In a Significant Military Milestone, the Indo-Pacific Region Prepares for the First-Ever Joint Exercise Involving All Three Nations’ Fifth-Generation Fighters.

In a groundbreaking step to strengthen regional security and enhance air force interoperability, Japan’s F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters will train alongside American and Australian F-35s next month. The joint exercise, called Cope North, will take place from February 3 to 21 at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.

This marks the first time that the fifth-generation fighters from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), United States Air Force (USAF), and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will operate together in a combined air combat training event. The drill will focus on air combat operations and large-force employment tactics.

The two-week exercise aims to bolster the three countries’ military coordination and improve their collective ability to conduct complex air operations. According to Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura, JASDF’s Chief of Staff, the joint training will help participating forces refine their ability to counter threats posed by adversaries with comparable technological capabilities.

Speaking at a press conference on January 23, Uchikura stated,
“This will be a good opportunity to train how to deal with opponents with the same capabilities.”

Such joint drills are seen as a vital part of strengthening combat readiness, given the growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise underscores the importance of trilateral defense cooperation as the three nations continue to promote peace and stability in the region.

Japan’s Strategic Deployment

Japan is sending a significant contingent to participate in Cope North, including:

• Six F-35A stealth fighters
• Two E-2D Advanced Hawkeye command and control planes
• A KC-46A Pegasus tanker

Approximately 250 personnel from Japan’s 3rd Air Wing, the Airborne Warning and Control Wing at Misawa Air Base, and the 3rd Tactical Airlift Group at Miho Air Base will be part of the operation.

Gen. Uchikura emphasized that the exercise would demonstrate the strong defense ties between Japan, the U.S., and Australia.
“We share universal values and strategies with the U.S. and Australia, and through this exercise, we can show the strong ties between the three countries to ensure peace and stability in the region and will help to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Uchikura added.

Focus on Fifth-Generation Interoperability

Cope North, which originated in 1978 as a bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Japan, moved to Guam in 1999 to accommodate larger-scale training. Over the years, it has evolved into a multinational exercise, incorporating Australia as a key participant.

The upcoming drill will prioritize enhancing fifth-generation interoperability between the air forces, with combat scenarios designed to simulate contemporary threats. This includes large-force employment training aimed at refining joint operational tactics.

The US Pacific Air Forces, which sponsors the exercise, stated:
“The exercise focuses on conducting Combat Air Force/Large Force Employment, or CAF/LE training, in a contemporary scenario to enhance trilateral fifth-generation interoperability.”

The emphasis on collaboration between F-35 units underscores the increasing need for multilateral defense efforts to counter emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific.

Growing Regional Military Integration

Japan’s involvement in Cope North is part of a broader strategy to deepen military integration with its allies. The participation of Japanese F-35s alongside U.S. and Australian counterparts reflects a growing willingness by Japan to operate beyond its borders.

In 2023, the JASDF made its first overseas deployment of two F-35 fighters, choosing Australia as their destination. According to Shingo Nagata, a visiting researcher at Kanazawa University’s Institute of Human and Social Sciences, this deployment was about more than just participation in drills.

“The flight to the base itself was a key preparatory operation designed to lay the foundation for future deployments of Japanese F-35s to Australian soil,” Nagata explained.

The ability to swiftly deploy F-35s to Australia in a conflict scenario offers strategic flexibility, enabling Japan to disperse its air assets and reduce the vulnerability of its bases.

Strategic Importance of Guam and Regional Defense Posture

Guam’s Andersen Air Force Base offers strategic advantages for military operations in the Indo-Pacific. Its distance from China’s mainland provides a crucial buffer against potential threats, making it more survivable than U.S. bases located in Japan.

However, despite its advantages, Guam is not immune to vulnerabilities. The base remains within range of China’s increasingly sophisticated cruise and ballistic missiles. Recognizing this, the U.S. has been exploring additional alternative facilities, such as Wake Island, to further enhance survivability and operational resilience.

The need for dispersal strategies is increasingly evident given China’s ability to target airfields within thousands of kilometers of its borders. In the event of a conflict, Japanese air bases and even civilian airports could be incapacitated. The ability to relocate units to allied bases such as those in Australia or Guam would be a critical factor in sustaining operations.

A Message to Adversaries

The joint exercise sends a strong message to adversaries about the determination of Japan, the U.S., and Australia to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. By operating fifth-generation stealth fighters together, the three nations demonstrate their commitment to integrating advanced capabilities and preparing for a wide spectrum of contingencies.

The collaboration reflects a growing understanding that security challenges in the region require unified responses. By training together, the allies are better positioned to deter aggression and respond to crises swiftly.

Beyond Air Combat: Strengthening Allied Partnerships

Cope North is not just about tactical training; it is a symbol of the strengthening partnerships among the three nations. As China continues to assert itself in the South and East China Seas, maintaining strong ties between Japan, the U.S., and Australia becomes increasingly vital.

The exercise provides an opportunity for air force personnel to build relationships and learn from one another, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s operational practices.

As Cope North unfolds in February, it will undoubtedly mark a significant milestone in the defense cooperation between Japan, the U.S., and Australia. The presence of F-35A stealth fighters from all three nations underscores the growing importance of joint military operations in the face of evolving security challenges.

The exercise highlights the strategic value of Guam as a key hub for regional defense operations and underscores the importance of interoperability between allied air forces. With tensions in the Indo-Pacific showing no signs of easing, such collaborative efforts will likely continue to play a critical role in promoting stability and deterring conflict.