A total of 129 Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) personnel are currently participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, a large-scale multinational military exercise hosted by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Central Queensland.

This was announced by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during his ministerial statement to Parliament, following a high-level visit to Australia from 1–7 July 2025 at the invitation of the Australian Government.

The delegation included key Cabinet Ministers; responsible for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Immigration, and Policing; alongside senior officials from the Office of the Prime Minister and the Civil Service. The Deputy Commander of the RFMF also joined the delegation, which was supported locally by Fiji’s High Commission in Canberra.

According to the Prime Minister, the RFMF’s participation in Talisman Sabre marks a historic first for Pacific defence forces under a rotational company pilot scheme. This model allows ADF and RFMF personnel to integrate operationally in advance of joint field exercises.

“This is a landmark moment in our defence cooperation,” said Prime Minister Rabuka. “The arrangement enables our soldiers to work shoulder to shoulder with their Australian counterparts, building shared capability, trust, and a unified approach to regional security.”

The exercise, which involves over 30,000 personnel from 19 nations, underscores the deepening strategic defence partnership between Fiji and Australia. The RFMF contingent is engaged in combined training missions aimed at enhancing interoperability, tactical proficiency, and collective readiness in response to emerging regional threats.

Prime Minister Rabuka and his delegation visited Shoalwater Bay to observe a live offensive training demonstration, describing the scene as a “powerful display of camaraderie and professionalism.”

“As a former military officer, I understand the morale boost such visits provide,” he said. “It reminds our troops that their service is recognised, valued, and essential to our national and regional security.”

The Australian Government funded transportation, accommodation, and associated logistics during the official program. The Prime Minister noted that the rotational pilot initiative will serve as a blueprint for future Pacific defence collaborations.

The visit concluded on a high note, with a show of unity and pride from the Fijian troops; singing, cheering, and expressing their appreciation for the visit and ongoing support from both governments.