Against the backdrop of multiple aircraft from different nations participating in Exercise Pitch Black 24, a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) between the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) was signed on July 31, 2024.
The MOI will be a platform to share recognition in developing trilateral air cooperation between Australia, Japan and the US. Each country will collaboratively plan, coordinate and execute activities that enhance this cooperation.
Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell said this undertaking has been 14 years in the making.
"This is a fantastic initiative but also step change in how we're going to work trilaterally across the Indo-Pacific as our three air forces to ensure we are prepared for the future," Air Marshal Chappell said.
"We have identified key lines of effort and activities that our three air forces can get after and focus in 2025 and 2026 to bring these lines of effort and the outcomes to fruition."
PACAF Commander General Kevin Schneider said this MOI demonstrated US commitment to working with allies and partners to build a region that is open, stable and prosperous.
"It signifies the commitment between a growing group of allies and partners that seek to increase interoperability to enhance our collective security," General Schneider said.
"The relationship between our militaries is not only longstanding, but continues to develop and mature through these initiatives for expanded engagements."
'We can bring our capacities and our capabilities together, and by integrating them, have an effect far greater than the individual elements.'
JASDF Chief of Staff General Hiroaki Uchikura said it was an honour the three services could come together and update the MOI.
"Compared to 2010, the security environment is changing rapidly, and based on a common understanding among the three nations, we need to respond to it," General Uchikura said.
"The US Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force have rendered great support to the people of Japan in the past; of particular note is the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake in 2011.
"With a strong bond and cooperative relationship, we would like to contribute to promoting Japan-US-Australia trilateral defence cooperation, in order to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific."
Working with partners to contribute to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific is one of the key focuses of the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
Air Marshal Chappell said working closely with Australia's allies and partners was a key theme of both the National Defence Strategy and the MOI.
"The lines of effort we've identified here are not only important to all three nations, but they all directly link back to the priorities that came through our Defence Strategic Review and are nested in our National Defence Strategy," Air Marshal Chappell said.
"We can bring our capacities and our capabilities together, and by integrating them, have an effect far greater than the individual elements."
