• Ex Kakadu is the largest regional maritime exercise of its kind. Defence
    Ex Kakadu is the largest regional maritime exercise of its kind. Defence
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Hot on the heels of Pitch Black 18, Exercise Kakadu, the largest regional maritime exercise of its kind, has begun in the NT.

Held biennially, Exercise Kakadu is a joint exercise hosted by the RAN and supported by the RAAF. More countries are attending this year than ever before, with 23 ships, 21 aircraft, a submarine and more than 3000 personnel from 27 nations participating in a range of activities both ashore in Darwin and at sea.

“This premier international exercise will provide invaluable training opportunities for maritime security and surveillance for all involved,” Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne said.

“Participation by nations from the south west Pacific, south east Asia and from the wider Indo-Pacific further strengthens the bonds we enjoy with our close regional partners.

“All navies and air forces, whether they are participating directly or observing from ashore, will provide a valuable contribution to the exercise,” Minister Pyne said.

As part of the exercise, Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead will host his counterparts at a Fleet Commanders’ Conference in Darwin. The talks will focus on generating active and effective security and humanitarian partnerships, with all nations emerging more capable, united and focused on safeguarding our region.

Participating nations include; Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Cook Islands, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, NZ, Pakistan, PNG, China, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, the UAE, the US, and Vietnam.

The exercise comes just a few weeks after the conclusion of Pitch Black 18, which saw 1120 air combat training missions flown over the Territory.

Altogether almost 140 aircraft from nine countries flew missions during Pitch Black, flying from Darwin, Batchelor, Tindal, Kununurra and Amberley.

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