Trilateral Naval Logistics Agreement Signed by Partners

On July 11, 2025, senior naval leaders from the United States (US), Australia, and Japan met aboard the USS America in Brisbane to discuss enhanced maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. This meeting, occurring ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, highlights the ongoing efforts under the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) framework and broader partnerships to strengthen interoperability, focusing on logistics such as missile reloading and refuelling to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The gathering reinforced commitments among the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), US Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to improve coordination and logistics resilience for routine operations and potential contingencies. Vice Admiral Jeff Jablon, US Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Installations and Logistics, emphasized the importance of sustainment in depth, stating, “Providing the right material at the right time is key to maintaining operational readiness.”

Commodore Catherine Rhodes, RAN Director General Logistics, highlighted the strategic value of trilateral cooperation, noting, “Exercise Talisman Sabre offers opportunities for Australia, the US, and Japan to work closely on logistics initiatives.” The RAN and US Navy have collaborated on missile reloading since 2019, while the US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) continues to develop prototype systems to enhance at-sea missile transfer capabilities compatible with MK-41 launchers.

This cooperation sends a clear message regarding allied cohesion in response to China’s expanding naval presence in the region. Rear Admiral Naoya Hoshi of the JMSDF expressed optimism about future collaboration, stating, “Japan looks forward to deepening our partnership with the US and Australia.” As Exercise Talisman Sabre approaches, these efforts underscore the shared commitment of these nations to maritime security and regional stability.