U.S. and Allied Forces Showcase Global Airborne Power in High-Stakes Military Drill

On July 14, U.S. Army paratroopers from the 11th Airborne Division carried out a striking nighttime parachute insertion into the Australian countryside during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. 

The troops embarked on a remarkable 14.5-hour flight from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska to Queensland, traversing more than 6,800 miles before making their descent into the shadows below.

 “We landed precisely on the mark,” stated Col. Brian Weightman, commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), who oversaw the jump. The operation, initially expected to incur up to 10% casualties, fortunately concluded with just three minor injuries.

The operation involved a simulated joint forcible entry mission that progressed beyond the landing phase, with paratroopers from the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment (“Three Geronimo”) marching over 30 miles to capture a simulated urban target near Townsville. “Executing such actions with genuine intensity and swiftness is remarkable—it ought to instill fear in opponents,” remarked Weightman. 

A fleet of six aircraft, comprising four U.S. and two Australian C-17A Globemasters, transported 323 U.S. troops, a dozen German paratroopers, along with heavy equipment. Upon arrival, French forces became part of the mission.

Weightman commended the advanced communications capabilities onboard, which facilitated immediate voice, data, and video links to higher command, greatly enhancing situational awareness on the battlefield. "Transporting an infantry battalion with command and situational awareness across 7,000 miles showcases a formidable global capability," he emphasized.

Over 400 U.S. paratroopers were set to perform a second nighttime jump on July 21 at Shoalwater Bay, joined by 100 German and 36 French troops. The airborne division, tasked with operations in both the Arctic and Indo-Pacific, demonstrates a remarkable ability to execute offensive maneuvers in challenging environmental conditions.

When questioned about the significance of airborne forces in contemporary conflict, Weightman highlighted their extensive reach and quick-response capability: “If I were the adversary, this would instill fear in me.” 

In a recent statement, Weightman emphasized the critical importance of joint readiness in the Indo-Pacific, a region increasingly characterized by escalating strategic rivalry.

Talisman Sabre 2025 marks the 11th edition of the biennial exercise, featuring participation from over 40,000 troops across 19 nations.

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