Exercise Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise predominantly involving Australia and the United States (US). The spelling alternates depending on which country is leading - Sabre if Australia leads, and Saber if the US leads.
It is a combined (multi-national) and joint (multi-service) exercise involving thousands of troops and major assets such as Australian and allied:
- warships
- fighters
- bombers
- helicopters
- armour
- artillery.
Talisman Sabre is a major undertaking that reflects the closeness and strength of the alliance and ongoing military-military relationship between Australia and the US. It forms part of the Defence Force’s extensive training program to ensure it is prepared to protect and support Australia and its national interests.
Exercise Talisman Sabre/Saber is conducted at designated ADF training facilities, primarily throughout Queensland, and in adjacent maritime and airspace areas of the Coral Sea. Key sites include:
- the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (Central Queensland)
- Townsville Field Training Area
- port facilities in Queensland (Brisbane, Gladstone and Alma Ports).
Further information on Talisman Sabre is available through the Defence website.