Australian Hornets Join ASDF Drill

For the first time, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force is hosting a bilateral combat exercise with the Royal Australian Air Force, reports the Asahi Shimbun (Tokyo). The exercise at Chitose Air Base in Hokkaido prefecture began on Sept. 24. Australia sent several F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft to the exercise. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force contingent includes F-15 and F-2 jets. The training focuses on securing sea traffic lanes, a potential response to China’s increasing...