The U.S. Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Air Force commenced the first trilateral Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 29.

BG25 is a JASDF-led iteration of a trilateral exercise designed to enhance interoperability between the U.S., RAAF and JASDF. Exercise BG has historically been a bilateral exercise between the JASDF and RAAF, but BG25 marks the first time it has expanded to a trilateral exercise.

“Bushido Guardian 2025 marks a pivotal moment as we train with our Royal Australian Air Force and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force allies here at Misawa Air Base,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander. “This trilateral exercise is more than just flying sorties; it’s about forging stronger bonds, sharing expertise and refining our combined tactics. By working together, we enhance interoperability, improve our collective readiness and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

This year's Bushido Guardian focuses on the critical integration of fifth-generation fighter capabilities. The exercise ensures that aircrews, maintainers and support personnel are prepared to operate seamlessly together in a complex, multi-domain environment. By leveraging the latest technologies during realistic combat training scenarios, military members are furthering PACAF's objectives in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring rapid responses to any challenges alongside allies and partners.

Approximately 350 U.S. Airmen will train alongside 300 JASDF and 100 RAAF service members in BG25. Approximately 25 aircraft from the U.S., Australia and Japan will conduct 25 missions across Misawa AB from Sept. 29 through Oct. 10.