Exercise Kakadu 24 is underway in the waters and airspace off Darwin. Exercise Kakadu is the RAN’s flagship regional international engagement activity. This year’s Kakadu is the 16th iteration and the series has grown in size and complexity since its inception in 1993.
There are participants or observers from over thirty countries, ships from ten navies and aircraft from five nations. The ships and aircraft are from Australia, Canada (the frigate HMCS Vancouver), France (patrol vessel), Japan (the destroyer JS Ariake), Indonesia (frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai), Malaysia (the frigate KDLekir), Singapore (the frigate RSS Supreme), the US (the destroyer USS Dewey) and Vietnam (the corvette 18). RAN units include the submarine HMAS Dechaineux and the frigates HMAS Warramunga, while the RAAF is contributing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. In all there are around 3000 participating personnel.
Notably, this is the first time the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) has sent a ship to Exercise Kakadu. It is the anti-submarine corvette 18 which is part of Brigade 171 of Naval Region 2. Also in attendance was the Deputy Chief of Staff of the VPN, Rear Admiral Nguyen Viet Khanh. For its part the Indonesian Navy said in an official communique that I Gusti Ngurah Rai’s participation improves “operational capabilities and strengthen international cooperation, elements of the Indonesian Navy” and the mandate “regarding the importance of collaboration and preparedness in facing global maritime security challenges.”
During the Harbour Phase the Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Chris Smith hosted the Fleet Commanders’ Roundtable. At the event, delegates discussed the challenges the Indo Pacific region faces due to a changing environment, increasing occurrences of natural disaster, and Naval support to both domestic and international Humanitarian Aide / Disaster Relief operations. During breaks, further ideas were shared and issues of bilateral importance were discussed.
During the Sea Phase the ships split into two task groups to conduct a range of exercises. Captain David Tietzel, Exercise Director for Kakadu 24, emphasised the importance of strengthening international partnerships. “Exercise Kakadu is more than just a naval exercise; it’s a testament to the enduring partnerships and strategic solidarity in our region,” he said.
This year’s ‘regional cooperation through trusted and proven partnerships’ exercise theme reflects enhancing regional security and fostering robust international relationships. The exercise features a broad spectrum of naval activities, from warfighting to humanitarian operations, showcasing operational excellence and expanding capabilities. This includes advanced scenarios like anti-submarine warfare, maritime interception operations and humanitarian assistance missions.
“Our goal is to demonstrate the full range of naval training and showcase new technologies and tactics, which reflect our commitment to staying at the forefront of maritime operations,” Captain Tietzel said.
Exercise Kakadu 24 also offers a significant opportunity for regional fleet commanders and senior leaders to discuss shared interests and challenges.
Sources: ADF, RCN, RSN, TNI-AL, USN & VPN
