The skies over northern Australia are hosting a brand new chapter in trilateral air cooperation between RAAF, the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) following the launch of Exercise Southern Cross.
Conducted between RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal, the inaugural exercise demonstrates the shared commitment to upholding regional security and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Deputy Commander Task Force 640 Group Captain Al Wherrett said the lessons learnt from this experience will set the three air forces up for future operations.
“Southern Cross 26 is an important foundation for the future. The lessons we learn and the relationships we strengthen here will help set the conditions for future activities, including more advanced agile combat employment operations,” Group Captain Wherrett said.
The exercise also provides a valuable opportunity to conduct forward arming and refuelling point (FARP) operations that provide aviators with experience in agile replenishment of fighter aircraft using shared platforms and equipment. It allows modern air forces to launch, complete the mission, replenish from the ground and be ready to launch again before an adversary can detect and respond.
‘Americans, Japanese and Australians are maintaining, rearming and refuelling each other’s aircraft. That’s the level of interchangeability we’re already generating.’
“It’s great to see all aviators leaning in to the experience and helping each other to generate a combined effect. The speed at which everyone has arrived and commenced flying operations is a testament to their enthusiasm and commitment to working together,” Group Captain Wherrett said.
While Exercise Southern Cross is a new milestone in trilateral cooperation, Australia, Japan and the United States have built a strong foundation through exercises such as Bushido Guardian and Cope North. Despite differences in language and culture, all participants share a common commitment to operating as an integrated air domain team.
The exercise also displayed the strength of the trilateral partnership during a media event attended by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, where he welcomed PACAF Commander General Kevin Schneider and JASDF Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita to RAAF Base Darwin.
“The Royal Australian Air Force launched eight F-35A Lightning II aircraft this morning, including two flown by United States Air Force pilots from the visiting squadron.”
“At the same time, Americans, Japanese and Australians are maintaining, rearming and refuelling each other’s aircraft. That’s the level of interchangeability we’re already generating,” Air Marshal Chappell said.
Looking ahead, these partnerships are expected to continue growing in both complexity and intensity, incorporating additional airpower across increasingly demanding scenarios in upcoming exercises including Cope North and Talisman Sabre in 2027.
