The largest military exercise ever, Talisman Sabre 2025, began on Monday in Sydney, Australia. More than 35,000 soldiers from 19 countries are training together. The Australian Defence Ministry said troops from Australia, the U.S., and many partner nations are taking part.
Talisman Sabre first started in 2005 as a small training exercise between the U.S. and Australia. Now, it has grown into a major international event. This year is the 11th time the exercise is happening, and it is the biggest one yet.
The opening ceremony took place on the Australian navy ship HMAS Adelaide in Sydney. After the ceremony, soldiers moved to different training areas across Australia, including Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Some exercises will also happen in Papua New Guinea for the first time. Malaysia and Vietnam are watching as observers.
Along with Australia and the U.S., other countries joining include Canada, Japan, South Korea, India, France, Germany, and the UK. Smaller nations like Fiji, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea are also participating.
For the next three weeks, soldiers will practice different war skills. They will do live shooting drills, land and sea attacks, air battles, and naval missions. They will also train in space and cyber warfare.
Australian Vice Admiral Justin Jones said the exercise helps countries work together better. He said it shows Australia’s strong friendships with other nations and its commitment to peace in the Indo-Pacific. He also thanked local communities and Indigenous groups for supporting the training.
U.S. Lieutenant General Joel B. Vowell said the exercise proves the strength and teamwork of the countries involved. He said training together builds trust and shows their shared goal of keeping the Indo-Pacific region safe and free.
With so many nations working together, Talisman Sabre 2025 is not just about military skills—it’s also about building stronger friendships between countries.