“It feels like being on another planet” is how Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II pilot, First Lieutenant Kazumasa Ishimura, described his first impressions of the unusual landscape of the Top End when speaking on Mix 104.9, HOT100FM and ABC Darwin radio stations.

First Lieutenant Ishimura talked about his experiences so far of Australia, his participation as part of Exercise Pitch Black 26, and discussed the unique opportunities the exercise provided aircrew from participating nations.

“The Northern Territory has a huge airspace and environment we don’t have in Japan, which enables us to employ more aircraft in the air so we can do more,” First Lieutenant Ishimura said.

“Having good weather and good people help us train more effectively too. It’s amazing.”

This is the first time the Japan Air Self-Defense Force has deployed with its F-35A Lightning II aircraft to Exercise Pitch Black.

“We can fly with other nations, improve our communication and interoperability between other aircraft, so we can operate better as a team,” First Lieutenant Ishimura said.

“That’s why we train together. That’s the purpose of Exercise Pitch Black.”