Air Forces from Australia, Japan and the United States will take part in the
annual trilateral field exercise, Cope North 2022.
The United States, Australia and Japan began joint air force drills in the
US territory of Guam and other areas earlier this week to increase
cooperation against threats from North Korea and other potential
adversaries.
The joint exercises will take place from February 2 to 18 in Guam and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Citing yohhap, the two-week Cope North 22 exercise took place on February 2
amid renewed regional tensions caused by North Korea's recent spate of
missile tests, including last Sunday's launch of medium and long-range
ballistic missiles.
Cope North 2022 aims to improve interoperability of the Royal Australian Air
Force (RAAF), US Air Force (USAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force
(Koku-Jieitai) by sharing tactics, techniques and procedures for
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
During the exercise, the RAAF will deploy the E-7A Wedgetail, C-27J Spartan,
KC-30A multi-role tanker transport and F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft.
More than 2,500 US airmen, marines and sailors will train alongside about
1,000 joint Japanese and Australian partners in the exercise.
About 130 aircraft from more than 30 units will fly in the exercise.
In addition, they will send an emergency response squadron focused on High
Availability Disaster Recovery (HADR) training.
RAAF Task Force commander group captain Andrew McHugh expects Cope North
2022 will enhance the tri-lateral force's ability to carry out HADR missions
in the Indo-Pacific.
"We are excited to be returning to Guam for Cope North 2022, which will
provide valuable experience for our personnel and increase the effectiveness
of the RAAF," McHugh said in an excerpt from the airforce-technology
website.
"Through Cope North 2022, we are focused on deepening ties and strengthening
engagement with the USAF Pacific Air Force and Koku-Jieitai to contribute to
our shared vision of an open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific," said
the RAAF Task Force commander group captain.
“We are committed to developing a smart and skilled workforce with training,
such as Cope North which provides the opportunity to operate as a joint
force with the US and Japan, and ensuring our people can deploy air power
when needed,” McHugh said in closing.
