Today, in Darwin, I (Minister for Defence: Kevin Andrews) will meet with personnel undertaking operations in Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2015 and see first-hand some of the impressive capabilities the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribute to the exercise.
Hosted in Darwin and running from 5-20 July, TALISMAN SABRE 2015 revolves around a series of Australian and United States military training exercises focused on the planning and conduct of mid-intensity to high-end war fighting.
The exercise is the principal Australian and United States (US) bilateral training activity.
The primary aim for the exercise is to improve Australian-US readiness and the way we operate together through combined training.
During my visit to Darwin I will see key elements of the exercise at HMAS Coonawarra, RAAF Base Darwin and Robertson Barracks.
This year’s exercise is particularly significant due to the involvement of about 40 members from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) who are working with US forces in the conduct of the Exercise.
A New Zealand contingent of over 500 personnel, including ships and aircraft are operating as part of the Australian forces.
The inclusion of the New Zealand and Japanese forces will enable the ADF to deepen its engagement with close defence partners in the region.
This year is the sixth time the Exercise has been conducted and involves around 30,000 Australian and US participants with planning and military operations at sea, in the air and on land.