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The RAAF has wrapped up the first trilateral iteration of Exercise Bushido Guardian in Japan.
Bushido Guardian 25, traditionally held as a joint exercise between the Royal Australian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), this year included the United States Air Force (USAF) for the first time, starting at the end of September and concluding on 10 October.
According to RAAF Wing Commander Mark Biele, Commanding Officer No. 3 Squadron, the exercise was focused on interoperability and integrating fifth-generation fighter capabilities “confidently, capably and cohesively” between nations.
“Bushido Guardian 25 offers unique fifth-generation fighter integration and collaboration. Getting our F-35A Lightning IIs to work together helps us to understand how the Indo-Pacific looks in a fifth-generation environment,” he said.
“The very nature of the activity was integration. Bushido Guardian 25 is all about bringing our aviators together, on the ground and in the air, to make our assets work together to achieve a common aim – a free and open Pacific.”
Supported by a No. 33 Squadron KC-30A multi-role tanker transport, Bushido Guardian 25 saw eight RAAF F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from No. 3 Squadron train alongside JASDF and USAF aircraft.
“The exercise ensures that aircrews, maintainers and support personnel are prepared to operate seamlessly together in a complex, multi-domain environment,” the USAF said in a statement last month.
“By leveraging the latest technologies during realistic combat training scenarios, military members are furthering [Pacific Air Forces’] objectives in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring rapid responses to any challenges alongside allies and partners.”
Around 130 RAAF personnel participated in the exercise, alongside 350 USAF and 300 JASDF service members.
“Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 has allowed us to operate in very real conditions over the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan,” WGCDR Biele said.
“The F-35A Lightning II interoperability that is at the heart of the activity allowed all three nations to prove their operational capability.
“The F-35A Lightning II’s performance at Bushido Guardian 25 is meeting or exceeding all our expectations.”
