Darwin, Australia — In a display of unparalleled scale and international cooperation, Australia is set to host its largest-ever military exercise, Kakadu 2024, featuring participation from over 30 nations. This grand exercise, which began in 1993, continues to expand, with this year's iteration showcasing an impressive array of warships, helicopters, and maritime patrol aircraft from the participating countries.

Kakadu 2024 will mobilize more than 3,000 defence personnel, all of whom will engage in a broad spectrum of maritime warfare activities. Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO of the Royal Australian Navy, emphasized the significance of the exercise in strengthening global military partnerships. “Kakadu is a cornerstone event hosted by the RAN, designed to fortify relationships and enhance interoperability among the world’s armed forces. As a maritime nation, Australia values its strong Navy and strategic connections with its neighbors,” Vice Admiral Hammond stated.

This year’s Kakadu will see a multinational Exercise Control team stationed at RAAF Base Darwin, orchestrating operations across air, sea, and subsurface domains. The exercise will cover a full range of maritime warfare scenarios, from mission planning and constabulary operations to advanced anti-submarine warfare and air defense drills. “Economic security and maritime security are inseparable,” Vice Admiral Hammond remarked. “The collective commitment of all participating nations to this exercise reflects our shared goal of ensuring safety, security, and strength for our countries.”

The theme of Kakadu 2024, 'Regional Cooperation through Trusted and Proven Partnerships,' underscores the collaborative spirit of the event. In addition to the at-sea activities, the exercise will include a comprehensive harbour phase featuring briefings, a Fleet Commanders and Senior Leaders' conference, ceremonies, and a range of cultural, social, and sporting events designed to foster camaraderie among participants.

With its emphasis on integration and interoperability, Kakadu 2024 promises to be a landmark event in maritime defense, reflecting the growing synergy among international naval forces.