks, more than 35,000 military personnel from Australia and partnering nations will deploy across Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales and Christmas Island.

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And for the first time, activities will also be conducted outside of Australia in Papua New Guinea.

In addition to Australia, forces from the UK, the United States, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Tonga will join as partners.

Malaysia and Vietnam will also attend as observers.

This year's exercise will consist of live-fire exercises and field training activities, incorporating force preparation activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, and air combat and maritime operations.

It will also feature a range of new Australian Defence Force capabilities, including UH-60M Black Hawks and the Precision Strike Missile.

The exercise officially commenced following an opening ceremony on board HMAS Adelaide attended by Australia's Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones.

Talisman Sabre 2025 unites more than 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations, and provides an opportunity to train together across the sea, land, air, space and cyber domains.

"Exercise Talisman Sabre remains a powerful demonstration of Australia's enduring commitment to strengthening relationships between trusted allies and partners, in support of a peaceful, stable and sovereign Indo-Pacific," said VAdm Jones.

"Defence appreciates the support of the community for our essential training.

"Throughout planning to execution we have been conducting site surveys and meetings with state authorities, traditional owners and key stakeholders to inform a safe and productive exercise for all participating nations."

Lieutenant General Joel B Vowell, Deputy Commanding General US Army Pacific, was also at the ceremony on board HMAS Adelaide.

He said: "Exercises like Talisman Sabre allow us to employ war-winning capabilities, operate in critical locations, signal our multinational resolve and galvanise our collective will.

"This is how we generate deterrence and work towards our ultimate goal: no war."