As part of the Talisman Sabre 2025 exercise in Australia’s Northern Territory, U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM‑363), operating under Marine Rotational Force–Darwin 25.3, carried out an aerial delivery of HIMARS ammunition pods using an MV‑22B Osprey. The mission, conducted in coordination with Australian forces, showcased a high degree of allied interoperability and the ability to provide rapid, flexible support to artillery elements in challenging operational environments.
The MV‑22B Osprey is a unique aircraft that blends the vertical lift of a helicopter with the speed and range of a turboprop plane. Designed by Bell Boeing, it can haul up to 9,000 kilograms of internal cargo or 6,800 kilograms externally, while cruising at speeds over 430 km/h and operating at higher altitudes than most helicopters. Its ability to take off and land vertically in unprepared or remote areas makes it a vital asset for delivering time-critical supplies during joint military operations.
