Seven nations to conduct amphibious training on Exercise Talisman SabreTS21 in Australia.

The key focus of Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS21) is moving from land to sea, as forces from Australia, the United States, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the United Kingdom prepare for an action-packed amphibious phase. Activities will be concentrated around the Bowen and Ingham area between 23 and 31 July and will feature air operations, beach-landings, armoured vehicles, and urban operations.
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Australian Army soldier Private Luke Armstrong from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, provides window security during a role-playing scenario held at Bowen in Queensland, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021. (Picture source: Corporal Madhur Chitnis)

Commander Deployable Joint Force Headquarters, Major General Jake Ellwood, said the amphibious phase includes complex joint force manœuvres: “This is the culminating activity we’ve been working towards throughout the year. It’s the final test of our ability to operate as a joint force in a contested environment across land, sea, air, space and cyber,” Major General Ellwood said. “Around 20 ships and 60 aircraft will conduct war-at-sea training off the Queensland coast as part of a fictitious scenario.”

A beach landing in Ingham on 29 July will include Australian, United States, Japanese and British amphibious forces working together for the first time off the same ship. “This will be a big milestone for our forces, demonstrating the strength of our partnership,” Major General Ellwood said.

Exercise Director, Air Commodore Stuart Bellingham, said extensive consultation has taken place during the last year to prepare for this training: “TS21 wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support of the Queensland community,” Air Commodore Bellingham said. “This year might look a little different to previous iterations of Talisman Sabre. We have reduced the scale but increased the complexity, with some activities taking place at night.”

Bowen will see urban operations and troops embarking from the beach to HMAS Canberra between 23-26 July. Following several days of exercises at sea, forces will then land near Ingham on around 29 July and advance inland. “We are absolutely committed to a safe exercise and have strict control measures in place to protect the community and the participants,” Air Commodore Bellingham said.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 concludes on 31 July. Concurrent to the amphibious activities will be air and land exercises near Charters Towers, Townsville Field Training Area, and Evans Head Air Weapons Range.

U.S. Marines from 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, moves forward during an assault on Bowen Airport in Queensland on Exercise Talisman Sabre. (Picture source: Leading Aircraftwoman Jacqueline Forrester)