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Six Royal Australian Air Force F-35As have been deployed to Japan under Exercise Bushido Guardian 23 to train alongside Japanese fourth and fifth generation air capabilities.
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The deployment marks the first time Australian F-35As have been deployed to Japan, Defence has confirmed.
Conducted at Komatsu Air Base, the exercise will see RAAF and Japan Air Self-Defense Force capabilities take part in bilateral air combat training with an eye to enhancing Japanese-Australian interoperability on the F-35 platform.
Air Marshall Rob Chipman explained that joint interoperability on the platform was essential to maintaining collective security in the Indo-Pacific.
The Australian F-35As are also expected to train alongside Japanese fourth generation air capabilities during the deployment.
The announcement follows the Australia-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement entering into force in August, which Defence has outlined will deepen collaboration between the two nations.
“Exercise Bushido Guardian 23 will enhance our interoperability with the JASDF, on ground and in the air,” AIRMSHL Chipman said.
“Developing a mutual understanding in how we each operate the F-35A is essential to how Australia and Japan contribute to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific.
“Our aviators will develop their skills deploying overseas, 5,800 kilometres from home, and forge professional relationships with their Japanese counterparts.”
The exercise is expected to build on recent training between the nations’ air forces, AIRMSHL Chipman added.
“Exercise Bushido Guardian 2023 follows a visit by JASDF F-35As to RAAF Base Tindal, which is the first time Japan’s F-35As have embarked on an international visit.
“Collaborating in bilateral exercises across the Indo-Pacific provides both nations valuable experiences in overcoming the challenges of distance in our shared region.”
Australia’s first F-35 deployment shortly follows a similar milestone in August, with Japan’s first overseas deployment of their F-35 capabilities to RAAF Base Tindal.
Secretary of the Department of Defence Greg Moriarty said the visit facilitates deeper and more sophisticated practical cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and the Japan Self-Defense Forces as part of the agreement.
“Australia is honoured to be chosen as the destination for Japan’s first international deployment of its F-35As,” he said.
“This is a significant milestone in the relationship between our two countries and is the first activity to be held under the Reciprocal Access Agreement.
“Our special strategic partnership with Japan is critical to supporting an open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
The contingent was received by Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs Serizawa Kiyoshi and ambassador for Japan Suzuki Kazuhiro and Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Robert Chipman.
“This visit to Australia will build closer working-level relationships between our respective air forces and enhance our mutual ability to cooperate in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Chief of Air Force, AIRMSHL Chipman.
“It’s our pleasure to host the Japan Air Self-Defense Force for this visit, and we look forward to seeing them return for future exercises here in Australia.
“Developing our mutual understanding, especially in how we each operate the F-35A, is essential to how Australia and Japan contribute to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific.”
