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The Australian Defence Force has achieved the first aerial resupply using a heli-box drop during Exercise Bersama Lima 2025 in Malaysia.
The successful and safe drop was reportedly conducted from a RAAF C-27J Spartan aircraft off Tioman Island, and was intended to demonstrate the growing complexity and capability of Five Power Defence Arrangements training.
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“It proves just how vital aerial resupply is when disaster strikes and help is needed fast,” according to Air Vice-Marshal Nathan Christie, regarding the first aerial resupply in a Bersama Lima exercise.
“The integration of UAS into the land domain is a clear example of FPDA leveraging emerging and new capabilities to gain tactical advantages on the battlefield (referring to the introduction of the first unmanned aircraft systems during the multilateral company assault).
“This achievement highlights FPDA’s ongoing commitment to remain relevant through the use of technology and derive greater complexity in our exercises.”
This year’s Exercise Bersama Lima integrated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenarios, expanded into the cyber domain, and introduced unmanned aircraft systems, reflecting the evolving nature of regional defence co-operation.
In the maritime domain, dynamic maritime co-operation was demonstrated through activities such as combined boarding parties, naval gunfire support, officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres, sailing in company, air defence drills, and replenishment at sea, highlighting the proficiency and interoperability of the FPDA navies.
Flying Officer Brock Mathison said it was important for the coalition to strengthen cyber resilience.
“This integration piece with our coalition partners has enabled us to uplift the cyber security awareness and hygiene across the operation cells within the Exercise Bersama Lima contingent,” Flying Officer Mathison said.
Participants gained insight into Malaysia’s emergency response system, including the roles of state and regional civil defence forces and how the Malaysian Armed Forces integrate with them.
