40,000 troops from 19 countries including Korea begin large-scale joint exercise in Australia

[Financial News]  The large-scale joint exercise 'Talisman Sabre 2025', involving 19 countries including Korea, began on the 14th in northern Australia.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the exercise, conducted every two years, aims to curb China's expansion in the Asia-Pacific region and build a united front, with self-propelled artillery, multiple launch rockets, and drones to be deployed over the next three weeks.
This year's exercise, marking its 11th iteration, is the largest ever, with approximately 40,000 troops from 19 countries, including Korea, the United States, Japan, the Philippines, India, and European countries, participating.
On the first day, Korean tanks and self-propelled artillery, Japan's surface-to-air missile systems, Australian and American artillery, and US F-35 fighter jets were deployed, while the US, Singapore, and Australian forces conducted HIMARS rocket artillery firing.
Australian Navy Vice Admiral Justin Jones stated that Talisman Sabre, involving 19 countries, pursues a common goal for a stable, free, and open Indo-Pacific region and adheres to international law.
China, which has been strengthening its military power, conducted firing exercises not only around Japan but also in the waters near Australia and is expected to conduct surveillance activities during this exercise.
In response to China's military buildup, the US has been dispersing its forces to enhance mobility.
As the likelihood of conflict increases, the scale and precision of joint exercises like Talisman Sabre are growing.
With the importance of drones highlighted by the Ukraine war, drone training on land and sea is being conducted, and amphibious training is also planned.
Australia, which has been enhancing its long-range strike capabilities, is expected to conduct test launches in northern Australia, where the US has invested in air force and logistics bases.
In this exercise, the US and its allies view securing sea routes as essential in the event of a conflict in Taiwan and plan to conduct missile launches from the ground, such as the Typhoon.
Mick Ryan, a retired Australian Army Major General and senior fellow at the Lowy Institute, noted that in this exercise, the focus will be on striking ships with long-range missiles from ground forces, highlighting that the navy is no longer the only important force in the Pacific.
The Journal reported that for the first time, the exercise will also be conducted in Papua New Guinea, which signed a security agreement with the US in 2023.
jjyoon@fnnews.com Yoon Jae-jun Reporter