British forces in largest joint training exercise with US and Australian troops

04 August 2023 , 19:02

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Brit, far left, joins ‘attack’ in Aussie desert

Troops have taken part in the biggest joint military exercise between British, Australian and US forces.

Royal Marines joined the two allies and 10 other nations for Exercise Talisman Sabre to practise storming sea defences. Operations in and off Australia involved our troops defending the Indo-Pacific region. It comes amid fears China is becoming increasingly aggressive towards Taiwan and threats from North Korea.

Exercise Talisman Sabre, which began on July 22 and ended yesterday, aims to boost land, sea, and air forces’ ability to go into combat with other nations. More than 34,000 troops joined the 10th version of the exercise involving Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Korea and Tonga. It was the UK largest’s contribution to Talisman Sabre, and involved 150 Navy, Army and RAF troops.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region is essential. He added: “Exercise Talisman Sabre demonstrates the UK’s commitment to the region and strength of our ties with allies.” As part of the war games, UK marines boarded HMAS Adelaide, Australia’s largest warship, overseen by Captain Phillipa Hay, and conducted ship to shore landings.

UK soldier with ammo

A British soldier joined an artillery team firing rounds at an “enemy” in the Australian desert. A Royal Artillery Gunner was seen with local soldiers carrying M777A2 Howitzer ammunition in the Shoalwater Bay training area of Central Queensland.

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Major Aran Sandiford, commanding officer of the Commando Forces, said the opportunity for UK commandos to develop shared tactics with specialist forces is invaluable. In Western Australia, a team from the RAF Support Force based at RAF Wittering, Cambs, provided logistical support.

Sadly, during Exercise Talisman Sabre four Australian Army soldiers died after a helicopter was lost at sea last Friday. UK troops helped in the rescue effort.

Chris Hughes