Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 has launched, with F-35A Lightning II jets from 3 Squadron, supported by a 33 Squadron KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and other Royal Australian Air Force assets and personnel, participating until October 10.

Bushido Guardian is a trilateral fighter exercise between the RAAF, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and the United States Air Force (USAF), focused on enhancing interoperability through air combat training and strengthening trilateral F-35A Lightning II combat capabilities.

Based out of Misawa Air Force Base in Japan, the exercise involves eight F-35A Lightning II aircraft from RAAF’s 3 Squadron working alongside JASDF and USAF air assets.

The exercise provides an opportunity to deepen the strategic partnership between Australia, Japan and the United States by fostering closer understanding, friendship and rapport between aviators at all levels.  

Relationship building and the sharing of experiences and corporate knowledge are at the heart of the activity.
  
Before the exercise, RAAF F-35A Lightning II aircraft, alongside JASDF and USAF jets, conducted a trilateral activity to reaffirm our commitment to regional stability and security, and to bolster collective deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

'We are excited to take to the sky with aircraft from Japan and the United States, sharing experience and strengthening aviator-to-aviator relationships between our nations.' 

Commanding Officer 3 Squadron Wing Commander Mark Biele said the activities conducted during the exercise were designed to test and improve force integration, as well as strengthening our partnerships and combined readiness.

“3 Squadron is one of four RAAF squadrons operating the F-35A Lightning II, and we are honoured to participate in Exercise Bushido Guardian 25, hosted at Misawa Air Force Base in Japan,” Wing Commander Biele said.

“We look forward to working with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the United States Air Force, close partners who share our dedication to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“Interoperability is key. We are excited to take to the sky with aircraft from Japan and the United States, sharing experience and strengthening aviator-to-aviator relationships between our nations.

“We approach Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 with great enthusiasm for the opportunity to enhance shared cooperation between our three nations.”

Trilateral defence cooperation between Australia, Japan and the United States is an important pillar of regional security that upholds a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.