New Zealand and Australian forces are participating in Exercise Diamond Run, a large-scale joint warfighting exercise in Queensland.
According to the New Zealand Defence Force, over 2,000 personnel from the New Zealand Army’s 1st Brigade and the Australian Army’s 7th Brigade are involved in the three-week training event to enhance interoperability between the two nations.
Held at the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area, the exercise simulates a conflict in a fictional Asia-Pacific location, testing troops’ combat and combat support capabilities in various terrains.
“As allies we have a mutual commitment to support each other’s security, coordinate our efforts in the South Pacific, and maintain a combined focus on the security and stability of our broader region,” said Brig. Giles Cornelia, the 7th Brigade’s commander.
Exercise Diamond Run is part of a series of joint exercises leading up to next year’s larger Talisman Sabre exercise. The allied countries previously collaborated with the United States on Exercise Dugong in March, which focused on enhancing their sea mine clearance capabilities.