Australia and the United States are preparing for Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2015, the largest combined military exercise undertaken by the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The exercise, scheduled to take place early to mid July 2015, is the principal Australia and United States (US) bilateral training activity focussed on the planning and conduct of mid-intensity ‘high-end’ warfighting.
Defence forces from New Zealand and Japan will join the exercise this year.
Australia’s Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral David Johnston, said the inclusion of the New Zealand and Japanese forces would enable the ADF to deepen its engagement with close defence partners in the region but did not change the bilateral nature of the exercise between Australia and the United States.
“The primary aim of the exercise remains improving Australia-US readiness and the way we operate together through combined training,” VADM Johnston said.
About 40 members from the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) will work with US forces in the conduct of the exercise. A New Zealand contingent of over 500 personnel, including ships and aircraft, will operate as part of the Australian forces.
“There will also be a broader International Observer program with participation from foreign officials,” VADM Johnston said.
“While Exercise TALISMAN SABRE remains Australia’s premier bilateral exercise with the United States, it provides an excellent opportunity for the ADF to practice operating with the New Zealand Defence Force and JSDF in a realistic training environment.”