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USINDOPACOM Statement

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Photo By: MCC Smith

VIRIN: 250310-N-N0132-1001

Following three weeks of intensive training and high-end warfighting scenarios across Australia, and complex training exercises in Papua New Guinea, more than 40,000 military personnel from 19 participating nations and two observer nations will return home. 

Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral combined training activity conducted between the Australian Defence Force and the United States Armed Forces. It reflects the strength of the enduring Alliance and our commitment to working with regional partners.

The final activity of Talisman Sabre 2025 saw personnel from Australia, the United States and Papua New Guinea’s defence forces come together to conduct a Joint Personnel Recovery activity across several training locations between Lae and Wewak in Papua New Guinea.

This successfully demonstrated how our three nations can work together to safely recover our people.
 
Marking the first time an Exercise Talisman Sabre component has been held outside Australia, this activity is a powerful demonstration of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s capabilities, and Australia and the United States’ growing interoperability with Pacific partners.

Further highlights of Talisman Sabre in Australia include:

• The first live firing of the Australian M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), including using the Precision Strike Missile.
• A successful land to sea engagement of the United States Mid-Range Capability (MRC) using an SM-6 missile against a maritime target.
• Participation of the United Kingdom-led Carrier Strike Group, representing the first time a non-US aircraft carrier has been involved in Talisman Sabre.
• A long-distance Joint Force Entry Operation that deployed 335 United States Army paratroopers from the 11th Airborne Division from Alaska to Charters Towers alongside French and German paratroopers.
• Large-scale amphibious operations involving forces from Australia, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Conducted biennially since 2005, Exercise Talisman Sabre is a major undertaking for all participating nations and demonstrates our combined capability to achieve large-scale operational outcomes.

Quotes attributable to Admiral David Johnston AC RAN, Chief of the Defence Force:

“Exercise Talisman Sabre reflects a shared commitment to enduring relationships between trusted allies and partners, and a peaceful, stable and sovereign Indo-Pacific.

“This year’s iteration has shown how Australia can integrate closely with international partners and positively impact how we respond to a rapidly evolving strategic environment.

“Australia and PNG have a long history of standing shoulder-to-shoulder to respond to security challenges in our region and share a mutual understanding that we are stronger, safer and more resilient when we work together.

“We thank the participating nations for their contributions to the largest Exercise Talisman Sabre ever, and in making it an invaluable training opportunity for all involved.”

Quotes attributable to Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command:

“Over the course of this year’s exercise, we achieved remarkable milestones—refining joint operational capabilities, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and enhancing our ability to conduct complex land, air, amphibious, and maritime operations seamlessly. 

“These accomplishments reflect the distinct professionalism of the combined force and our shared commitment to advancing security, freedom, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific. 

“As we look ahead to potential challenges, Talisman Sabre is a testament to our readiness to respond united in purpose and action."

Quotes attributable to Rear Admiral Philip Polewara DMS CBE, Chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force:

“Papua New Guinea has been proud to host a component of Exercise Talisman Sabre in our 50th year of Independence.

“It has been an opportunity to demonstrate both the strength of our defence partnership with Australia and the United States, and the skills and capabilities of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

“Working in partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region.

“This Exercise ensures regional stability, strengthened partnership and capacity building. The lessons learnt will be carried forward in the spirit of cooperation.”

MEDIA NOTE:
Media can access imagery of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 at: https://images.defence.gov.au/S20250730

MEDIA CONTACT

Defence Media: media@defence.gov.au

Issued by Defence, Canberra, ACT