Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) is a biennial international military exercise hosted by the Commander of the United States Navy’s 3rd Fleet.
RIMPAC aims to be the premier joint combined maritime exercise and enables Australia to strengthen international partnerships, enhance interoperability and improve readiness for a wide range of potential operations.
Australia has participated in every RIMPAC since the exercise began in 1971.
Rim of the Pacific 2026
In 2026, approximately 430 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deployed to Hawaii to participate in the world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 26.
RIMPAC 26 is being held across training areas in and around the Hawaiian Islands from 24 June to 31 July 2026. The 30th iteration of the exercise includes more than 25,000 personnel from 31 participating nations, working together under the theme – Partners: Integrated and Prepared.
The ADF contribution to RIMPAC 26 includes:
- Royal Australian Navy Hobart Class Guided Missile Destroyer HMAS Sydney
- Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Guidance
- Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft
- Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.
RIMPAC 26 will see ADF personnel undertake a range of activities including live-fire exercises, anti-submarine warfare, air defence, mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal, as well as diving and salvage operations.
ADF personnel will work closely with allies and partners in multinational teams during the shore and sea phases of the exercise. The shore phase focuses on planning and professional engagement, while the sea phase involves complex, high-end warfighting scenarios.
RIMPAC 26 will also include advanced capability integration, with AUKUS Pillar II partners conducting subsea and seabed warfare experimentation aboard ADV Guidance, including the Maritime Big Play exercise series to enhance interoperability in underwater communications.