US paratroopers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) of the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division made a dramatic nighttime jump into Australia during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. Flying 14.5 hours nonstop from Alaska, they parachuted onto the Australian countryside on July 14.
The commander, Col. Brian Weightman, said the unit experienced only three minor injuries during the operation. Despite the challenge of nighttime jumps, which can increase casualties by up to 10%, Weightman praised the team’s proficiency and ability to adapt.
The exercise showcased interoperability between US and Australian forces, with French troops also participating. The US Air Force transported over 300 paratroopers from six C-17A Globemaster III aircraft, while the division demonstrated its technological advancements, including continuous communications with higher headquarters.
“We’re able to go anywhere in the world,” said Weightman. “We possess two airborne brigades that can operate in arctic climates or subtropics, making us a versatile force.”
The exercise highlighted the 11th Airborne Division’s capabilities and relevance on modern battlefields. Despite concerns about airborne units’ effectiveness, Weightman argued that their skills would be a significant deterrent for adversaries.
Talisman Sabre is the eleventh iteration of the drill, involving over 40,000 troops from 19 nations. The exercise demonstrates the US Army’s commitment to interoperability and its ability to respond to emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
Source: https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2025/07/22/us-army-drops-into-australia-for-massive-war-games