On January 21st, Australian Secretary of Defence Greg Moriarty visited the US Indo-Pacific Command in Hawai‘i, as Exercise Talisman Sabre and a $10 billion deal for US-built submarines hint at a strengthening of the US-Australia alliance.
Australia has been a steadfast ally of the United States, standing shoulder to shoulder in all major conflicts over the past century. The recent visit of Australian Secretary of Defence Greg Moriarty to Hawai‘i, where he met with Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the Indo-Pacific Command, further cements this special relationship. In the meeting at Camp Smith, the two officials discussed force posture initiatives and enhanced the long-standing US-Australia alliance. Prior to this, on January 15th, Secretary Moriarty traveled to the Pentagon, meeting with Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory to discuss "strengthened defense and security cooperation between the United States and Australia." Additionally, on January 29th, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held discussions with his counterpart, Australian Minister of Defence Richard Marles, reinforcing the US-Australia strategic alliance.
Secretary Moriarty’s visit comes against the backdrop of what is shaping to be an eventful 2025 for US-Australia military cooperation. In mid-July, Australia will host the biennial Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS25), the largest joint military exercise between the two nations. The 2025 event will be its 11th iteration and the largest to date, with 19 countries invited, including Japan, South Korea, and first-timer Norway, to participate across all operational domains—land, sea, air, and cyberspace.
In addition to Exercise Talisman Sabre, both countries regularly engage in a series of joint and multilateral exercises. In December 2024, the US Marine Corps' 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion traveled to Adelaide, South Australia to participate in Exercise Predator’s Run before deploying to the Northern Territory for more field training. Other notable collaborations include Exercise Yama Sakura 87 with Japan, the Kakadu 24 and RIMPAC naval exercises, and the Exercise Pitch Black aerial training. Additional planned exercises for 2025 include the annual Pacific Vanguard and Southern Jackaroo.
Beyond military exercises, the United States and Australia collaborate through various programs and initiatives for defense personnel cooperation. The US Marine Corps stations 2,500 personnel in Darwin for rotational training. In exchange, three Australian soldiers are currently deployed with the US 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the assault ship USS Boxer, participating in joint missions and operations as part of the Marine Corps Personnel Exchange Program.
Australia is also a key customer of the US defense industry. Under the AUKUS pact, Australia is partnering with the United States and the United Kingdom to invest in next-generation SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines. Furthermore, Australia has committed to purchasing three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the United States, with an option for two more, scheduled for delivery in 2030. These submarines, built in Connecticut and Virginia, are expected to support thousands of US jobs. Recently, Congress approved a $405 million sale for advanced air-to-ground guided missiles, with most of the production based in Falls Church, Virginia. This follows a separate $7 billion deal last year for air defense missiles, as well as Australia’s purchase of Texas-assembled F-35A fighter jets in December 2024.
With increasing joint exercises, personnel exchanges, and major defense deals, the US-Australia strategic alliance continues to grow, serving as a cornerstone for regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Alex Vu is a Spring 2025 Young Professional at the East-West Center in Washington. Alex is currently a junior at the University of South Florida, studying Econometrics & Political Science.
Official Visits
Military helicopter flying over runway