German soldiers to deploy to Australia for first time for joint exercises

German soldiers will deploy to Australia in what will be the first time our forces have come together since they were foes in WWII.

German soldiers will deploy to Australia next year to exercise with our Diggers in what will be the first time the former World War 2 foes will come together for warlike combat training.

German Eurofighters are currently in Darwin for air exercises with the RAAF and there have been visits by German warships to our shores but other than single observers there has been little interest in Germany sending troops to the Asia Pacific.

But that stance had changed with threats to global security in Europe from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to China’s military expansionist ambitions in the Asia Pacific and the need for partnership of the West.

The move was signed off by Defence Minister Richard Marles visiting Berlin and his German counterpart Christine Lambrecht, as both sought the two armies to have “interoperability” capabilities.

That is, to be able to fight together as allies should that need ever arise.

Defence Minister Richard Marles sits in a German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon with Colonel Gordon Schnitger during a visit to RAAF Base Darwin last week.

“Our countries may be geographically distant, but we have many issues and challenges in common, there’s a great overlap here,” Ms Lambrecht said.

She said having German troops participate in the biennial ADF-US Forces led Talisman Sabre exercise next year was a stress test for deploying forces far from home and at a time of great global uncertainty.

German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht. Picture: Getty Images

“The developments and stability of the Indo – Pacific region are also of utmost importance to us and to Europe as a whole … we are exercising with many partners from the region, and we are displaying unity and visibility for a rules-based open and multilateral world.”

Mr Marles who is also visiting counterparts in France and the UK – notably in the later to discuss the AUKUS security pact and potential nuclear-powered submarines the British could supply Australia’s Navy – said it was important nations stood together.

Rheinmetall Boxer CRV negotiating obstacles on the Driver Training Circuit at Puckapunyal. in Victoria

“The rules-based order which has been built over the last 70 years is now under pressure, not just in Europe but in the Indo – Pacific as well. And we welcome Germany’s interest in the Indo – Pacific and interest in speaking out in support of that rules-based order. At this moment, it is important that nations which support a rules-based order and support values in the world are standing together.”

He said the relationship was growing “significantly” between the two countries but also Defence industry on various joint projects including the manufacturing of the Boxer armoured vehicle.

He added: “We deeply believe that by working more closely with Germany, by building interoperability with Germany, we create a more peaceful world, both in Europe and in the Indo – Pacific.”

Originally published as German soldiers to deploy to Australia for first time for joint exercises