The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has strengthened enduring partnerships with allies and regional partners through participation in Exercise Cobra Gold 2026.

Held in Thailand from 23 February to 6 March 2026, the exercise reaffirmed Australia’s ongoing commitment to security and cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific. 

As part of this year’s activity, the ADF deployed around 19 personnel to integrate into the multinational headquarters, with a focus on strengthening joint capabilities in space and cyber.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, said the ADF’s participation demonstrated Australia’s role as a responsible, capable and reliable regional partner.

“The ADF personnel who deployed on Exercise Cobra Gold were provided a meaningful experience as an Australian joint integrated force within a multinational environment,” Vice Admiral Jones said.

“They contributed specialist expertise in not only military command and control, but importantly to the space and cyber operations, which are key to the security of the region. 

“The participation of ADF personnel enhances individual experience and strengthens the collective capability and professional relationships that underpin effective multinational operations.”

Exercise Cobra Gold was first held in 1982 between Thailand and the United States of America. In 2026, over 8,000 personnel from 30 nations participated, focusing on land, sea, air, cyber, and space operations to enhance interoperability and regional security.

The exercise is designed to improve planning of realistic, complex operations within a Thai-led multinational Force, in response to small-scale conventional threats in the Pacific region.

Media note

Media can access imagery/vision at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20260071