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What are US and Japanese soldiers doing in the middle of the Australian bush?

The BBC's Katy Watson explains why troops are training in remote Australia - a country not at war, thousands of kilometres from today's major conflicts.

Published June 30, 2026, 6:37 PM
Updated June 30, 2026, 6:58 PM2.0K
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What are US and Japanese soldiers doing in the middle of the Australian bush?

The BBC joined US, Japanese and Australian troops in remote North Queensland, where they trained together in some of Australia's toughest terrain.

But why were these exercises taking place in Australia - a country not at war, thousands of kilometres from today's major conflicts?

Our Australia correspondent Katy Watson explains.

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