Australia has launched its largest-ever military exercise, Talisman Sabre, involving over 35,000 troops from 19 countries, including Canada, France, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, and others.
For the first time, the Australian Army deployed the HIMARS long-range rocket system during live-fire exercises in Shoalwater Bay, Queensland.
Army official Nick Wilson stated:
“Today marks the first time the Australian Army has fired live rounds using our long-range precision fire platforms — the HIMARS. It’s an extraordinary day.”
Malaysia and Vietnam are also participating as observers, and for the first time, parts of the exercise will be conducted in Papua New Guinea, Australia’s closest neighbor.
The exercise officially began on Sunday with a ceremony in Sydney and is expected to draw the attention of Chinese spy ships, as regional military dynamics intensify.
