Australia’s largest warfare exercise, Kakadu 2024, will feature participation from defence personnel and artillery from over thirty nations. This year’s event will showcase an impressive array of assets, including warships, helicopters, and maritime patrol aircraft from the participating countries.

Since its inception in 1993, Exercise Kakadu has expanded significantly. In 2024, the exercise will see the participation of over three thousand personnel. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of Navy of the Royal Australian Navy, has welcomed the participants, emphasising that the exercise will foster camaraderie and strengthen relationships among the armed forces.

Vice Admiral Hammond said, “Kakadu is an important exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy as it deepens relationships and interoperability between participating armed forces. Australia is a maritime nation which, like its neighbours, derives prosperity from access to the sea – backed by a strong Navy and ties.”

He added, “Kakadu provides an excellent opportunity for army men to exercise their professionalism in a range of tactical maritime activities. This year the focus would be on interoperability with greater integration of Australia’s international partners in all aspects of the exercise.”

Building on the success of 2022, this year’s Exercise Kakadu will introduce a multinational Exercise Control element stationed at RAAF Base Darwin. This team will oversee air, sea, and subsurface activities across the full spectrum of maritime warfare, including mission planning, constabulary operations, advanced anti-submarine warfare, and Air Defence exercises.

Vice Admiral Hammond emphasised, “There’s no economic security without maritime security. Each of the countries participating in Kakadu is united in this perspective and our shared commitment to keeping our nations safe, secure, and strong.”

The theme for this year's exercise is “Regional Cooperation through Trusted and Proven Partnerships.” In addition to the at-sea exercises, the program will feature a harbour phase that includes briefings, a Fleet Commanders and Senior Leaders’ conference, ceremonies, and various cultural, social, and sporting events.

Image source: ANI