US Warship Arrives In Australia For Largest-Ever Joint Military Drills
U.S. warship has docked in Australia ahead of the nation's largest joint military exercises with international partners, occurring just before a high-profile summit between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and U.S. President Donald Trump.
The USS America, an amphibious assault ship and the lead vessel of the U.S. Navy's strike group in the Indo-Pacific, made its way into Sydney Harbour on Saturday. This ship marks the first of three U.S. Navy vessels to arrive, bringing along about 2,500 American sailors and marines, as well as advanced submarine-like helicopters and F-35B fighter jets.
According to officials, over 30,000 military personnel from 19 different countries are beginning to arrive in Australia for the drills. Set to kick off next month, these exercises will span an impressive 6,500 kilometers, stretching from Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean to the Coral Sea off Australia’s eastern coast.
Rear Admiral Tom Shultz, who commands the USS America, emphasized that training in Australia is vital for maintaining the U.S. Navy's readiness. Meanwhile, Royal Australian Navy Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Chris Smith highlighted the strong trust and deep cooperation between the two nations, which allow both sides to adapt to global changes. He noted that differing perspectives within the alliance can actually be a strength, showcasing Australia’s solid connections with various countries in the region.
Albanese and Trump are set to hold their first bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit, with one of the main topics likely to be Washington's request for Canberra to increase its defense spending from 2% to 3.5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In a related development, the U.S. Pentagon announced this week that it is reviewing the AUKUS nuclear submarine partnership involving the U.S., Australia, and the United Kingdom. Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that this review was not surprising and confirmed that both countries continue to collaborate closely on the initiative.
However, Michael Green, a former national security advisor to President George W. Bush, expressed concerns regarding the timing and manner of the assessment. He pointed out that it was unusual for such a review to be both unilateral and public, especially just before a significant summit. Green commented that while the Australian side may have been informed beforehand, the handling could exert pressure on Australia.
Despite these concerns, he indicated that strong support for AUKUS in the U.S. Congress and Navy makes it unlikely that the submarine program would be scrapped.
For the first time, India will participate in the Talisman Sabre exercises, which will also see a substantial contingent from Europe join this year. Brigadier Damian Hill, who is leading the operation, mentioned that the drills will feature major live-fire events involving rocket and missile systems. He revealed that HIMARS rocket systems will be fired in Australia for the first time, and Australian air defense systems will operate alongside U.S. Patriot missile systems—another first for the region.
A spokesperson from the U.S. Navy stated that the arrival of the USS America and its strike group sends a clear message that the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open.
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