What Happened
Australia Deploys Maritime Patrol Aircraft To Large-Scale Military Exercise
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has deployed a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to Japan as part of Exercise Keen Sword, a large-scale military exercise involving around 260 aircraft and 40 ships. The exercise, which runs from October 19 to 29, 2026, aims to improve readiness and the ability of allied forces to operate together. Australia’s contingent includes almost 300 personnel, as well as the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart and specialist cyber and space teams. The exercise will also trial new technology, including autonomous systems and underwater acoustic communications. According to AeroTime, Exercise Keen Sword is one of the region’s largest exercises and involves personnel from Japan, the US, and several invited countries, including Australia.