Cyber on the frontlines: My experience at Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 25

August 29, 2025 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 1:45

By Captain Shivom Sharman, CAFCYBERCOM

Representing the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM) at Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 25 was far more than a routine deployment—it was an opportunity to engage directly with our closest allies and partners in the fast-paced and contested cyber domain. Entering the Australian Cyber Command’s operations centre marked the beginning of a truly meaningful experience. The collaboration underscored the importance of unity and shared purpose in navigating the complexities of modern cyber operations.

Under Operation HORIZON, CAFCYBERCOM deployed a Cyber Planning and Liaison Element to this year’s exercise, which brought together more than 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations. While deployed in Australia, I was embedded as a liaison officer within the host nation’s Cyber Task Group, working alongside specialists from our Five Eyes partners—the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Our role was to integrate into the Australian-led team, share operational reporting from Canadian cyber activities, and contribute to the collective situational awareness that shaped decision-making. In practice, this meant long days of joint planning sessions, intelligence exchanges, and rehearsing coordinated responses to simulated threats. Each nation brought unique capabilities to the table, and together we forged a stronger, more resilient defence posture.

One of the most impactful aspects of the experience was the open exchange of information and operational processes. Having direct insight into our allies’ and partners’ planning cycles brought the concept of interoperability to life in a tangible and meaningful way. Observing how our respective approaches aligned and complemented each other underscored the strength of our partnerships in cyberspace.

For us Canadians, participation in TALISMAN SABRE 25 was about more than demonstrating capability. It was about deepening relationships in the Indo-Pacific and showing that CAFCYBERCOM can plug in seamlessly to allied operations. The exercise reinforced that cyber isn’t exercised in isolation. It relies on teamwork, adaptability, and a shared commitment to defending a free, open, and secure digital environment.

Looking back, I feel privileged to have represented CAFCYBERCOM in Australia. TALISMAN SABRE 25 sharpened our readiness, expanded our understanding of allied and partner approaches, and confirmed that Canada’s contribution is valued in the cyber fight. For me personally, it was proof that even in the most complex operational domain, trust and collaboration remain our greatest force multipliers.