Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 has proved to be a huge trilateral success, as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightning IIs from 3 Squadron have concluded their flying with F-35A Lightning IIs from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and the United States Air Force (USAF).

Held in Misawa, Japan, from the end of September until October 10, Bushido Guardian was a trilateral air combat exercise centred on fifth-generation fighting that deepens interoperability between each of the participants.

Bushido Guardian is more than just an exercise. It is a powerful symbol of the enduring partnership between Australia, Japan and the United States. In a region marked by rapid change and growing complexity, the ability for each nation’s fifth-generation air combat aviators to operate together – confidently, capably and cohesively – is essential.

Commanding Officer 3 Squadron Wing Commander Mark Biele commented on the exercise’s value to Air Force – and through it, Australia.

“Bushido Guardian 25 offers unique fifth-generation fighter integration and collaboration. Getting our F-35A Lightning II’s to work together helps us to understand how the Indo-Pacific looks in a fifth-generation environment,” Wing Commander Biele 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.”

The exercise could not have happened without the air-to-air refuelling support of a 33 Squadron KC-30A multi-role tanker transport. These unsung yet legendary enablers provided the capacity for the F-35A Lightning IIs to maintain in the exercise airspace so as to ensure their missions were successful. Refuelling USAF and JASDF F-35A Lightning IIs only increases interoperability outcomes. 

“Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 has allowed us to operate in very real conditions over the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan,” Wing Commander 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.”