Archive · 1 Aug 2025
U.S., Australia Hold Joint Military Exercise in Papua New Guinea
The United States and Australia are having their first joint military training in Papua New Guinea, practicing disaster response and survival skills.
This exercise is part of a larger series called Talisman Sabre, which usually happens in Australia.
The U.S. now has access to a major PNG seaport because of a recent agreement.
China is also interested in increasing its military ties with Papua New Guinea, having provided infrastructure loans in the past.
U.S. and Australia conduct first joint military exercise in Papua New Guinea.
Exercises focus on disaster recovery and survival across seven PNG regions.
Talisman Sabre exercises previously took place in Australia with 19 participating countries.
The U.S. gained access to Lae's major seaport through a 2023 defense deal.
China seeks to deepen military cooperation with PNG.
- Who
- U.S., Australian, and PNG forces
- What
- Joint U.S. and Australian military exercise
- When
- Occurring this week, with closing ceremony on Monday
- Where
- Papua New Guinea, across 500 km of northern coast
- Why
- To test combined capabilities, enhance security, and implement defense agreement.
United States and Allies
China
Strategic Influence in PNG
United States and Allies
Emphasize security and cooperation through military exercises and defense deals.
China
China seeks to deepen military cooperation and offer infrastructure support.
- Exercise Name
- Talisman Sabre
- Location
- Papua New Guinea
- Participating Countries
- U.S., Australia, PNG
- U.S. - PNG Defense Deal
- 2023
- PNG Prime Minister
- James Marape
- Key Site
- Lombrum Naval Base