**Exercise Overview**
ROCKHAMPTON, Australia — On July 24, 2025, Japanese and American amphibious vehicles conducted operations in the Coral Sea, landing on a Queensland beach. Concurrently, Australia and South Korea executed a similar amphibious operation at Freshwater Beach. These activities were part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, which took place from July 13 to 27, 2025. This exercise marked the most advanced amphibious landings in the eleven iterations of Talisman Sabre.
**Operational Insights**
Rear Adm. Tom Shultz, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG-7), emphasized the exercise’s focus on high operational tempo to enhance forces’ capabilities. He noted that 14 ships and expeditionary forces from six nations participated, underscoring the importance of cooperation and interoperability during the exercises.
**Introduction of New Technology**
An essential aspect of the landings was the debut of the Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) in Australia. This 8×8 vehicle is replacing the AAV7A1 family, which was retired after incidents, including a fatal accident in California in 2020. The deployment of ACVs with the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) represents a significant advancement in amphibious capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
**Details from the Field**
1st Lt. Brooks Wright, ACV Platoon commander, reported five ACVs were successfully deployed ashore during the landings. He described the ACV as a significant upgrade that enhanced the Marine Corps’ combat capabilities. Lt. Col. Andy Hornfeck, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, outlined four main operational objectives during Talisman Sabre 2025.
These objectives included:
1. A MEU live-fire assault on Townshend Island using various weapons including F-35B fighters and M777 artillery.
2. Force integration training featuring collaboration and skill exchange.
3. Two assaults in Queensland’s Bowen region, consisting of an air assault and a small-boat raid.
4. A combined joint forcible entry operation with British and Dutch personnel involved in reconnaissance.
Hornfeck acknowledged the challenges of coalition operations, emphasizing the need for coordination and synchronization among partners like Japan.
**Island Hopping Strategy**
Meanwhile, the U.S. Marine Corps’ 2,500-strong Marine Rotational Force—Darwin (MRF-D) conducted air movements across Australia, following a “island hopping” strategy reminiscent of World War II. They captured airstrips at Timber Creek, Nackeroo, and Cloncurry, mimicking tactics that could be employed in potential military confrontations with China.
**Geopolitical Context**
The First Island Chain, which stretches from Japan through Taiwan and the Philippines to Indonesia, comprises islands that would serve as critical defensive lines against any escalation involving the People’s Liberation Army.
**Author Information**
Gordon Arthur is an Asia correspondent for Defense News. He has a background of 20 years in Hong Kong and currently resides in New Zealand, covering military exercises and defense exhibitions throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
