RIMPAC 2024: Strengthening International Maritime Partnerships
The world’s largest maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2024, will take place from June 27 to August 1, 2024, hosted by the Commander of the US Pacific Fleet. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will participate with the HMAS Sydney, a Hobart Class guided missile destroyer, and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
This exercise will include 40 surface ships, three submarines, 150 aircraft, and approximately 25,000 personnel from 29 nations. Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, emphasized Australia’s commitment to regional partnerships and alliances.
RIMPAC 2024 will cover scenarios such as disaster response, humanitarian assistance, maritime security operations, and warfighting. Air Commodore Louise Desjardins noted this as HMAS Sydney’s first RIMPAC, highlighting the evaluation of training and live-fire capabilities.
The start of RIMPAC 2024 follows recent announcements of enhanced defence cooperation between Australia, the US, and Japan, including a planned missile defence live-fire exercise in 2027 and collaborative projects in advanced military technology.
