Regional militaries convene for collective security talks

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Army leaders from more than 25 nations convened in Auckland for the 50th Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar, co-hosted by the New Zealand Army and U.S. Army Pacific, to examine how regional land forces can strengthen security and deterrence collectively. This year’s theme, “The Sum is Greater Than the Parts: Security and Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific,” framed discussions on interoperability, partnerships, and how armies can better operate together across a complex region.

“Across this region, land forces are the backbone of deterrence, security cooperation, and the connective tissue that binds nations together,” Lt. Gen. Joel Vowell, deputy commander, U.S. Army Pacific, told reporters during a media roundtable. “When our armies train, communicate, and plan collectively, we generate a deterrence effect that is far stronger than any individual nation could achieve alone. Our discussions this week reinforce that truth,” said Vowell.

New Zealand last co-hosted the gathering in 2013, and participants noted how the security environment has shifted since then, with increased emphasis on innovation and whole-of-government responses. “Peace remains important, however in the past decade our region has responded to major natural disasters, a global pandemic, and heinous terrorist actions,” said Brig. Gen. Hamish Gibbons, New Zealand’s deputy chief of NZ Army. “Each event required integrated, whole-of-government responses and highlighted the adaptability and effectiveness of land forces.”

Working groups and plenary sessions focused on challenges spanning peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, leader development, and military deterrence. Organizers emphasized candid dialogue to improve mutual understanding, advance key issues, and bolster respect for each nation’s role in a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Vowell urged attendees to guard against efforts to undermine cooperation and interoperability. “There are real risks in this region. We won’t be given every tool and support that we all asked for, and our potential adversaries are working on how best to keep us apart. To dilute our contributions, to stay our goals of interoperability, that is their success-keeping us fragmented. Don’t let it happen.”

Gibbons said a consistent takeaway across panels and informal conversations was the need for collective action. “The synergy of our collective strength derives from our partnerships, our interoperability, and our shared commitment to regional stability.”

Over five decades, IPAMS has sought to promote peace and stability through dialogue, friendship, and sustained engagement among regional armies. Participation has expanded from 9 nations at the inaugural 1977 meeting in Honolulu to a high of 31 nations in 2017 in Seoul, underscoring its role as a central forum for land power cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

The seminar also highlighted the region’s vast scale and complexity. The Indo-Pacific stretches over more than half the earth’s surface and includes close to 40 nations, six of the world’s most populous countries, and more than 3,000 languages and dialects. Many nations lie along the Ring of Fire, facing frequent earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and floods, while sovereignty disputes, skirmishes, drug trafficking, and terrorism remain persistent concerns. Seven of the world’s 10 largest armies are in the region.

“By listening and getting to know each other, we build trust and confidence now and not at crisis. It’s impossible to build trust once you’ve crossed that line of departure, it’s hard,” said Vowell. “Better to have known each other, work with each other, habituate relationships, so it’s easier to pick up the phone working together, side by side, to solve problems.”

As is customary, the conference concluded with a ceremonial passing of the event flag to the next host. The 51st edition will take place in Singapore, alongside the bi-annual Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference and the Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum.