The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) is deploying its advanced F-35A stealth fighter jets for a joint training exercise with the United States and Australia near Guam this February. This marks the first time the JASDF has dispatched the F-35A to the Cope North exercise, and is being called the “first gathering of F-35s from all three countries”.
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Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura, JASDF chief of staff, emphasized the significance of the exercise, stating that it “symbolizes the steady progress in defense cooperation and exchanges among the three nations”. The Cope North exercise is designed to enhance and strengthen both Japan-U.S. bilateral response capabilities and trilateral interoperability. The exercise also aims to contribute to a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”. This trilateral exercise builds upon an agreement established at a defense ministerial meeting in May 2024 where the three nations agreed to conduct joint F-35 exercises in each of their respective countries over the next two years.
This year, Cope North is scheduled from Feb. 3 to 21, taking full advantage of the expansive training airspace around Guam. The exercise will emphasize coordination that leverages the F-35’s advanced stealth capabilities and sensor functions. In addition, training will focus on countering aircraft with similar performance. Cope North began in 1978, initially to enhance combat capability and improve warfighter integration between the U.S. Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Originally held in Misawa, Japan, about four times a year, it was moved to Guam in 1999.
The JASDF will contribute approximately 250 personnel to the exercise. The contingent includes six F-35A fighters, one KC-46A air refueling and transport aircraft, and two E-2D Advanced Hawkeye early warning aircraft. The participating units of the JASDF are the 3rd Air Wing (Misawa), Airborne Warning and Control Wing (Misawa), and 3rd Tactical Airlift Group (Miho). The period for the exercise for Japan, including deployment and redeployment, runs from Jan. 21 to March 2.
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