Australian soldiers joined partners from the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) for Exercise Suman Warrior last month.

The major planning activity hosted by the New Zealand Army at Linton Military Camp focused on how FPDA nations can work together in complex scenarios, testing plans and decision-making.

Over two weeks, the Australian team worked alongside counterparts from Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom to coordinate responses to a range of challenges.

Commanding Officer 10th/27th Battalion, Royal South Australian Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Darrin Tyson, said the activity was vital for building trust and understanding.

“When we sit down with our partners and solve problems together, we learn how each nation operates and how we can support each other when it matters,” Lieutenant Colonel Tyson said.

The Australian contingent of 34 personnel, primarily from South Australian-based units, worked through multiple planning cycles at battle group and brigade level, testing ideas against dynamic and evolving scenarios.

Captain Roberto Cardone, of Headquarters 9th Brigade, said the exercise highlighted the importance of collaboration.

“It’s not just about military capability, it’s about relationships, which build interoperability,” Captain Cardone said.

“The FPDA has been around for more than 50 years, and exercises like this keep it relevant by ensuring we can operate together effectively.”