A total of 129 personnel from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have successfully concluded their participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025—Australia’s largest multinational military drill—held at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Central Queensland.
The exercise, which brought together over 30,000 personnel from 19 nations, marked a historic first for a Pacific Island nation, with Fiji taking part under a rotational company pilot program—an initiative designed to integrate and train regional forces alongside the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who visited the training site during his high-level tour to Australia in July, praised the troops’ performance and the deepening defence ties between Fiji and Australia.
Rabuka said in Parliament while reporting on the visit:
“This groundbreaking arrangement has enabled our forces to train shoulder to shoulder with the ADF, building mutual trust, sharing tactical expertise, and strengthening our collective capability.”
The Prime Minister was joined in Australia by a senior delegation, including the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, and the Deputy Commander of the RFMF. The delegation witnessed live fire demonstrations and met with deployed personnel, with Rabuka describing the experience as a proud moment of national solidarity and professional excellence.
“The exercise showcased true comradeship and reaffirmed our shared commitment to regional peace and security,” he said.
“It also uplifted the morale of our troops and demonstrated Fiji’s growing contribution to Pacific defence cooperation.”
The Australian Government covered logistics, transport, and accommodation for the Fijian delegation, underscoring its commitment to enhancing regional military partnerships.
Admiral David Johnston AC RAN, Chief of the Defence Force earlier said in a statement:
“Exercise Talisman Sabre reflects a shared commitment to enduring relationships between trusted allies and partners, and a peaceful, stable and sovereign Indo-Pacific.”
The rotational pilot program is now being considered as a model for future engagements between Pacific forces and the ADF, paving the way for deeper, long-term collaboration across the region.
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