New Zealand troops working with Australian, U.S. forces in major exercise

The New Zealand Defence Force ( NZDF) on Thursday released more details on its first-ever role in Australia's largest military exercise with United States forces.

Two ships and 45 military vehicles, including 22 light armored vehicles would be deployed in New Zealand's participation in the biennial Exercise Talisman Sabre from July 5 to 21, Major General Tim Gall, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand.

The NZDF was also deploying four aircraft and 620 personnel for the exercise.

It focused on crisis action planning and humanitarian missions, enhancing participating nations' capabilities to deal with regional contingencies and terrorism, he said in a statement.

"We will be operating in a uniquely complex and challenging multinational environment where our people can further hone their warfighting capabilities and their ability to respond to a wide variety of contingencies," Gall said in a statement.

The exercise provided "an opportunity to train with key partners -- Australia and the U.S. -- so we can enhance our ability to operate effectively alongside them."

NZDF personnel would be working as part of a large Australian- led force and NZDF military assets would be integrated with those of the Australian and U.S. armed forces.

Talisman Sabre covered training in land, air and maritime warfare, including amphibious operations.

It would involve around 30,000 Australian and U.S. troops, 21 ships, including the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS George Washington, more than 200 aircraft and three submarines.

Members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces would also participate for the first time as embedded personnel within U.S. military units.

This year's exercise would be the sixth Talisman Sabre since 2005. Endi