Allied Forces Conduct Littoral Operations on Beachfront

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Allied forces from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the Republic of Korea recently conducted amphibious training at Cowley Beach, Queensland, as part of Talisman Sabre 2025, sharpening their littoral combat skills. This article explores the exercise’s significance, the strategic value of multinational cooperation, and concerns over Australia’s readiness under the current government.

On July 18, 2025, boots and heavy vehicles stormed Cowley Beach Training Area, launching the first phase of Talisman Sabre 2025, a biennial exercise to enhance interoperability among allied forces, as reported by the Australian Department of Defence. The Australian Defence Force (ADF), alongside New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), Japanese Self-Defense Force (JSDF), and Republic of Korea (ROK) personnel, rehearsed vehicle loading, beach recovery, and patrol movements. Troops disembarked from HMAS Canberra and HMAS Choules, with Japan testing new communications equipment alongside Australia’s 1st Battalion. The 10th Force Support Battalion (10 FSB) cleared access lanes, while environmental teams ensured minimal coastal impact, preparing for complex missions at Bowen and Shoalwater Bay.

The exercise underscores the growing importance of littoral operations in the Indo-Pacific, where contested coastlines demand agile, coordinated forces. New Zealand’s Lieutenant Williams told Defence News, “New Zealand doesn’t get to train in the littoral environment often; this opportunity with Australia is incredibly valuable.” The “crawl, walk, run” approach allowed NZDF to observe Australian Amphibious Beach Team (ABT) procedures, building toward full integration. This collaboration counters rising threats, particularly from China’s naval expansion, which includes aggressive maneuvers near Australian waters, as noted by The New York Times in March 2025.

However, the Albanese government’s defence policies raise concerns about Australia’s preparedness. Critics argue Labor’s hesitance to boost defence spending beyond 2.3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) limits ADF’s ability to sustain such high-stakes exercises. With AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom, United States) commitments and Chinese port acquisitions near strategic sites, robust investment is critical. Talisman Sabre 2025 showcases allied strength, but Australia must prioritize military readiness to deter adversaries and secure the region’s future.