The 15^th iteration of the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) flagship biennial regional ‘Maritime International Engagement’, Exercise Kakadu 2022 (KA22) is underway. Ex KA22 is being conducted in Darwin and the Northern Australian Exercise area (NAXA) from 12-24 September.

“Exercise Kakadu is Navy’s most significant international engagement activity and is vital for building relationships between participating countries,” Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said.

A RAN led exercise supported by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the latest edition is its largest ever, featuring more than 15 naval vessels, over 30 aircraft and approximately 3,000 personnel from more than 20 countries. 

Commander of the Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley, said the exercise provided an excellent opportunity for regional partners to undertake multinational maritime activities ranging from constabulary operations to high-end maritime warfare in a combined environment.