IRIA News

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About 3000 personnel from 30 nations participated in Exercise Kakadu 24 led by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from September 9 to 20, 2024. The exercise highlighted Australia’s commitment to regional maritime security and international partnerships.

The Royal Australian Navy’s flagship Exercise Kakadu 24 was held in Darwin with participation from the U.S., France, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, and other allied forces.

The Exercise Kakadu was first held in 1993 in Australia, since then the scope and engagement activity has grown significantly in size and complexity. This year’s edition was the 16th iteration of the exercise and it was the largest and most diverse exercise to date with participants from more than 30 nations.

The exercise involved about a dozen warships, including a submarine from 10 countries. Moreover, about 10 aircraft, including maritime patrol aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) also took part in the exercise.

Exercise Director for Kakadu 24, Captain David Tietzel highlighted the importance of the exercise and said that such drills strengthen international partnerships. He said, “Exercise Kakadu is more than just a naval exercise; it’s a testament to the enduring partnerships and strategic solidarity in our region.”

🌊Ships from 🇺🇸🇦🇺🇫🇷 Sail Together During Exercise Kakadu 2024⚓

Navy ships from participating nations in Exercise Kakadu 2024 break formation after sailing together in the Timor Sea, Sept. 16, 2024. pic.twitter.com/SOXwoLEUY0

— Naval Surface Forces (@SurfaceWarriors) September 17, 2024

“Our goal is to demonstrate the full range of naval training and showcase new technologies and tactics, which reflect our commitment to staying at the forefront of maritime operations,” Captain Tietzel added.

The exercise featured a broad spectrum of naval activities, from warfighting to humanitarian operations, showcasing operational excellence and expanding capabilities. It also included advanced scenarios like anti-submarine warfare, maritime interception operations, and humanitarian assistance missions.

U.S. Navy’s Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) also took part in the exercise, while Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigates HMAS Stuart (FFH 153) and HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152), a Collins-class submarine, and aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force participated in the exercise.

According to the Australian Navy statement, “This year’s ‘regional cooperation through trusted and proven partnerships’ exercise theme reflects enhancing regional security and fostering robust international relationships.”

The Australian Navy highlighted in a statement that Exercise Kakadu 24 offered a significant opportunity for regional fleet commanders and senior leaders to discuss shared interests and challenges. The influx of personnel and assets brought significant benefits and strengthened local partnerships.

During the course of the exercise, international participants conducted helicopter landings, jet flybys, and live-fire drills on board the Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga. The participants fired F89 Minimi and EF88 Austeyr rifles and .50 caliber machine guns.

Boatswains Mate Chief Petty Officer Luke Horsburgh said the exercise was aimed at targeting hostile fast-attack craft threatening the ship and approaching at high speed.

“It’s an effective activity to show our international friends that Warramunga is battle-ready and also to give them a chance to integrate with the weapons crew,” Chief Petty Officer Horsburgh highlighted.

Chief of Navy Australia, Vice Adm. Mark Hammond said, “Kakadu is the largest and most significant international exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy, it deepens relationships and interoperability between participating armed forces. “Australia is a maritime nation that, like our neighbors, derives prosperity from access to the sea – assured by a strong Navy and strong partnerships.”