By Focus | 2025-10-24

Japanese, Australian and US F-35A fighter jets conducted their first-ever trilateral training during Bushido Guardian 2025 (BG25), an air combat exercise led by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and hosted at Misawa Air Base from September 29 to October 10.

The exercise marked a significant step forward in defense cooperation, placing Japan in a leading role in strengthening regional security alongside key Indo-Pacific partners. With a focus on improving interoperability among fifth-generation and fourth-generation fighters, BG25 supported a broader strategy of collective deterrence amid rising tensions across the region.

Approximately 25 aircraft from all three nations conducted 25 missions out of Misawa during the exercise, according to the US Air Force (USAF). About 300 JASDF personnel participated, alongside 100 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) members and approximately 350 US airmen.

BG25 was a "huge trilateral success," the Australian Department of Defense said afterward.

Japan and Australia "have drawn closer together over the past 15 years," US defense analyst Dan Darling told Indo-Pacific Defense Forum in October, citing their shared concern over China's expansionist ambitions.

'Forging stronger bonds'

"Bushido Guardian 2025 marks a pivotal moment as we train with our Royal Australian Air Force and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force allies here at Misawa Air Base," USAF Col. Paul Davidson, commander of the 35th Fighter Wing, said in a statement.

"This trilateral exercise is more than just flying sorties; it's about forging stronger bonds, sharing expertise, and refining our combined tactics," Davidson added.

Davidson was joined at Misawa on September 30 by JASDF Air Defense Command commander Lt. Gen. Masahito Yajima and RAAF Deputy Vice Marshal Harvey Reynolds.

The three commanders conferred with their respective detachments, reaffirming the importance of trilateral cooperation and highlighting the historic nature of the training involving F-35As from all three countries.

The F-35A Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed for superior situational awareness, viability and versatility. Its advanced sensor suite enables real-time data fusion and information sharing across forces -- an essential capability in modern coalition operations. With 19,500kg of thrust and 9g maneuverability, the F-35 provides extreme agility in air combat scenarios.

Enhancing interoperability

"Interoperability is key," said RAAF Wing Commander Mark Biele. "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."

BG25 highlighted both tactical integration and relationship building among aviators. It built on recent trilateral operations involving F-35s and F-15s over the East China Sea. In preparation, USAF F-35As conducted aerial refueling with a KC-135 near Misawa on September 26, demonstrating the 35th Fighter Wing's role in sustaining forward-deployed airpower.

"Cooperation with our regional partners … is essential to ensuring a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, and making certain that we are prepared to face the future security challenges," Biele said in a JASDF video statement.

JASDF Lt. Col. Yuji Kasuga, commander of the 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron, said the goal of BG25 is to build on the experience gained from previous training: "Since Bushido Guardian 23, each squadron has developed its knowledge, skills, experience, and more. We hope all of us will fully leverage these assets and learn from and challenge one another."

JASDF Lt. Col. Kazuhiro Tanda, commander of the 302nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, called the exercise a "valuable training opportunity" to strengthen Japan's F-35 squadrons, deepen trilateral cooperation and "enhance interoperability by committing to the training."

Coordinated operations

Before BG25, Australian, Japanese and US aircraft "conducted a trilateral activity to reaffirm our commitment to regional stability and security, and to bolster collective deterrence in the Indo-Pacific," said the Australian Department of Defense in a statement on October 1.

The BG exercise, previously a strictly Japanese-Australian joint exercise in 2019 and 2023, became a trilateral affair involving the United States this year.

This expansion reflects a growing focus on trilateral defense cooperation and a shared commitment to regional stability. Amid rising security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, the new format further underscores the need for enhanced deterrence and collaborative defense efforts.