German paratroopers invade Australia

Together with U.S. paratroopers from the 11th Airborne Division from Alaska, the soldiers of the German 26th Parachute Infantry Regiment are training at the Townsville Training Area, located 1,200 kilometers north of the city of Brisbane. Their mission: After German forces liberate the town of Carter, the U.S. forces are to capture an enemy-controlled airfield. After the airborne landing and two days of approach on foot over more than 40 demanding kilometers through the most difficult terrain, the coordinated offensive against the target begins.

During his visit to the paratroopers on July 14, 2025, the Chief of the German Army, Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, emphasized the importance of the exercise. "In 2025, the German Army will assume the role of the German presence in the Indo-Pacific. We have observed exercises throughout the year and had teams exchange experiences in the Pacific - in Japan, Singapore, and Australia." The highlight of this year, however, will be participation in the Talisman Sabre 2025 exercise, the Chief of the German Army emphasized.

By participating in exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, the Bundeswehr is making its contribution to implementing the German government's policy of promoting peace and security in the region, Mais emphasized, adding: "Partnerships not only within the EU and NATO, but also with like-minded, democratic states in distant regions contribute to Germany's security."

As planned, the German paratroopers attacked at dawn and captured the town within 45 minutes. Thus, they laid the groundwork for the US military's assault. The soldiers of the 26th Parachute Infantry Regiment demonstrated their high level of training in international cooperation. The experienced Australian referees, in particular, were impressed by their efficiency and professionalism.

After four days of intensive excercise, the mission is complete and the airfield is in US hands. The Germans now begin a follow-up phase with the evaluation of the individual exercise sections. In a few days, they will be deployed again at another training area, where they will be able to implement the experiences and lessons learned from this exercise.

Talisman Sabre 2025 is one of the largest multinational military exercises in the world. A total of over 35,000 members of the armed forces from 19 nations are participating. With its renewed participation, Germany is demonstrating that it is a reliable partner for peace and stability, even outside of Europe. By participating in Talisman Sabre 2025, Germany is strengthening its security cooperation with Australia within the framework of the German-Australian Enhanced Strategic Partnership, which was concluded in June 2021.