Co-operation continues as tri-national F-35s break new ground in Pacific exercise
The F-35A and F-35B aircraft were deployed during this exercise. (Photo: (U.S. Marine Corps / Cpl. Dahkareo Pritchett)
The February exercise marked a milestone in multinational cooperation with fifth-generational air warfare capabilities, but will it continue considering shifting US politics?
Adding to the growing list of “training firsts” surrounding the F-35, aircraft from Japan, the US and Australia recently concluded Cope North 25, described as “the first in a series of trilateral exercises with fifth-generation air warfare capabilities and whole-of-force integration as its focus”.
The aircraft flew together for the first time during the 3-21 February event conducted at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
The US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), the USMC, USN, Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flew approximately 90 F-35As and F-35Bs during the exercise, with RAAF releases
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