Thirty one ships from 19 nations have conducted a ceremonial entry into Sydney Harbour on Saturday 26 March for the 2026 Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review.
“The Fleet Review highlights the depth of our partnerships across the region, demonstrating the strength of the relationships and the importance of working together to ensure a secure maritime domain," Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, said.
Hosted by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the review is the largest gathering of foreign warships in Sydney Harbour in more than a decade and marks 125 years of the Australian Navy’s service to the nation.
The RAN was joined by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in an aerial display over Sydney Harbour. Following the flying display, the RAN conducted a ceremonial gun salute.
The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Sam Mostyn, was joined by the Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston, and VADM Hammond, and she conducted a ceremonial review of the Australian and international ships.
A fleet review is a long-standing naval tradition in which a reviewing officer, embarked in a reviewing ship, inspects an assembled fleet.
Historically, fleet reviews occurred when a battle fleet was mobilised for war. In the modern era, they have become important commemorative milestones that bring together partner navies to demonstrate shared commitment to maritime security and international cooperation.
The Fleet Review was held in conjunction with Exercise Kakadu, the RAN’s premier multinational maritime exercise. This pairing has transformed the occasion from a ceremonial event into a practical demonstration of regional partnership, readiness and interoperability.