Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

As very close allies we already have, between our armed forces, a high level of interoperability that allows us to work seamlessly together as we are doing, for example, in the Middle East. At last week's AUSMIN meeting the secretary and I committed to further strengthening that interoperability, and, importantly, to continuing our close cooperation on capability development and defence technology. Over the coming years Australia will continue to invest alongside the United States in platforms and equipment, which will provide us with unparalleled interoperability in the years ahead. For example, through our Naval Shipbuilding Plan and the Future Submarine program we will ensure our future maritime forces can work together seamlessly.

Later this month we will commence the landmark Australia-US Exercise Talisman Saber in Central Queensland: over 30,000 troops, 35 ships, and 150 aircraft all working together to increase that operability and that ability to seamlessly integrate as required. The exercise platform is a very effective way of doing that. (Time expired)