Approximately 130 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aviators will participate in Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 from 29 September to 10 October. 

Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 is a trilateral exercise between the RAAF, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the United States Air Force, focused on enhancing interoperability through air combat training.

The exercise will be based at Misawa Air Force Base and involve eight RAAF F-35A Lightning II aircraft from No. 3 Squadron flying alongside Japanese and US aircraft.

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.     

Ahead of the exercise, RAAF F-35A Lightning II aircraft, alongside Japan Air Self-Defense Force and United States Air Force jets, conducted a trilateral activity to reaffirm our commitment to regional stability and security and to bolster collective deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.  

Wing Commander Mark Biele, Commanding Officer No. 3 Squadron, said the activities conducted during the exercise were designed to test and improve force integration, as well as strengthening our partnerships.

“No. 3 Squadron is one of four squadrons operating the F-35A Lightning II, and we are honoured to participate in Exercise Bushido Guardian, hosted at Misawa Air Force Base in Japan,” Wing Commander Biele said. 

“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.

“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.”

Media note
Wing Commander Biele is available for interview.

The JASDF will host a media day at Misawa Air Force Base, Japan on Tuesday 30 September.

Media can access imagery and vision from Exercise Bushido Guardian 25, when available, at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20252115

Further information about F-35A Lightning II can be found at: F-35A Lightning II | Air Force