Summary and Key Points: In a significant show of interoperability and regional defense cooperation, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber conducted operations alongside four Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-35A Lightning IIs over Australia.

-The joint mission involved integration and aerial refueling as part of ongoing Bomber Task Force operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

-This collaboration underscores the strengthening of defense ties between the U.S. and Japan amid rising tensions with China.

-Meanwhile, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force will also train with F-35B fighters off the coast of San Diego this fall as part of its growing commitment to F-35 operations.

Stealth Flight – U.S. B-2 Spirit Operates With Japanese F-35

Two of the world's premier stealth aircraft operated together in the skies over Australia, further highlighting the close ties between America's allies around the globe.

The United States Pacific Air Forces released an image this week showing "for the time ever, a B-2 Spirit" flying along at least four "Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lighting IIs as part of ongoing Bomber Task Force operations in the Indo-Pacific region." The flying wing bombers from the 11th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron have been deployed to the Land Down Under and took off from Royal Australian Air Force Base (RAAFB) Amberley.

"During the mission, the B-2 and F-35 pilots conducted integration and aerial refueling operations," PACAF announced.

"The opportunity to integrate our B-2 Spirit pilots with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force 5th generation aircraft is a significant milestone for our bilateral integration operations," said Lt. Col. Justin Meyer, 110th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander. "The advanced capabilities of these aircraft, combined with the strategic prowess of the B-2, enhance our collective readiness and interoperability. This collaboration not only strengthens our defense posture but also underscores our commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region."

Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, is home to all nineteen of the United States Air Force's B-2 Spirits, but two of the aircraft were sent to Australia earlier about three weeks ago to conduct bomber task force (BTF) operations in the Indo-Pacific to show America's commitment to regional allies and partners and to deter Chinese aggression.

Aircraft Carrier Training Coming Soon

The joint flight of JASDF F-35s comes as the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) announced its Izumo-class helicopter JS Kaga (DDH-184) where it will engage in flight operations with the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II off the coast of San Diego this fall.

The Japanese flattop, which is officially designated a "multi-purpose operation destroyer," is heading to the United State's west coast where it undergoing training exercises with the short take-offs and vertical landings (STOVL) fifth-generation fighter. The "developmental tests [are] scheduled to take place between October 5 and November 18, 2024," Army Recognition reported on Tuesday.

The U.S. military will be supporting the tests.

Japan: An F-35 Powerhouse on the Rise

Tokyo remains the largest international customer of the F-35, and according to Lockheed Martin – the aircraft's prime contractor – "As a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) participant, the JASDF has an established program of record of 127 F-35 Aircraft, consisting of 105 F-35 A models and up to 42 F-35 B models."

In addition to operating the F-35, Japan is also a key manufacturing partner in the program, with the city of Nagoya being "home to one of three final assembly and check-out (FACO) facilities for the F-35 Lightning II program. In partnership with Japanese industry, the FACO facility performs  the final assembly and check-out of F-35A aircraft to be delivered to the JASDF."

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].

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