China wants to expand its power in the Indo-Pacific, but the U.S. and its allies are ready to push back. For the first time, the United States, Australia, and Japan will hold a joint military exercise with their advanced F-35 fighter jets. Next month, these powerful warplanes will fly over Guam, and China will be watching closely. The main goal of this exercise is to respond to China’s growing military activity in the region.
Japan’s F-35A Lightning II stealth jets will join American and Australian F-35s in Cope North, a large-scale training drill. This will be the first time all three countries practice together using their latest fighter jets.
Trilateral military drills: US, Australia, Japan
According to Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), the exercise will take place at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam from February 3 to February 21. Over the course of two weeks, the drills will focus on aerial combat tactics and evasion maneuvers, helping pilots enhance their capabilities in high-intensity dogfights.
JASDF Chief of Staff, General Hiroaki Uchikura, emphasized that this exercise provides an opportunity for air forces to strengthen their ability to counter adversaries with comparable capabilities. The war games are seen as a crucial step in enhancing combat readiness, especially as these allied nations face growing concerns over China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific.
How intense will the military exercise be?
Japan is sending six F-35A fighter jets, two E-2D Advanced Hawkeye command and control aircraft, and one KC-46A Pegasus tanker to participate in the drill. Around 250 Japanese personnel will be involved, drawn from the Third Air Wing and the Airborne Warning and Control Wing at Misawa Air Base, as well as the Third Tactical Airlift Group stationed at Miho Air Base in the country’s southwest.
This joint exercise will help the U.S., Australian, and Japanese air forces improve their combat coordination and ability to operate together using their fifth-generation fighter jets. Training activities will take place at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and surrounding airspace.
The Cope North exercise first began in 1978, and in recent years, it has become increasingly intense. Originally conducted in Japan, the exercise was moved to Guam in 1999 to accommodate larger-scale operations.
Plan to counter China in the Indo-Pacific
By bringing together their fifth-generation fighter jets for joint exercises, Australia, Japan, and the U.S. have sent a strong message about their commitment to security in the Indo-Pacific. In recent years, Japan has significantly upgraded its air force capabilities, adding American F-35 stealth fighters to its fleet. Notably, in 2023, Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) deployed F-35 fighter jets to Australia for the first time, marking a historic defense partnership.
The deployment of F-35 jets in Australia could be a game-changer in any conflict, especially as the U.S. continues to strengthen its defense partnership with Australia. Gaining access to allied airbases provides a major strategic advantage in the region.
China poses a growing threat to Japan
Japan is increasingly concerned about China’s military buildup along their maritime borders. China has deployed ballistic and cruise missiles across thousands of kilometers, posing a serious risk to Japanese airbases in the event of a conflict. A missile strike could cripple Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) operations, making it difficult to launch counter-offensives.
To maintain operational capability, Japan may need access to alternative airbases in case its own facilities are compromised. In this regard, Guam’s Andersen Air Force Base provides a strategic advantage. Unlike U.S. bases in Japan, Guam is located much farther from China, making it less vulnerable to immediate missile strikes while also acting as a buffer zone for Japan’s air force.
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