Papua New Guinea Hosts Key Segment of Australia’s Major Military Exercise

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is set to make history by hosting a significant portion of Australia’s largest military exercise, Exercise Talisman Sabre. This event, which commenced on July 13, 2023, involves over 30,000 personnel from 19 countries, including participants from PNG, Fiji, and Tonga. The exercise encompasses various military operations such as live-fire drills, air combat, and maritime maneuvers, including amphibious landings aimed at enhancing regional security.

According to defence expert Anna Powles from Massey University, the inclusion of PNG in this exercise reflects a strategic shift towards “building deterrence” in the increasingly tense Indo-Pacific region. In an interview with Pacific Waves, Powles noted that the exercise is occurring during a time of “unprecedented geopolitical tensions.” She emphasized that countries like Australia and the United States view the Indo-Pacific as a potential conflict zone in the near future.

The significance of Exercise Talisman Sabre was underscored by a recent report from the Financial Times, which highlighted inquiries from Elbridge Colby, a US defence official, regarding the roles Australia and Japan might assume in the event of a conflict between the US and China over Taiwan. In response, Australia’s Acting Defence Minister Pat Conroy stated that he would not engage in hypothetical discussions or disclose confidential dialogues concerning military strategies.

The involvement of PNG in such a major exercise marks a pivotal moment for Pacific nations, illustrating a growing trend of collaboration among regional defence forces. Powles pointed out that the participation of smaller Pacific militaries, including those from PNG, Tonga, and Fiji, reflects an increasing desire to strengthen regional capabilities and interoperability. She noted that these nations also take part in New Zealand’s Exercise Southern Katipo, further solidifying their roles in multinational military training.

Traditionally, the defence forces of Australia and New Zealand have maintained strong relationships with their Pacific counterparts. The integration of PNG into Exercise Talisman Sabre signifies a commitment to enhancing these ties and fostering a united front in addressing regional security challenges. Overall, the exercise not only enhances military readiness but also reinforces diplomatic relationships among Pacific nations, laying the groundwork for future cooperation in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics.