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Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 has officially ended with a closing ceremony in Lae, Papua New Guinea.
The 11th iteration of the exercise ended after three weeks of intensive training and high-end warfighting scenarios across Australia on 4 August this year.
More than 40,000 military personnel from 19 nations took part in the training exercises as well as two observer nations, including for the first time, training in Papua New Guinea.
The final activity of Talisman Sabre 2025 saw personnel from Australia, the United States and Papua New Guinea’s defence forces conduct a Joint Personnel Recovery activity across several training locations between Lae and Wewak in Papua New Guinea.
“Exercise Talisman Sabre reflects a shared commitment to enduring relationships between trusted allies and partners, and a peaceful, stable and sovereign Indo-Pacific,” said Admiral David Johnston AC RAN, Chief of the Defence Force.
“This year’s iteration has shown how Australia can integrate closely with international partners and positively impact how we respond to a rapidly evolving strategic environment.
“Australia and PNG have a long history of standing shoulder to shoulder to respond to security challenges in our region and share a mutual understanding that we are stronger, safer and more resilient when we work together.
“We thank the participating nations for their contributions to the largest Exercise Talisman Sabre ever and in making it an invaluable training opportunity for all involved.”
The highlights from Talisman Sabre in Australia included the first live-firing of the Australian M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System using a Precision Strike Missile, successful land to sea engagement of the United States mid-range capability using an SM-6 missile against a maritime target and participation of the United Kingdom-led Carrier Strike Group, the first time a non-US aircraft carrier has been involved in Talisman Sabre.
It also included a long-distance Joint Force Entry Operation that deployed 335 United States Army paratroopers from the 11th Airborne Division from Alaska to Charters Towers alongside French and German paratroopers, as well as large-scale amphibious operations involving forces from Australia, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“Over the course of this year’s exercise, we achieved remarkable milestones – refining joint operational capabilities, integrating cutting-edge technologies and enhancing our ability to conduct complex land, air, amphibious and maritime operations seamlessly,” US Indo-Pacific Command Commander Admiral Samuel J Paparo said.
“These accomplishments reflect the distinct professionalism of the combined force and our shared commitment to advancing security, freedom and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.
“As we look ahead to potential challenges, Talisman Sabre is a testament to our readiness to respond united in purpose and action.”
Exercise Talisman Sabre has been conducted biennially since 2005 with participating nations demonstrating combined capability to achieve large-scale operational outcomes.
“Papua New Guinea has been proud to host a component of Exercise Talisman Sabre in our 50th year of independence,” said Rear Admiral Philip Polewara DMS CBE, Chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
“It has been an opportunity to demonstrate both the strength of our defence partnership with Australia and the United States, and the skills and capabilities of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
“Working in partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region.
“This exercise ensures regional stability, strengthened partnership and capacity building. The lessons learnt will be carried forward in the spirit of cooperation.”
