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Australian defence industry firms have, for the first time, taken part in Exercise Talisman Sabre, the nation’s largest military exercise, demonstrating advanced homegrown capabilities to international partners.
As part of the Industry and Defence Science and Technology Showcase, held at Gallipoli Barracks in Queensland on 15 July, selected Australian companies joined international counterparts in presenting cutting-edge technologies and innovations to senior defence officials, military leaders and ministers from more than 19 participating nations.
Michael Howell, first assistant secretary of the industry engagement division within Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, said the involvement of Australian industry reflected the growing importance of partnerships in delivering advanced defence capabilities.
“Partnerships with industry, academia and our international allies enable game-changing ideas and cutting-edge science to be turned into real-world capabilities that give our sailors, soldiers and aviators a competitive edge,” Howell said.
“A strong Australian defence industry is essential to delivering and sustaining the capabilities Defence depends on to ensure national security.”
The participation of local companies in this year’s Talisman Sabre aligns with the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the newly released Defence Industry Development Strategy, which sets out the government’s plan to build a more resilient, sovereign industrial base capable of delivering at speed and scale.
“Defence industry participation in exercises like Talisman Sabre supports the government’s broader objectives by building links between Australian businesses and trusted international partners,” Howell said.
“Australian defence exports not only help build the capacity and sovereignty of allied militaries, they also improve interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and strengthen bilateral relationships through industry-to-industry collaboration.”
The Department of Defence has signalled that it will continue to expand industry involvement in future exercises, highlighting the importance of hands-on engagement in shaping Defence’s future capability requirements.
The 11th iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre ran from 13 July to 4 August 2025, bringing together more than 19 nations in a complex program of military training across multiple domains, including land, sea, air, cyber and space.
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