Thirty one ships from 19 nations will conduct a ceremonial entry into Sydney Harbour this morning for the 2026 Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review.

Hosted by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the review is the largest gathering of foreign warships in Sydney Harbour in more than a decade and marks 125 years of the Australian Navy’s service to the nation.

The RAN will be joined by the Royal Australian Air Force in an impressive aerial display over Sydney Harbour. Following the flying display, the RAN will conduct a ceremonial gun salute.

The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Hon Sam Mostyn AC, will be joined by the Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston AC RAN, and the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN, to conduct a ceremonial review of the Australian and international ships. 

A fleet review is a long-standing naval tradition in which a reviewing officer, embarked in a reviewing ship, inspects an assembled fleet. Historically, fleet reviews occurred when a battle fleet was mobilised for war. In the modern era, they have become important commemorative milestones that bring together partner navies to demonstrate shared commitment to maritime security and international cooperation.

The Fleet Review is being held in conjunction with Exercise Kakadu, the RAN’s premier multinational maritime exercise. This pairing transforms the occasion from a ceremonial event into a practical demonstration of regional partnership, readiness and interoperability.

Quotes attributable to Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN:

“The Fleet Review highlights the depth of our partnerships across the region, demonstrating the strength of the relationships and the importance of working together to ensure a secure maritime domain.

“For 125 years, Australia’s Navy has defended our nation, protected our maritime approaches, and supported regional stability but we have never done it alone. Our partners and allies have played a critical role in our 125-year history.”

Media notes

Imagery and vision will be available following the event at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20260468

Event program:

·         6am – 12pm Ceremonial entry of ships into Sydney Harbour  

·         2pm – 4pm Review of International Navy Fleet  

·         2:45pm Aerial display 

·         3:45pm Ceremonial Gun Salute  

·         6:45pm Historical flotilla procession 

Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review | Royal Australian Navy