NZ troops train in Queensland

A New Zealand Army soldier prepares to take aim during Exercise Hamel which is being held in Townsville in northern Queensland. Photo / supplied

New Zealand troops are honing their warfighting skills alongside Australian and United States personnel in Australia, the Defence Force says.

About 260 New Zealand soldiers are on a 25-day Australian-led exercise in Townsville, Northern Queensland.

"Exercise Hamel is a biennial military exercise that the Australian Army has led for a number of years now," Colonel Nick Gillard, Commander of the New Zealand's Army's 1 Brigade said.

"This exercise tests our soldiers' collective warfighting skills and enhances their ability to operate in a coalition environment."

This year's exercise aimed to develop and test Australian Defence Force information gathering capability together with elements of the NZ Army, US Army and the US Marine Corps, Colonel Gillard said.

"In any combat operation, having good information and the same information is crucial for commanders to make the right decisions. This exercise gives our soldiers the opportunity to refine their training alongside friendly partners."

The army's participation in the exercise also reinforced the close relationship between the Australian Defence Force and the New Zealand Defence Force, he said.