Talisman Sabre hosts military first with Japan

In an Australian-military first, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has conducted a live fire demonstration of a Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM) off the Australian east coast.

CAPTION: Soldiers of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force launch a Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile at Beecroft Weapons Range, New South Wales during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. Photo by Petty Officer Peter Thompson.

The live fire was part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 and marked the first time the JGSDF has tested the capability in Australia.

The Type 12 SSM, which did not include explosive ordnance, was launched from a truck-mounted system at Beecroft Weapons Range and fired at an unmanned target in the East Australia Exercise Area off the coast of Jervis Bay.

Exercise Director Brigadier Damian Hill said Talisman Sabre was an excellent opportunity to train alongside our allies and regional partners.

“This is Japan’s largest-ever participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre, and further strengthens interoperability between our military forces. It is another example of how our valuable partnership continues to grow and deepen,” Brigadier Hill said.

“Australia and Japan work closely together to support a secure, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

“We undertake military training exercises with Japan and other partners regularly, but Exercise Talisman Sabre is a good opportunity to conduct more complex training activities together, like this missile firing.

CAPTION: Lieutenant General Hiroki Kobayashi, Vice Chief of Staff of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force speaks with Commodore Flotillas, Commodore Paul O’Grady DSM CSM at Beecroft Weapons Range, NSW in the lead up to Exercise Talisman Sabre. Photo by Sergeant Andrew Sleeman.

“I thank the Illawarra and South Coast communities for hosting the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force for the past weeks as they prepared for a safe and successful firing.”

JGSDF Chief of Staff General Morishita Yasunori said the live-fire activity helped build relationships.

“Exercise Talisman Sabre is important because it strengthens cooperation with Australia and the US, which will help maintain and strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific,” General Yasunori said.

“I believe the SSM firing exercise, in conjunction with the Australian Navy, will enhance a high level of trust between Australia and Japan.”

Talisman Sabre 2023 opening ceremony was held yesterday on-board HMAS Canberra in Sydney will run until August 4 with more than 30,000 military personnel from 13 nations.

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