Since September 29, Misawa Air Base in Japan has been the epicenter of a major trilateral activity between the air forces of Australia, the United States, and Japan. Officially designated as Bushido Guardian, the 2025 edition marks a milestone in its history as the first time it is conducted as a trilateral exercise, integrating F-15J fighters from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II combat aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the U.S. Air Force (USAF).
Bushido Guardian began in 2019 as a bilateral exercise between Japan and Australia, with the goal of expanding defense cooperation. The 2025 edition represents a qualitative leap by incorporating the United States as a full participant, in a context of growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.
For Australia, this operation demonstrates its ability to project fifth-generation airpower in Northeast Asia. For Japan, it reaffirms its role as a key partner in the regional security architecture. And for the United States, it consolidates its commitment to a free and open region, aligned with the objectives of the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).
To carry out the trilateral exercise, Australia has deployed eight F-35As from No. 3 Squadron, along with a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport from No. 33 Squadron for aerial refueling operations. Japan is contributing its F-15J fighters, while the United States is participating with F-35As from Misawa’s 35th Fighter Wing.
The exercise includes simulations of air combat, air defense, aerial refueling, and electronic countermeasure missions. According to the 35th Wing commander, Colonel Paul Davidson, Bushido Guardian 25 “is more than just flying sorties; it’s about forging bonds, sharing expertise, and refining combined tactics.”
In detail, the main objective of the exercise is to strengthen interoperability among the three allied nations, improve joint tactical planning, and sharpen air combat capabilities in a multidomain environment. A total of 25 sorties will be flown with approximately 25 aircraft and 750 personnel deployed, including 350 U.S. airmen, 300 Japanese, and 100 Australians.
Beyond tactical missions, Bushido Guardian 25 promotes knowledge exchange among airmen, the building of lasting relationships, and the strengthening of operational cohesion. As Australian commander Mark Biele stated, “interoperability is key. This exercise allows us to share expertise and strengthen the bonds between our air forces.”
