HMAS Hobart Takes Part in Exercise La Perouse 25

HMAS Hobart has joined Exercise La Perouse 25, a French-led maritime training activity currently underway in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia.

The exercise brings together 12 ships and over 30 aircraft to conduct a series of complex operations. These include maritime interoperability missions, multi-domain and simulated warfare training, boarding operations, live-fire drills, and air-based search and rescue exercises.

Participating nations include Canada, France, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The French Navy aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle is also playing a central role in the activities.

Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC, RAN, Chief of Joint Operations, highlighted the importance of the exercise in strengthening Australia’s partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.

“Multilateral exercises like La Perouse 25 reinforce our shared security interests,” Vice Admiral Jones said. “They also provide the Australian Defence Force with an opportunity to build strong cooperation and enhance interoperability with our international partners in a real-world training environment.

“Our nation’s security and prosperity depend on a stable Indo-Pacific, and exercises like this ensure we’re collectively prepared to uphold peace and stability in the region.”

Commander Alisha Withers RAN, Commanding Officer of HMAS Hobart, remarked on the significance of the event, which is the largest iteration of Exercise La Perouse to date.

“The ship’s company is eager to put their training into action during this challenging and rewarding exercise,” Commander Withers said. “It’s a tremendous honour to operate alongside Charles de Gaulle, particularly as this marks the first time the French carrier strike group has ventured so close to Australian waters.”

As the first major multinational exercise on the Defence calendar for 2025, Exercise La Perouse 25 also marks the start of HMAS Hobart’s three-month Regional Presence Deployment.

These deployments demonstrate Australia’s dedication to maintaining a consistent presence in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring its commitment to regional security and stability.

The Military Shop and Navy Shop wish HMAS Hobart and all participating nations a successful and safe exercise. Events like these highlight the importance of collaboration and dedication in safeguarding peace and prosperity in our region.