5 May 2025
Australia’s largest military exercise will be making its international debut, with Papua New Guinea hosting elements of Exercise Talisman Sabre 25.
Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones made the announcement during a visit to Igam Barracks in Lae, PNG, on April 23.
It will be the first time in 11 iterations and 22 years that part of the exercise will take place overseas.
“It’s indicative of the relationship we have with Papua New Guinea, and in this year of the 50th anniversary of independence for Papua New Guinea,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
Joint activities between PNG Defence Force (PNGDF), Australian Defence Force and United States forces will take place between Wewak, Madang and Lae, including the official closing ceremony at Igam Barracks.
While in PNG, Vice Admiral Jones met with Chief of the PNGDF Rear Admiral Philip Polewara at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby.
Vice Admiral Jones also helped unveil the newly refurbished National Surveillance Coordination Centre (NSCC) at HMPNGS Basilisk.
“The bedrock of maritime security is knowing and understanding what’s going on in your sovereign waters and the surrounding regions,” he said.
“I congratulate Papua New Guinea on instituting this national surveillance centre that will allow it to do that and make the decisions that count to safeguard economic prosperity.”
'The bedrock of maritime security is knowing and understanding what’s going on in your sovereign waters and the surrounding regions.'
Renovations were completed as part of the Australia-PNG Defence Cooperation Program.
The NSCC provides a venue for PNGDF, PNG fisheries, customs, police and other agencies to work together in maritime-domain awareness.
On the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, Vice Admiral Jones represented the ADF at the memorial service at Bomana War Cemetery on Anzac Day.
While Australian forces fought across the globe during World War 2, their most important battle was one closest to home.
Soldiers, sailors and aviators stood as the last line of defence against the Japanese advance in the jungles, oceans and skies of New Guinea. However, they did not stand alone.
More than 3300 Australians are buried in the Port Moresby cemetery, alongside 40 fallen soldiers of the Papuan Infantry Battalion.
“When you look at the history of the Kokoda trail campaign and then wander the neat rows of graves at the war cemetery, you realise what a privilege the experience is. It’s very evocative,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
“We also remember the Papuan civilians who carried supplies to the front lines and evacuated wounded soldiers back through the mountains.
“Their kindness, bravery and compassion were pivotal to the survival of many Australians. They too are part of the Anzac story.”
