The Australian Defence Force began its largest overseas military exercise of 2025 this Friday (15), with the launch of Exercise Alon 25 in the Philippines.
The operation was highlighted in a video released by Operations Command on X (@hqjoc), showing the start of activities on the islands of Palawan and Luzon.
Strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
The training will take place between 15 and 29 August, bringing together personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), as well as members of the Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Marine Corps through the Marine Rotation Force – Darwin.
Australia’s Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC, RAN, emphasized that the exercise symbolizes the strength of the security partnership between Australia and the Philippines.
“We are proud to conduct our largest overseas exercise with the Philippines and to continue strengthening our cooperation. Exercise Alon 25 is an opportunity for us to practice responding together to shared security challenges and to project power across long distances in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.
According to him, the operation reinforces Australia’s commitment to working with partners to ensure a free, sovereign, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Growth since 2023
Since its first edition in 2023, Exercise Alon has expanded to include training across multiple domains: maritime, land, air, as well as support in cyber defense and space operations.
This year, the Australian contribution involves a Joint Amphibious Force Headquarters, the destroyer HMAS Brisbane (Hobart-class), a combined Land Task Group, and an Air Group composed of Super Hornet fighters, Growler electronic warfare aircraft, and Hercules transport planes.
Among the highlights is the mass airlift of an Army battle group, consisting of armored, engineering, medical, and artillery units. Amphibious operations and joint maritime maneuvers are also planned.
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Interoperability and regional security
Vice Admiral Jones stressed that the greatest value of the exercise lies in the bonds between military personnel and the exchange of practices:
“We will come out of Exercise Alon 25 with experience that will improve our interoperability with the Philippines and ensure we can operate together in support of regional security.”
The activities include live-fire drills in military training grounds and maritime areas, conducted under strict safety protocols, prior public notices, and with a focus on maximizing operational value.
Source and images: Operations Command, X @hqjoc | defence.gov.au. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
