Marine Corps Participates in 'Talisman Sabre' Combined Exercise with U.S. and Others in Australia

The Marine Corps announced on the 28th that it participated in the 2025 Talisman Sabre combined exercise with the United States, Australia, and others in northeastern Australia from the 3rd to the 27th.

Talisman Sabre, which means "a sword with mysterious power," is a biennial combined exercise jointly hosted by the United States Indo-Pacific Command and the Australian Joint Forces Command. This year marks the second time the Korean Marine Corps has participated.

Approximately 350 personnel from the 22nd Battalion of the 1st Marine Division, along with more than 10 types of equipment including KAAVs, Marineon helicopters, K-9 self-propelled howitzers, Cheonmu multiple rocket launchers, K-1 tanks, and Bigung guided weapon systems, joined the exercise aboard the Navy’s large transport ship Marado. The exercise was divided into combined live-fire training and a combined joint forcible entry operation.

Soldiers from the 11th Artillery Battalion, who participated in the combined live-fire training, conducted high-explosive live-fire exercises using K-9 self-propelled howitzers and Cheonmu systems together with U.S. and Australian forces, successfully hitting designated targets. In addition, for the first time, the K-1 tank took part in this year’s exercise, demonstrating rapid tactical maneuvering and precise target engagement capabilities.

General Xavier Brunson, Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, visited the site on the 14th and remarked, "The live-fire training by Korean and U.S. troops is a symbolic scene demonstrating the strong readiness posture of the alliance between the two countries." He also wrote the phrase "On Target! Always!" on a K-9 howitzer shell.

On the 15th and 16th, under the command of the Navy ship Marado, a maritime assault drill was conducted at Coolie Beach using KAAVs and Australian landing craft (LCMs). From the 17th, Korea and Australia led a combined joint forcible entry operation aimed at securing an area occupied by a simulated enemy. On the 23rd, a decisive action (maritime and airborne assault) was carried out in an area where landing conditions were secured, utilizing Korean and Australian assault assets such as KAAVs, Marineon helicopters (Korea), LCMs, and CH-47 helicopters (Australia). After landing, the combined landing force donned MILES equipment and proceeded with ground maneuvers, followed by missions to secure objectives within the area of operations.

Sergeant Cho Yunwoo, a squad leader from the 22nd Battalion who renounced dual citizenship with Japan and chose to serve in the Marine Corps, stated, "Through tactical exchanges with various countries such as Australia and the United States during this overseas combined exercise, I strongly felt that our unit’s combat capabilities have grown, and I found it very rewarding. Based on our strong unity, I will do my best to ensure that everyone completes the mission safely and returns home."

Meanwhile, the Talisman exercise contingent of Navy and Marine Corps personnel will depart Australia on the 29th and return to their unit after arriving in Jinhae on August 13.