iscover
A US Army–Australian Defence Force combined air and missile headquarters has been established during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.
The collaboration is between staff from 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery.
The combined headquarters is designed to enhance interoperability and refine air defence tactics within high-end warfighting scenario.
“Our team is deeply committed to fostering a strong and collaborative relationship with our ADF counterparts,” 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Commander Colonel Joseph Scott said.
“Talisman Sabre provides an invaluable opportunity to learn from each other, refine our tactics and build the trust essential for effective combined operations.
“This exercise provides a critical opportunity to prepare for potential real-world scenarios.”
The 38th ADA Brigade staff contribute to the exercise by sharing expertise in integrated air and missile defence planning, command and control procedures, and emerging air defence technologies.
The headquarters identified best practices, addressed potential challenges and strengthened the combined ability of US and Australian forces to operate seamlessly together in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The biggest opportunity that has presented itself has been the development of combined multi-echelon air and missile defence interoperability,” said Captain Chad Brasfield, brigade battle captain.
“This captures a multifaceted problem set which includes validating the ability to share data as well as the ability to battle track multiple air defence systems in a combined environment under one combined air and missile defence headquarters.”
The 38th ADA Brigade’s logistics team has established joint supply nodes, utilised digital tracking systems and coordinated maintenance with ADF counterparts to keep air defence units fuelled, armed and ready for the exercise.
“The Combined Air and Missile Defence Headquarters established for Talisman Sabre 25 shows how close allies can operate,” said Major Mick Parry, commander of Operations Support Battery, 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, 10th Brigade, Australian Army.
“It’s not just about interoperability, it’s about trust, shared purpose, and integrated decision making. In an increasingly contested and complex security environment, our strength lies in unity.”
