Under Australia’s winter sun, Canada shows up big for Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2025

November 4, 2025 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 1:45

Earlier this summer, nearly 600 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployed to Australia for Operation HORIZON, participating in Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2025 (TS25)—the largest military exercise in the Indo-Pacific this year. Alongside 40,000 personnel from 19 nations, CAF members trained across land, sea, air, cyberspace, special operations, and space domains, reinforcing Canada’s growing presence in the region.

A frigate, aircraft, and teamwork in action

Lieutenant-Colonel Jeremy Maltais, Joint Task Force Commander for Op HORIZON – TS25, emphasized interoperability: “We’re working with our allies and partners to demonstrate capabilities and ensure we can operate seamlessly together across the Indo-Pacific.”

Canada’s participation featured key assets: CC-17 Globemaster and CC-130J Hercules aircraft for transport missions, a CC-144 Challenger configured for aeromedical evacuation, and HMCS Ville de Québec with its CH-148 Cyclone helicopter.

In a significant milestone, HMCS Ville de Québec successfully conducted a firing of an exercise missile - the Block II Harpoon - and completed a forward rearmament in Darwin, marking only the second time a Royal Canadian Navy ship has done so outside North America. Commander Peter MacNeil, Captain of HMCS Ville de Québec, praised the achievement: “It’s vital we maintain the ability to sustain operations alongside our allies this far from home.”

Training across vast distances

Throughout the exercise, CAF personnel adapted to Australia’s diverse and challenging terrain, focusing on communication, trust, and collaboration. The CC-144 Challenger aeromedical team, working in mixed multinational groups, ran complex medical evacuation simulations. Major Jan Trojanowski of 1st Canadian Field Hospital noted, “Each specialty brings a different perspective. Whether a member is a physician, nurse, or technician, all are empowered to ensure patient safety and care.”

CAF aircrews also maintained an intense operational tempo, flying 200 hours over two weeks, completing 26 missions and moving over 1,000 passengers and 290,000 lbs of cargo. Major Jake Balfe, CC-130J Detachment Commander, highlighted the effort: “Executing tactical airlift with partners across the Indo-Pacific demands teamwork, precision, and shared expertise.”

Global friends, shared goals

Allied leaders praised Canada’s engagement. Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander Conan Bret remarked, “Canada’s participation, far from home, underscores our shared history and the enduring strength of our partnerships.”

For Canada, TS25 was more than a training exercise. It was a demonstration of commitment, agility, and teamwork, strengthening Canada’s future missions across the Indo-Pacific.