What Happened
Australia Joins World's Largest Maritime Exercise in Hawaii
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has deployed P-8A Poseidon and E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Hawaii for Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, a multinational maritime exercise. The exercise, which runs from June 24 to July 31, 2026, involves 31 nations, 40 surface ships, and over 25,000 personnel. Australia’s contribution includes 430 personnel, the Hobart class guided missile destroyer HMAS Sydney, and the Australian defence vessel ADV Guidance. The exercise aims to enhance maritime security and interoperability, with a focus on live-fire exercises, anti-submarine warfare, and air defense drills. According to AeroTime, RIMPAC 26 directly supports Australia’s National Defence Strategy and demonstrates the country’s capability to defend against potential threats.