RAA Liaison Letter – 2025 / 2026 Edition 65 1st Regiment RAA Exercise BENCAT 25: Australian and New Zealand Artillery Strengthen Bonds Across the Ditch In October 2025, members of the 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, (1 Regt) deployed across the Tasman to take part in Exercise BENCAT 25, a bilateral activity hosted by 16th Field Regiment Royal New Zealand Artillery (16 Fd Regt). For many of the ten Australian soldiers involved—comprising elements of the Gunline, Joint Fires Teams (JFTs), and Artillery Command Systems Operators (ACSOs)—the exercise was not only a chance to train in New Zealand’s rugged environment, but an opportunity to deepen the long-standing bond between the artillery communities of both nations. Exercise Bencat 25 showcased the strong professional partnership between the RAA and RNZA, highlighting how closely aligned the two regiments remain in doctrine, culture, and commitment to delivering precise and timely fires in support of manoeuvre forces. Across several phases of field training in both Pohokura Forest and the Waiouru Training Area, Australian Gunners integrated seamlessly into New Zealand detachments, exchanging knowledge, building resilience, and strengthening their shared sense of artillery identity. Kiwi Gunners in Australia: Setting the Conditions for Partnership Sixteen personnel from 16 Fd Regt arrived in Australia in June, one week prior to Exercise Diamond Strike 25 (Ex DS) and remained through to the completion of Talisman Sabre 25 (Ex TS). Most were fully integrated into ‘A’ Battery and 104th Battery. To enable full participation in Australian live-fire training, the New Zealand gunners completed the M777A2 Gun Number course prior to deployment, an exceptional achievement that ensured complete interoperability across platforms. Throughout the Ex DS LFX, a Brigade Fire Power Demo, and the Ex TS FTX, the Kiwi gunners gained firsthand exposure to life on an RAA gunline, from live-fire battle runs and fire plans to dry deployments and daily routine on the position. Their seamless integration was instrumental allowing 1 Regt to deploy with a full complement of detachments across the batteries. Their CO and BC 161 Battery observed the integration firsthand during Ex DS live fire, noting the professionalism of both units and the strength of combined operations. New Zealand and Australian gunners on the M777A2 Gunline during Ex Diamond Strike 25 / Talisman Sabre 25. This period in Australia set the foundation for what should likely become a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship between 1 Regt and 16 Fd Regt. Aussie Gunners in New Zealand: Building the Partnership The subsequent deployment of 1 Regt gunners to New Zealand in September reaffirmed the special relationship between Australian and New Zealand artillery units. A partnership built on shared history, interoperability and the ANZAC spirit. From the moment 1 Regt personnel landed in Linton Military Camp, they were warmly welcomed by 16 Fd Regt and immediately integrated into unit life. The Gunline soldiers attached to 163 and 161 Batteries were particularly struck by the professionalism, camaraderie, and enthusiasm of their Kiwi counterparts. Many commented that within hours, the mixed detachments were functioning as a single team, regardless of national uniform. Whether operating on the guns, working in the command post, or sharing
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