Latest news with #TalismanSabre2025
Business Insider
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
The US Army and its allies flew a HIMARS missile launcher in and out for fast, far-reaching strikes
The test occurred last week and built on US military efforts to boost range, flexibility, and survivability for HIMARS and other weaponry in the region. During Talisman Sabre 2025, a joint exercise in Australia, a Royal Canadian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft flew a US Army M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, and Australian soldiers to Christmas Island for the test. The HIMARS launcher, along with a supporting communications vehicle, was flown to a forward airfield — extending the range of the munitions carried — and then driven to the simulated strike location. Afterwards, the vehicles were quickly packed up and flown out. Christmas Island, a strategic Australian territory in the northeastern Indian Ocean, sits near maritime routes that have grown more consequential as China expands its naval and military activities in the region. That buildup has raised concerns for regional powers like Australia and India, among other nations, watching China's presence in the Indian Ocean with increasing attention. Per the Australian Ministry of Defense, last week's operation demonstrated how the US and its allies can rapidly deploy and use land-based, long-range precision fires for deterrence. One key element is getting the weapon out of the position before an enemy can target it and conduct counter-battery fire. The US military and its allies and partners have been focused on this capability, prioritizing rapid deployment of HIMARS and other weapons to dispersed sites so that enemy forces would have a harder time tracking them than at fixed locations. HIMARS, as a flexible rocket artillery and missile platform, have value in the Pacific. They fire Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), and new Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). The latter is for land targets; however, it's been tested against sea targets. PrSM has a range of about 310 miles and is deemed more precise than its predecessor, the MGM-140 ATACMS. GMLRS have a standard range of about 43 miles; however, the extended one reaches out to 93 miles. Being able to rapidly deploy these weapons and others to island environments in the region offers the Army and its allies flexible strike options, including against naval targets. In June 2024, the Army tested the PrSM against a moving ship target off the coast of Palau in the Pacific. And earlier this month, the Army fired a Standard Missile-6 from the Mid-Range Capability, or Typhon, missile system in Australia toward a maritime target, sinking it. US military officials have said that being mobile and rapidly relocatable is crucial in the Indo-Pacific, where US forces are bracing for potential conflict with China, recognized by the Pentagon as a premier threat and pacing challenge for the department.
Business Insider
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
The US Army and its allies flew a HIMARS missile launcher in and out for fast, far-reaching strikes
The US Army and its allies recently pulled off a rapid missile launcher deployment to a remote Pacific island. It was a high-speed test of fire-and-move tactics and how they would bring long-range firepower to a future fight in the region. The test occurred last week and built on US military efforts to boost range, flexibility, and survivability for HIMARS and other weaponry in the region. During Talisman Sabre 2025, a joint exercise in Australia, a Royal Canadian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft flew a US Army M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, and Australian soldiers to Christmas Island for the test. The HIMARS launcher, along with a supporting communications vehicle, was flown to a forward airfield — extending the range of the munitions carried — and then driven to the simulated strike location. Afterwards, the vehicles were quickly packed up and flown out. Christmas Island, a strategic Australian territory in the northeastern Indian Ocean, sits near maritime routes that have grown more consequential as China expands its naval and military activities in the region. That buildup has raised concerns for regional powers like Australia and India, among other nations, watching China's presence in the Indian Ocean with increasing attention. Per the Australian Ministry of Defense, last week's operation demonstrated how the US and its allies can rapidly deploy and use land-based, long-range precision fires for deterrence. One key element is getting the weapon out of the position before an enemy can target it and conduct counter-battery fire. The US military and its allies and partners have been focused on this capability, prioritizing rapid deployment of HIMARS and other weapons to dispersed sites so that enemy forces would have a harder time tracking them than at fixed locations. HIMARS, as a flexible rocket artillery and missile platform, have value in the Pacific. They fire Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), and new Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). The latter is for land targets; however, it's been tested against sea targets. PrSM has a range of about 310 miles and is deemed more precise than its predecessor, the MGM-140 ATACMS. GMLRS have a standard range of about 43 miles; however, the extended one reaches out to 93 miles. Being able to rapidly deploy these weapons and others to island environments in the region offers the Army and its allies flexible strike options, including against naval targets. In June 2024, the Army tested the PrSM against a moving ship target off the coast of Palau in the Pacific. And earlier this month, the Army fired a Standard Missile-6 from the Mid-Range Capability, or Typhon, missile system in Australia toward a maritime target, sinking it. US military officials have said that being mobile and rapidly relocatable is crucial in the Indo-Pacific, where US forces are bracing for potential conflict with China, recognized by the Pentagon as a premier threat and pacing challenge for the department. After last week's HIMARS test, Lt. Col. Ed Guelfi, of the US Army's 17th Field Artillery Brigade, said: "Collectively, we have rapidly deployed a HIMARS to demonstrate our ability to put combat power anywhere, at any time of our choosing."
Hans India
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
India, US discuss avenues for strengthening defence cooperation
Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit held a meeting with US Indo-Pacific Command's Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Joshua Rudd on the sidelines of Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia and discussed various avenues for strengthening defence cooperation and future operational operations, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff said on Sunday. In a statement shared on X, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff stated, "Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff #CISC #HQ_IDS held bilateral discussions with Lt Gen Joshua Rudd, Deputy Commander US Indo-Pacific Command on the sidelines of Exercise #TalismanSabre2025. Various avenues for strengthening #DefenceCooperation and collaboration, as well as future operational opportunities, were discussed. #India - #USA Defence engagements underscore mutual resolve towards #RegionalSecurity and stability in the #IndoPacific." Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit also held bilateral discussions with Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations, Australian Defence Forces, on the sidelines of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. The two military leaders discussed growing defence cooperation between the two nations with the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. "Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff #CISC #HQ_IDS_India, held bilateral discussions with Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations, Australian Defence Forces, on the sidelines of Exercise #TalismanSabre2025. The military leaders discussed the growing #DefenceCooperation, with the elevation of bilateral relations between both nations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Future avenues for operational interaction and cooperation were also discussed," Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff posted on X. On Saturday, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit participated in the Australian Defence Forces Chiefs of Joint Operations Conclave, being held as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 in Australia's Darwin. According to the statement, Air Marshal Dixit attended panel discussions on contemporary issues spanning across the full spectrum of warfare on the first day of the conclave. In a statement shared on X, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff stated, "Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, #India is participating in the Australian Defence Forces Chiefs of Joint Operations Conclave, being held as part of Exercise #TalismanSabre2025 at Darwin, Australia. During the first day of the Conclave, #CISC attended panel discussions on contemporary issues spanning across the full spectrum of warfare." "The conclave brings together senior military leaders from 19 participating nations, fostering dialogue on #MultiDomainOperations, interoperability and #RegionalSecurity cooperation. India's participation underscores the nation's resolve to strengthen defence partnerships & contribute to a free, open & inclusive #IndoPacific through collaborative security initiatives," it added. Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is on a visit to Australia from July 26-28 to witness the 11th edition of the ongoing Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25). Six officers from the Indian Armed Forces are participating in the ongoing TS25 as Staff Planners at various levels of Joint Operations Planning, Control, Safety and Logistics. Indian officers have earlier participated in 2021 and 2023 as Observers. The exercise will showcase extensive interoperability and joint warfare capabilities across air, land, maritime, space and cyber domains, according to the press release.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
UK and US aircraft carriers sail through pacific
UK and US aircraft carriers have been pictured steaming through the Pacific in a display of combined military might amid growing tensions with Beijing. As part of its eight-month mission to the Far East, HMS Prince of Wales joined USS George Washington in the Timor Sea on Friday, July 18 in a bid to help reaffirm Britain's Indo-Pacific commitments. The 65,000-tonne leviathan - the biggest warship ever built for Britain - sailed alongside the large US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier during Talisman Sabre 2025. Jaw-dropping images capture the moment the U.S. Navy aircraft, attached to a Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, was joined by Britain's vast £3.5billion vessel, while U.S. warplanes also roared overhead. The maritime mission acts as a symbolic show of unity and collaboration amid China's growing military expansion in the Pacific, alongside its significant role in the global commercial shipbuilding market. Marking the first time that nuclear-powered aircrafts from both the UK and the U.S. have operated together in a coordinated maritime formation, it serves as a symbol of allyship between the powerful nations. The maritime juggernaut is currently embarking on an eight-month global deployment under the UK Carrier Strike Group having left home shores in April. As a multinational operation that incorporated 19 nations and more than 35,000 personnel, the Royal Navy ship was also joined by two British ships - the destroyer HMS Dauntless and the tanker RFA Tidespring. Allied ships from Australia (HMAS Sydney ), Norway (HNoMS Roald Amundsen) and Canada (HMCS Ville de Quebec), also sailed alongside the UK ship. As part of the U.S. Navy aircraft, F-35C stealth jets were also seen flying above the U.S.-U.K carrier strike group, while the Prince of Wales carried two dozen F-35B fighter jets. While the Government has not confirmed the precise route of 'Operation Highmast' - the codename for the deployment - the Navy has not ruled out sailing through the contentious 110-mile wide Taiwan Strait. It also comes amid mounting fears that China is planning to launch a full-scale invasion of the island, with Beijing 's military having already drilled huge D-Day style assaults of Taiwan using soldiers, marines, warships and its air force. Meanwhile, Russia has continued to test Britain's defence capabilities, with Royal Navy warships and helicopters shadowing five Russian vessels in UK waters over the first week of July alone. Plymouth- based frigate HMS Iron Duke, Portsmouth-based patrol ship HMS Tyne and Wildcat aircraft from 815 Naval Air Squadron were dispatched on three separate operations in the North Sea and English Channel between July 1 and July 8. The deployment of HMS Prince of Wales marked the fourth time a European member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has dispatched an aircraft carrier to the Indo-Pacific in 2021. Commodore James Blackmore (pictured), Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, said that the exercise on Friday, July 18, serves as a 'real demonstration of the UK and our partners' warfighting capabilities'. Meanwhile, John Healey, the UK's Defence Secretary, said: 'Our commitment to the Indo-Pacific is unwavering, as this huge military exercise demonstrates. 'We will continue to work alongside our closest allies to maintain the security and stability that underpins global prosperity.' The Royal Navy said that the exercise was undertaken as a mark of 'allies demonstrating their commitment to the collective security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region'. The U.S. Navy described Talisman Sabre as 'the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States', adding that it helps to 'advance a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners'. They also said that the exercise seeks to 'enhance our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns.' It has been undertaken as part of Operation Highmast, a 2025 mission commanded by Commodore James Blackmore and his staff from aboard HMS Prince of Wales. Between now and December, the mighty fleet will conduct a series of drills and operations with air, sea and land forces of a dozen allies in the Mediterranean, Middle East, South-east Asia, Japan and Australia. The goal is to reaffirm the UK's commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate collective resolve with our allies and showcase British trade and industry. Concerns had previously been raised that the mission could potentially see the naval flotilla clashing with China when it reached the contested waters of the Indo-Pacific, while the Navy also has not ruled out the possibility of sailing through the contentious 110-mile-wide Taiwan Strait. A report released in early July claimed that Rotterdam, Europe's largest port, was gearing up for a potential conflict with Russia by reserving space for ships carrying military supplies. Boudewijn Siemons, chief executive of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, told the Financial Times that it was planning how to manage if the port was flooded by British and US vehicles and supplies if needed. Meanwhile, China has been rapidly expanding it's navy, building the equivalent of the entire Royal Navy in just four years - with the pace of shipbuilding outstripping even the US. In April, the commander of the British-led carrier strike group insisted the Royal Navy stands ready to defy China - and that it is prepared for any sort of military operation. Ahead of the UK task group's deployment, Commodore Blackmore said: 'I will deliver whatever mission I am ordered to go and do – that's my role. 'My part of the bargain is being ready for all eventualities from a combat capability, from a defence engagement capability, from a partners and allies capability, so I'm ready to exercise whatever the Government or the Ministry of Defence asks me to do.' Adding that the deployment will send a 'powerful message' to allies and potential adversaries, he added: 'It's about supporting key trade routes that exist from the Indo-Pacific region to the UK, and supporting partners and allies in the region, showing that we are there as a capable and credible force should it be required. 'That in a time of crisis, we can come together and fight together and show that we have a capability that we mean business with. 'Working closely with partners from across the globe, Operation Highmast will demonstrate credible deterrence and our support to Nato and the rules-based international order. 'This will reaffirm that the UK is secure at home and strong abroad and reinforce the UK's commitment to the Indo-Pacific.' The 2021 deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group spearheaded by HMS Prince of Wales's sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth - did not traverse the strait. It led to accusations from Tory MPs that Britain was seeking to cosy up to Beijing. Should the strike group again avoid the territory, similar accusations could arise. On April 22 2025, crowds cheered as HMS Royal Prince of Wales departed her home of Portsmouth, alongside her escort ship, HMS Dauntless. Banners and flags were waved by members of the public from the walls and beach of Portsmouth harbour with sailors aboard the 65,000-tonne warship waving back to cheers from the crowds as they passed. In a tribute to the Pope Francis, HMS Prince of Wales's ensign flag on its flight deck was at half-mast as a 'sign of a respect' to the late pontiff, a navy spokesman confirmed.
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Britain and America's show of strength to China: UK and US aircraft carriers steam through Pacific in display of combined military might amid mounting tensions with Beijing
UK and US aircraft carriers have been pictured steaming through the Pacific in a display of combined military might amid growing tensions with Beijing. As part of its eight-month mission to the Far East, HMS Prince of Wales joined USS George Washington in the Timor Sea on Friday, July 18 in a bid to help reaffirm Britain's Indo-Pacific commitments. The 65,000-tonne leviathan - the biggest warship ever built for Britain - sailed alongside the large US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier during Talisman Sabre 2025. Jaw-dropping images capture the moment the U.S. Navy aircraft, attached to a Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, was joined by Britain's vast £3.5billion vessel, while U.S. warplanes also roared overhead. The maritime mission acts as a symbolic show of unity and collaboration amid China 's growing military expansion in the Pacific, alongside its significant role in the global commercial shipbuilding market. Marking the first time that nuclear-powered aircrafts from both the UK and the U.S. have operated together in a coordinated maritime formation, it serves as a symbol of allyship between the powerful nations. The maritime juggernaut is currently embarking on an eight-month global deployment under the UK Carrier Strike Group having left home shores in April. As a multinational operation that incorporated 19 nations and more than 35,000 personnel, the Royal Navy ship was also joined by two British ships - the destroyer HMS Dauntless and the tanker RFA Tidespring. Allied ships from Australia (HMAS Sydney), Norway (HNoMS Roald Amundsen) and Canada (HMCS Ville de Quebec), also sailed alongside the UK ship. As part of the U.S. Navy aircraft, F-35C stealth jets were also seen flying above the U.S.-U.K carrier strike group, while the Prince of Wales carried two dozen F-35B fighter jets. While the Government has not confirmed the precise route of 'Operation Highmast' - the codename for the deployment - the Navy has not ruled out sailing through the contentious 110-mile wide Taiwan Strait. It also comes amid mounting fears that China is planning to launch a full-scale invasion of the island, with Beijing 's military having already drilled huge D-Day style assaults of Taiwan using soldiers, marines, warships and its air force. Meanwhile, Russia has continued to test Britain's defence capabilities, with Royal Navy warships and helicopters shadowing five Russian vessels in UK waters over the first week of July alone. Plymouth- based frigate HMS Iron Duke, Portsmouth-based patrol ship HMS Tyne and Wildcat aircraft from 815 Naval Air Squadron were dispatched on three separate operations in the North Sea and English Channel between July 1 and July 8. The deployment of HMS Prince of Wales marked the fourth time a European member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has dispatched an aircraft carrier to the Indo-Pacific in 2021. Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, said that the exercise on Friday, July 18, serves as a 'real demonstration of the UK and our partners' warfighting capabilities'. Commodore James Blackmore (pictured), Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, said that the exercise on Friday, July 18, serves as a 'real demonstration of the UK and our partners' warfighting capabilities' The Royal Navy said that the exercise was undertaken as a mark of 'allies demonstrating their commitment to the collective security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region' Meanwhile, John Healey, the UK's Defence Secretary, said: 'Our commitment to the Indo-Pacific is unwavering, as this huge military exercise demonstrates. 'We will continue to work alongside our closest allies to maintain the security and stability that underpins global prosperity.' The Royal Navy said that the exercise was undertaken as a mark of 'allies demonstrating their commitment to the collective security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region'. The U.S. Navy described Talisman Sabre as 'the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States', adding that it helps to 'advance a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners'. They also said that the exercise seeks to 'enhance our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns.' It has been undertaken as part of Operation Highmast, a 2025 mission commanded by Commodore James Blackmore and his staff from aboard HMS Prince of Wales. Between now and December, the mighty fleet will conduct a series of drills and operations with air, sea and land forces of a dozen allies in the Mediterranean, Middle East, South-east Asia, Japan and Australia. The goal is to reaffirm the UK's commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate collective resolve with our allies and showcase British trade and industry. Concerns had previously been raised that the mission could potentially see the naval flotilla clashing with China when it reached the contested waters of the Indo-Pacific, while the Navy also has not ruled out the possibility of sailing through the contentious 110-mile-wide Taiwan Strait. A report released in early July claimed that Rotterdam, Europe's largest port, was gearing up for a potential conflict with Russia by reserving space for ships carrying military supplies. Boudewijn Siemons, chief executive of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, told the Financial Times that it was planning how to manage if the port was flooded by British and US vehicles and supplies if needed. Meanwhile, China has been rapidly expanding it's navy, building the equivalent of the entire Royal Navy in just four years - with the pace of shipbuilding outstripping even the US. In April, the commander of the British-led carrier strike group insisted the Royal Navy stands ready to defy China - and that it is prepared for any sort of military operation. Ahead of the UK task group's deployment, Commodore Blackmore said: 'I will deliver whatever mission I am ordered to go and do – that's my role. 'My part of the bargain is being ready for all eventualities from a combat capability, from a defence engagement capability, from a partners and allies capability, so I'm ready to exercise whatever the Government or the Ministry of Defence asks me to do.' Adding that the deployment will send a 'powerful message' to allies and potential adversaries, he added: 'It's about supporting key trade routes that exist from the Indo-Pacific region to the UK, and supporting partners and allies in the region, showing that we are there as a capable and credible force should it be required. The ship's company on the aircraft carrier appeared in high spirits as they waved to the crowds gathered in Portsmouth in April Banners and flags were waved by members of the public from the walls and beach of Portsmouth harbour with sailors aboard the 65,000-tonne warship waving back to cheers from the crowds as they passed. Pictured: Royal Navy sailors ahead of HMS Prince of Wales setting sail 'That in a time of crisis, we can come together and fight together and show that we have a capability that we mean business with. 'Working closely with partners from across the globe, Operation Highmast will demonstrate credible deterrence and our support to Nato and the rules-based international order. 'This will reaffirm that the UK is secure at home and strong abroad and reinforce the UK's commitment to the Indo-Pacific.' The 2021 deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group spearheaded by HMS Prince of Wales's sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth - did not traverse the strait. It led to accusations from Tory MPs that Britain was seeking to cosy up to Beijing. Should the strike group again avoid the territory, similar accusations could arise. On April 22 2025, crowds cheered as HMS Royal Prince of Wales departed her home of Portsmouth, alongside her escort ship, HMS Dauntless. Banners and flags were waved by members of the public from the walls and beach of Portsmouth harbour with sailors aboard the 65,000-tonne warship waving back to cheers from the crowds as they passed. In a tribute to the Pope Francis, HMS Prince of Wales's ensign flag on its flight deck was at half-mast as a 'sign of a respect' to the late pontiff, a navy spokesman confirmed.
