PNG joins major defence exercise as Talisman Sabre expands into region

Papua New Guinea will play a key role in one of the world's largest military exercises, Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, which commenced in Australia this week and, for the first time, will extend into PNG territory.

Now in its 11th edition, the exercise has brought together more than 35,000 personnel from 19 countries, marking the most extensive display of regional defence cooperation ever hosted by Australia and now, by PNG as well.

PNG's inclusion in the active field components of Talisman Sabre highlights the country’s growing importance in Indo-Pacific security efforts. The exercise will see allied forces conduct joint training not only across several Australian states but also in select locations within PNG, further deepening defence ties between Port Moresby, Canberra, and Washington.

Personnel from the PNG Defence Force [PNGDF] are participating alongside military forces from the United States, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom. Malaysia and Vietnam are attending as observers.

The drills will span live-fire training, amphibious landings, air and sea manoeuvres, cyber operations, and field exercises, giving the PNGDF valuable exposure to international standards in joint operations and combat readiness.

It will also highlight new Australian Defence Force [ADF] capabilities, including the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and the Precision Strike Missile system.

“Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 unites more than 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations, and provides an unrivalled opportunity to train together across the sea, land, air, space and cyber domains,” Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones said.

“Exercise Talisman Sabre remains a powerful demonstration of Australia’s enduring commitment to strengthening relationships between trusted allies and partners, in support of a peaceful, stable and sovereign Indo-Pacific.”

Vice Admiral Jones acknowledged the vital support of local communities, traditional landowners, and state authorities throughout the planning and execution stages.

Lieutenant General Joel B. Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the significance of the exercise in projecting unity and strategic cooperation in the region.

“Exercises like Talisman Sabre allow us to employ war-winning capabilities, operate in critical locations, signal our multinational resolve, and galvanize our collective will,” Vowell said.

“Together, we are building tactical trust, practicing our operational maneuvers, and reaffirming our strategic commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. This is how we generate deterrence and work towards our ultimate goal: no war.”

Talisman Sabre 2025 will continue through the coming weeks, with participating nations demonstrating their combined readiness, interoperability, and shared commitment to regional peace and security.