Regional: Pacific domestic reactions to Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025
Over July and August, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Tonga were amongst 19 nations participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre held in Australia and PNG. PNG and Fiji media emphasised their respective military's ability to operate alongside regional allies, particularly Australia and the United States. PM Rabuka and Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) highlighted Fiji’s commitment to stability in the South Pacific and the training and interpersonal relationship benefits of the recently established RFMF rotational company embedded within the Australian Army - 129 soldiers from this element participated in Ex Talisman Sabre. Fijian media also noted that transport and accommodation costs were covered by the Australian Government for the official visit programme. PNG media focused on PNG’s role hosting the only portion of the exercise held outside Australia, a personnel recovery operation involving a combined joint force from Australia, the US, and PNG - as well as the closing ceremony. No Tongan domestic media covered the conclusion of the exercise, despite 43 Royal Tongan Marines having taken part. Most media coverage in Fiji and PNG repeated official public release narratives from the exercise.
Assessment: The reaction to Ex Talisman Sabre by Fiji and PNG domestic media and senior leaders was neutral or positive. They emphasised complex operations, South Pacific stability, and partnerships with larger traditional partners, specifically Australia and the US, favouring the term “allies”. The lack of Tongan media commentary likely reflects little proactive domestic media engagement by senior Tongan military and political leaders. All countries’ forces will almost certainly attend future bilateral and multilateral exercises when invited and involved early in the planning stages. Senior political involvement, such as visits or welcomes and farewells of troop contingents, is highly likely to see coverage in domestic media and amplification of key messages.
Sources: Ritika Pratap, “RFMF Joins Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025,” FBC News, May 15, 2025; Apenisa Waqairadovu, “129 RFMF Personnel in Australia for Military Exercise,” FBC News, August 6, 2025; Fiji Government, Facebook, “129 RFMF personnel participate in Major Australia-led military exercise,” 6 August 2025; “PNG Talks Embrace Ties, Keep China at Arm’s Length,” In‑Depth Solomons, February 21, 2025; “Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025: Largest Ever Drills Kick Off, Featuring Papua New Guinea,” Post‑Courier, 14 July 2025; “Historic Talisman Sabre Exercise Nears End with Personnel Recovery Drill,” Post‑Courier, August 2, 2025; Miriam Zarriga, “Exercise Talisman Sabre Ends Today,” Post‑Courier, August 4, 2025; Australian Department of Defence, “Largest Iteration of Talisman Sabre Comes to an End,” Defence.gov.au, August 8, 2025; United States Indo-Pacific Command, “Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 Concludes,” press release, August 3, 2025.
