40 Commando, Royal Marines, arrive in Darwin ahead of Exercise Predator’s Run

British Special Forces troops rolled into Darwin on the weekend, who have travelled more than 14,000 kilometres for a special dry season activity. Read why the distinguished commando unit has been sent to the Top End.

Troops from 40 Commando, Royal Marines, touched down at Darwin airport on the weekend. Picture: 1st Brigade, Australian Army.

The United Kingdom has sent an elite Special Forces Unit to the Top End ahead of a massive multinational military exercise this month.

Last weekend, troops from 40 Commando, Royal Marines, touched down at Darwin Airport to take part in the Australian Army-led Exercise Predator’s Run.

Having travelled more than 14,000 kilometres, it is understood 40 Commando’s touchdown was preceded by an advanced party which arrived early to plan alongside local Australian Defence Force (ADF) units.

The elite British troops arriving in Darwin airport. Picture: 1st Brigade, Australian Army.

A Department of Defence spokesman told the NT News that the arrival of the Royal Marine Commandos was in line with the ADF’s commitment to training in littoral environments alongside partner nations.

“This year, Royal Marines from 40 Commando Regiment and sailors from the Royal Navy will share their experience and expertise, as they join the Exercise,” he said.

“The UK contingent participating in Exercise Predator’s Run 2024 will be its largest to date – UK participation in the exercise is a tangible demonstration of a shared commitment to enhance our strategic amphibious and littoral manoeuvre relationship, and demonstrates the increasing depth of co-operation between our two forces, as highlighted by respective Defence Ministers at AUKMIN.”

Formed in 1942, 40 Commando boasts a rich history and wide range of modern-day capability, specialising across amphibious warfare, arctic environments, and more.

The unit also saw extensive action throughout the war on terror, having deployed in both Iraq and Afghanistan on multiple occasions.

Having travelled to North Queensland in 2023 for Exercise Talisman Sabre, 40 Commando are expected to quickly adjust to the Territory’s tropical conditions.

Soldiers from 5th Battalion training in Darwin Harbour. Picture: 1st Brigade, Australian Army.

The Defence spokesman also confirmed personnel from the Philippine Army would participate in the exercise.

“The ability to share insights and ways of doings things with close partners will be a real highlight, and will allow us to assess our ability to operate together,” she said.

“We don’t want to wait until there is a crisis to have established the relationships, common understanding and processes that will be needed.”

Visiting soldiers are not the only troops eager to make an impression during Exercise Predator’s Run, however, with units across Darwin’s 1st Brigade having ramped up their training programs in preparation for the demanding month ahead.

In Darwin Harbour, soldiers from 5th Battalion have been developing their watercraft skills under the cover of darkness, before dawn and after sunset.

Gunners from 8/12 Regiment training in Mount Bundey in July, 2024. Picture: 8/12 Regiment, Facebook.

In the scrub of Mount Bundey Training Area, gunners from 8/12 Regiment have been testing their artillery skills alongside their US Marine counterparts.

The spokesman revealed most participants were expected to encounter situations they have not experienced.

“Most participants won’t have experienced the extended ranges, maritime manoeuvre, archipelagic geography, community engagement and the level of autonomy that they will be exposed to during (this exercise).”

“This will be an activity in learning together.”

Exercise Predator’s Run will not be the most obvious military exercise taking place across the Territory in July, however, as Exercise Pitch Black 24, an Air Force activity, is set to feature more than 140 aircraft tearing across the Top End’s skies.

Additionally, an Italian Navy aircraft carrier, the Cavour, will also pull into Darwin, with hundreds of Italian sailors expected to enjoy the city’s sights.

Exercise Pitch Black 24 will run from July 12 to August 2, this year.

Originally published as 40 Commando, Royal Marines, arrive in Darwin ahead of Exercise Predator’s Run