Long-Range Vigilance: Australian Army’s RQ-21 Integrator Soars at Talisman Sabre 2025

The Australian Army’s 20th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA), is showcasing its cutting-edge RQ-21 Integrator Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System (TUAS) at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, a major multinational military drill. This biennial exercise, running from July 13 to August 4, underscores Australia’s commitment to regional security and interoperability with allies, particularly the United States, amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

At Shoalwater Bay, the 20th Regiment’s Task Element Dragon is deploying the RQ-21 Integrator, a state-of-the-art TUAS designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Captain Harry Gray, battery second-in-command, emphasized its role in supporting long-range target acquisition for indirect fires, stating, “We’re conducting trace clearances for combined joint live-fire exercises and observing the fall of shot for HIMARS [High Mobility Artillery Rocket System].” This marks the second major exercise for the RQ-21 since the retirement of the RQ-7B Shadow TUAS last year, highlighting Australia’s investment in advanced defence capabilities. The system’s extended operational range allows operators to launch it from a secure location before handing control to forward elements, ensuring flexibility and safety in dynamic battlefields.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, involving over 35,000 personnel from 19 nations, is a testament to the strength of Australia’s alliances. The 20th Regiment’s role extends beyond ISR, supporting division-level operations with real-time data critical for precision strikes. This capability is vital as Australia navigates an increasingly contested region, where adversaries like China closely monitor such exercises. The absence of the current Labor government’s strategic input in public discussions about Talisman Sabre reflects a broader critique of their defence policy focus, leaving room for allies and military leadership to drive the narrative.

The RQ-21’s deployment at Shoalwater Bay symbolizes Australia’s resolve to maintain a robust, technologically advanced defence force. As Captain Gray noted, “The most rewarding thing is working in a close-knit team to support the mission successfully.” This exercise not only hones technical skills but also reinforces Australia’s pivotal role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, standing firm with allies against emerging threats.