MELBOURNE: Japan has decided to join military exercise in northern Australia later this month with participation of fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets for the first time, western media reported on Tuesday.
Defense News reported that according to a press release by Japan Air Self-Defense Force, or JASDF, four Lockheed-Martin F-35A from the 3rd Air Wing at Misawa will join the exercise.
The fighter jets will take part in exercises from Andersen Air Force Base on the U.S. territory of Guam to Darwin and Tindal in Australia’s Northern Territory.
Japan to Deploy F-35 Jets for Military Drills in Australia
A JASDF Boeing 767 tanker, C-130 and two C-2 airlifters will also take part to support F-35s for the exercises beginning from August 21 and concluding on September 2.
This is the first time that Japan is sending its F-35s overseas for exercises.
Royal Australian Air Force F-35As will also join Exercise Bushido Guardian, a joint air combat training activity between the two countries to be held in Japan in early September.
Australia will also participate in Yama Sakura exercise with more than 150 soldiers travelling to Japan in December for the land exercise.
The announcement of the exercises comes after signing of a Reciprocal Access Agreement between the countries. The agreement provides the legal framework for enhanced cooperation between the defense forces of both countries.
