PNGDF to join other 19 countries in Exercise Talisman 2025 activities

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force [PNGDF] will join over 30,000 military personnel from 19 nations to participate in the 11th Exercise Talisman Sabre activities across Australia, from 13 July to 4th August 2025 which will be hosted by Australia.

Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral combined training activity between the Australian Defense Force and the United States military, reflecting the closeness of the Alliance.

This year’s activities will focus on multi-domain warfighting. Key activities will include amphibious and airborne lodgments, firepower demonstrations, and combat across land, air, sea, space and cyber domains.

The activities are scheduled to take place right across the country, including Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, New South Wales and on Christmas Island.

For the first time ever, Papua New Guinea will also host an activity, highlighting the growing capabilities and interoperability with Pacific partners as Papua New Guinea marks its 50th Anniversary of Independence.

Other participating partner nations include 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. Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam will also attend as observers.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones said Talisman Sabre demonstrates Australia’s enduring Alliance with the United States, through deepening cooperation in training and force integration.

“It is a key opportunity to work with our partners from across the region and around the globe, demonstrating our combined capability to achieve large-scale operational outcomes together.

“As well as welcoming the largest ever contingent of partner nations, Australia is also excited to be holding part of this year’s exercise in Papua New Guinea.

“This is an important demonstration of the deepening integration between Australia and Papua New Guinea’s Defence Forces,” Admiral Justin Jones said.

Talisman Sabre Exercise Director Brigadier Damian Hill said this year’s exercise will demonstrate Australia’s ability to receive large volumes of personnel and equipment into Australia from across the Indo-Pacific, to stage, integrate and move them forward into the large exercise area.

“Considerable planning has gone into a safe and productive exercise for all participants.

“Talisman Sabre 2025 will be held across a range of Defence and non-Defence training areas throughout northern Australia. I thank the traditional owners, landowners, state authorities, and key community stakeholders who have helped us develop a safe and productive exercise for all participating nations.”