Welcome to Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21). Here you will learn about TS21, the importance of the exercise for preparing our military, and how we involve the community and protect the environment.

TS21 is the largest bilateral combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and United States (US) military. It is designed to test our respective forces in planning and conducting Combined and Joint Task Force operations and improve the combat readiness and interoperability between Australian and US forces.

Occurring every two years, Talisman Sabre reflects the closeness of our alliance and strength of our enduring military relationship.

Where will TS21 take place?

TS21 exercise activities are planned to occur in Queensland including in the Charters Towers region and ADF Townsville Field Training Area (TFTA); coastal locations including Bundaberg, Stanage Bay peninsular, ADF Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), Mackay, Bowen, Proserpine, Ingham region, Lucinda, Forest Beach, ADF Cowley Beach Training Area (CBTA) and RAAF Scherger, as well as Evans Head in NSW. 

Townsville will see increased military presence over this time, mainly at Lavarack Barracks and RAAF Townsville, and on the roads between there and Charters Towers.

When is it being held?

TS21 will run from late June to mid-August 2021, this time frame includes the initial surge of equipment and people and their subsequent departure after the exercise. Exercise activities will peak during 18-31 July 2021.

Lead up training will occur in Stanage Bay, SWBTA and the Townsville region prior to TS21. While that training is separate to TS21, please contact us if you have any questions and we will direct your question to the appropriate team to respond.