By participating in the large-scale multinational exercise “Talisman Sabre”, the Dutch armed forces once again underlines the country’s security policy interest in the Indo-Pacific region. Around 30,000 soldiers from 17 nations are currently practising under the leadership of Australia and the USA in Queensland, the Northern Territory and, for the first time, in Papua New Guinea – including Germany. including Germany.
The focus is on multinational cooperation in operations on land, at sea and in the air. In addition to classic maneuvers such as amphibious landings, combat exercises for ground troops, air combat scenarios and maritime operations, tests of new technologies – especially unmanned systems – are also on the agenda. Live firing and demanding battlefield training ensure realistic operational conditions.
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In addition to naval units, the Netherlands is also deploying the Special Operations Command, the Maritime Special Operations Forces and air force observers. Together with British and US marines, they form the so-called “Tri-Marines” battle group – a sea-based, amphibious reaction force with a high response capability.
General Onno Eichelsheim, Chief of the Dutch General Staff, personally traveled to the exercise to get a first-hand impression. His visit underlines the strategic importance that The Hague attaches to the region: “Our security does not end at Europe’s borders. Free sea lanes and stability in the Indo-Pacific are of vital interest to both the Netherlands and Europe,” said Eichelsheim. “If the flow of goods and raw materials dries up, we will have a serious problem.”
Accordingly, the Kingdom is not only involved in “Talisman Sabre”, but also permanently contributes personnel to the United Nations Command in South Korea. In future, a Dutch warship will also be present in the Indo-Pacific every two years as part of a European mission.
The current, eleventh edition of the “Talisman Sabre” exercise runs until August 4.
Here for more news about the Dutch armed forces.
