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Australian Defence Force personnel are attending the launch of Exercise Bersama Shield 2025 as the military affirms its role as an active security partner in the Indo-Pacific.
Over the next two weeks, ADF sailors, soldiers and aviators will work alongside military forces from Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK to undertake scenarios focused on the defence of Malaysia and Singapore, across multiple domains.
The annual exercise, held in and around Malaysia, provides an opportunity for Five Power Defence Arrangements partners to strengthen professional relationships by improving interoperability in a high-end warfighting environment.
The exercise involves approximately 230 ADF personnel, including a Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan and guided missile destroyer HMAS Sydney.
Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, RAN, said Exercise Bersama Shield was an important opportunity for Australia to exercise with Southeast Asian and regional partners.
“Exercise Bersama Shield provides us the opportunity to exercise in a contemporary and complex environment,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
“This exercise will improve our integration and joint operations while making a meaningful contribution to security in our region.”
Australia has continued to invest in the Five Power Defence Arrangements since their establishment in 1971.
The arrangements are the only multilateral defensive arrangements of their kind in South-East Asia and are Australia’s longest-standing regional security mechanism.
