Japan has conducted a surface-to-ship missile demonstration off the coast of Jervis Bay in New South Wales as part of Australia’s largest military exercise, Talisman Sabre. The launch, which featured two sea-skimming missiles that hit a target simultaneously, marks the first time Japan has fired its most advanced anti-ship missiles in the region.
The demonstration was part of Operation Talisman Sabre, a three-week exercise involving 19 countries and over 40,000 personnel. Australia’s exercise director, Brigadier Damian Hill, described the Japanese forces’ advanced capabilities as “sophisticated” and noted that the live firing showcased the country’s ability to modernize its military at speed.
The Talisman Sabre exercise aims to demonstrate Australia’s commitment to peace and protection in the Indo-Pacific region. It has grown from a bilateral partnership between the US and Australia to involve 19 countries, including Papua New Guinea for the first time this year. The exercise also involves training against potential threats on air, land, and water, as well as cyber and space.
Australia launched its own HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) during the exercise, which were able to reach up to 400 kilometres. This marked a significant milestone in Australia’s modernization efforts, with crews capable of live firing within months of arrival.
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-22/rocket-launch-off-jervis-bay-talisman-sabre/105559398