ADF teams to take part in Exercise Keen Sword with Japanese, US personnel

According to Commander of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC, RAN, Australia has been a proud participant in the exercise since 2022.

“Exercise Keen Sword will test critical capabilities required to respond to a crisis or contingency in the region,” VADM Jones said in a statement.

“Our involvement with this exercise reinforces the importance of collective security and the strength of our defence engagement with Japan, the US and like-minded regional partners.”

Approximately 45,000 Japanese and 11,000 US personnel, 40 vessels and 260 aircraft will take part in the exercise, with Australia invited alongside Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the Philippines.

The ADF contingent consists of specialist cyber and space teams, an RAAF P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, and the Anzac Class frigate HMAS Stuart. Exercise control staff and other ADF personnel will embed within Japanese and American units.

“Japan is an indispensable partner for achieving regional peace and prosperity, and Defence supports efforts that contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” VADM Jones said.

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The Commander of the Australian Contingent for Exercise Keen Sword, Squadron Leader Peter Doyle, said the exercise “occurs at a time our defence cooperation is at a high watermark with Japan and the US, building out the experience and familiarity of our people to deploy alongside Japan and the US”.

“We bring extensive experience with maritime and air cooperation with Japan and the United States, and expanding to space and cyber capabilities will further enhance our interoperability,” SQNLDR Doyle said.

“That experience of moving people and capabilities across the Indo-Pacific and working in a complex and dynamic scenario such as in Exercise Keen Sword ensures we’re prepared to respond to future challenges.”