On September 8, 2025, the multinational military exercise Pacific Angel 25 commenced at Katunayake Air Base in Sri Lanka. It is the largest exercise in the Indo-Pacific, with India, the US, Sri Lanka, Australia, Bangladesh, Japan, and the Maldives participating. This initiative aims to enhance disaster relief and humanitarian assistance capabilities.
Pacific Angel 25: What's this exercise about?
Pacific Angel 25 is a five-day exercise (8-12 September 2025) taking place at Katunayake Air Base in Sri Lanka. It gathers 90 US and 120 Sri Lankan Air Force personnel, alongside soldiers and observers from India, Australia, Bangladesh, Japan, and the Maldives. The focus is on prompt and effective disaster rescue operations, medical aid, air safety, and engineering cooperation.
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Exercise Highlights
US C-130J aircraft and Sri Lankan Bell 412, B-212 helicopters, and King Air 350 planes are utilized for swift and organized relief operations, enhancing the effectiveness of these exercises.
Leadership from Sri Lanka and the US
US Defense Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House remarked that Pacific Angel is not just an exercise; it's an opportunity to foster real collaboration with our allies. Training together boosts trust so we can respond promptly to disasters. Today’s efforts lay the groundwork for shared security tomorrow.
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Source: aajtak
Hosted by the Sri Lankan Air Force, this is the largest multinational exercise of the year. US Ambassador Julie Chung noted that Pacific Angel 25 is the largest exercise this year in Sri Lanka, welcoming soldiers from Australia, Bangladesh, India, Japan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the US. This exercise demonstrates our capability to work together in disaster and humanitarian crises.
The History of Pacific Angel
Launched in 2007, Pacific Angel is now in its 18th year. It is organized by the US Pacific Air Forces and the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). Initially, in 2007, it provided aid to Kiribati, Nauru, and Vanuatu.
Since then, it has become a crucial element for humanitarian aid and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific, organized based on the host countries' needs. Its primary goal is to ensure swift responses in the event of natural disasters.
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Why This Exercise Matters
The Indo-Pacific region is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and cyclones. Exercises like Pacific Angel 25 enable countries to collaborate, share resources, and quickly deliver help in times of need. This practice is not only vital for humanitarian aid but also for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
India-Sri Lanka Collaboration
India and Sri Lanka's partnership in this exercise is significant. India has a history of engaging with Sri Lanka in disaster relief and military cooperation. This exercise strengthens trust and coordination between the two nations. India's involvement highlights its growing role in regional security and humanitarian assistance.
