Defence Australia

Exercise Pozieres March At a recent symposium, military leaders from across the Indo-Pacific and key partner nations examined how the character of war is evolving. The @AustralianArmy hosted Exercise Pozieres March at 📍 Lavarack Barracks, QLD, in early April, which focused on how geostrategic competition and rapid advances in technology were changing how wars were fought. Read more ➡️ defence.gov.au/news-events/ne… #YourADF #AusArmy

The @Australian_Navy, @RoyalCanNavy and @USNavy recently carried out a coordinated navigation through the South China Sea. Sailing in company between 16 and 19 April, HMAS Toowoomba, HMCS Charlottetown and USS Ashland practiced Officer of the Watch manoeuvres, personnel exchanges and helicopter cross-decking exercises as part of efforts to increase combined operational readiness and interoperability at sea. #YourADF

Defence is hosting community information sessions about delivering the future Defence estate, to share details of the independent Defence Estate Audit, and to outline what these changes could mean for your local community. These sessions provide an opportunity for you to hear more about the divestment process, transition planning, and the next steps for the sites identified in the audit. To find a community information session near you, or to register your interest to attend a future session, visit ➡️ spr.ly/6015BBZzSR

Thank you to my 🇹🇴 counterpart, Brigadier Lord Fielakepa for joining me to talk to the ABC about #JHoPS26 this week. 🇹🇴 is a valued partner & friend: we both know that we achieve more together than alone, and we do that by exercising, working & training together in the Pacific.

A soldier shaped by two armies Lance Corporal Jonathan Lee has served two nations, worn two uniforms and carried one enduring purpose: to honour those who came before him. His story is one of military service, family sacrifice and a deeply personal connection to the legacy of the Korean War. Lance Corporal Lee enlisted in the Australian Army as a mechanic in 2015 using his civilian qualifications, and subsequently posted to 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion and 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR). But his service began long before that in 1996, when he enlisted in South Korea’s Army as a paratrooper. Read more ➡️ A soldier shaped by two armies | Defence #YourADF

Preparing the Jackal 🛡️ Combat Team Jackal, comprising personnel from the @AustralianArmy 🇦🇺 and the @NZDefenceForce 🇳🇿, participated in live-fire rehearsals during Exercise Balikatan 2026. The live fire rehearsals were conducted by personnel from @TeamAFP 🇵🇭 and the @USMC 🇺🇸 in 📍 Aporawan, Philippines. Exercise Balikatan 2026 (BK26) is an annual training exercise conducted between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States military designed to enhance military cooperation and readiness. #YourADF #AusArmy #StrongerTogether

On a synthetic training exercise at 📍 Nellis Air Force Base, @AusAirForce and @usairforce personnel integrated a RAAF E-7A simulator, Virtual Wedgetail 2, into USAF’s Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) for the first time. 🇦🇺🤝🇺🇸 The JSE is the United States’ most advanced synthetic battlespace, designed to deliver graduate-level preparation for complex, large-force combat operations that are difficult to replicate in live, open-air ranges. “Training in a shared synthetic battlespace means our forces can prepare for the complexity of future conflicts long before they deploy together”—Lieutenant Colonel Carfagno. ➡️ spr.ly/6017BBRfLX #YourADF #AusAirForce

In March, the Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment conducted live gunnery serials from CH-47F Chinook helicopters in Townsville during Exercise Pegasus Guns. This biannual training keeps both air and ground crew ready for action. 🚁 #YourADF

A productive week at #JHoPS26, our annual meeting of security leaders from 🇦🇺 & the Pacific. We have recommended that Pacific Island Forum leaders agree to commence negotiations on a Regional Operations Deployment Framework Treaty. Read more 🔗👇 abc.net.au/news/2026-05-0…

Multilateral air mobility 🇦🇺 🤝 🇳🇿 The @AusAirForce and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) reinforced their long-standing partnership through Exercise Mobility Astra – a multilateral air mobility activity based out of 📍 RNZAF Base Woodbourne, New Zealand. The exercise highlighted a shared commitment to interoperability, ensuring both forces can seamlessly operate together in complex and demanding environments. Mobility Astra provided a valuable opportunity to operate the C-130J Hercules in conditions that differed significantly from those typically encountered in Australia. Read more ➡️ spr.ly/6015BB3h3X #YourADF #AusAirForce #StrongerTogether @NZDefenceForce

Navy to Navy talks 🇦🇺 ⚓ 🇵🇭 RADM Christopher Smith, AM, CSM, RAN, Commander Australian Fleet, hosted the 9th @Australian_Navy and @Philippine_Navy to Navy Talks in Sydney on 28 April 2026. The talks drew together senior Australian and Philippine officers for formal and informal engagements aimed at continuing the close and longstanding ties between the two navies. The Philippines delegation was led by MAJGEN Edwin E. Amadar, PN(M), Vice Commander, Philippine Navy. A full day of formal talks on board HMAS Adelaide covered maritime security matters of mutual interest including the current strategic situation and opportunities to cooperate in future operations, activities and exercises. #YourADF

Bringing back the boom 💥 @AustralianArmy soldiers from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment recently conducted Assault Pioneer training in 📍 Townsville Field Training Area, QLD. During the activity, soldiers carried out explosive breaching and clearance of multiple buildings while operating as assault teams, enabling 1RAR to reduce reliance on specialist engineer support and improve flexibility during future operations and exercises. #YourADF #AusArmy

NT Defence Week 2026 has kicked off in Darwin, with the Northern Territory Chief Minister’s Welcome Reception on Monday, bringing together Defence, industry and partners from across the region. On Tuesday, Defence members, senior leaders and industry experts contributed to panels, deepening local connections and reinforcing the partnerships that enable capability and deterrence. Defence looks forward to presenting the National Defence Strategy 2026, which highlights Northern Australia’s critical role as a strategic hub for projection, sustainment and operations in the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening the North is central to delivering a strategy of denial and building credible deterrence through deeper integration with industry and partners. #YourADF

Air Force flies Bersama Shield 🛬 🛡️ An @AusAirForce C-27J Spartan aircraft and 35 Squadron pilots and crew are providing air transport and support tasks as well as conducting training missions, as part of a 130-person Australian Defence Force contingent participating in Exercise Bersama Shield. Bersama Shield is the latest combined joint training exercise conducted by the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) nations, with 1055 defence personnel from 🇦🇺, 🇲🇾 @MINDEFMalaysia, 🇳🇿 @NZDefenceForce, 🇸🇬 @mindefsg and 🇬🇧 @DefenceHQ participating. 🤝 Bersama Shield aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen the professional relationships of FPDA nations through the conduct of combined joint maritime ⚓, land 🪖 and air ✈️ operations in a multi-threat environment. The FPDA strengthens cooperation and interoperability, supporting a shared vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. 🌏 Read more ➡️ spr.ly/6016BB34TM #YourADF #BersamaShield

Mercury Run 🪐🏃‍♂️ @AustralianArmy signals personnel deployed across the country for Exercise Mercury Run to prepare 1st (Australian) Division for the year’s major warfighting exercises. About 130 personnel from 1st Signal Regiment, including elements from multiple squadrons responsible for command nodes, planning support and network operations, participated in the March exercise. Signal units from across the division tested and validated the networks that underpin command and control. 📡 ➡️ spr.ly/6012BB3fUC #YourADF #AusArmy

Light it 🆙 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) recently conducted Exercise Damascus at 📍 Wide Bay Training Area, QLD, integrating mounted and dismounted operations. During the activity, Charlie Squadron completed single‑vehicle live‑fire qualifications by day and night, while sharpening tactical reporting from Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs). #YourADF #AusArmy

MASTEX Conclusion The @Australian_Navy's HMAS Warramunga and @tldm_rasmi's KD Lekir have wrapped up MASTEX 2026 off Australia’s west coast, strengthening the long-standing defence partnership between 🇦🇺 and 🇲🇾. The biannual exercise brings both navies together to sharpen interoperability, build trust at sea and reinforce our shared commitment to a stable and secure Indo Pacific. #YourADF

I welcome the news from the Prime Minister today that Meghan Quinn PSM will be appointed as the next Secretary of the Department of Defence. Ms Quinn has had a distinguished career, including her current role as the Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. She will take on the role of Defence Secretary next month and in doing so will be the first woman to substantively hold the position. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Greg Moriarty for his contribution as Secretary of Defence and wish him the best as Australia’s next Ambassador to the United States.

Maritime skills grow through Coastwatcher 🌊🚤 Exercise Coastwatchers is developing small boat and maritime skills for Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) personnel from foundation to advanced levels, producing qualified operators as well as leaders and instructors who will teach future generations. This was RSIPF Constable Castro Roramae’s first Exercise Coastwatchers. He was the leader for the full mission profile and said it was challenging, but a great opportunity and experience. ➡️ spr.ly/6017BB1lql #YourADF #AusArmy

A special trip to Gallipoli in Turkiye for #anzacday, the first in my nearly 50-year career. A truly humbling experience to honour the Anzacs at the place that forged many of the attributes that are the foundation of Australia's identity.  Lest we forget 🌹