US, Australian Forces Conduct Advanced F-35 Joint Simulation Training

The U.S. Air Force and allied forces have been actively engaged in advanced training and operational readiness exercises across the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing joint capabilities and strategic coordination. At Kadena Air Base, Japan, personnel from the Air Force, Air National Guard, and Marines participated in hazardous materials response and forward arming and refueling point training to simulate deployed scenarios, enhancing emergency preparedness and operational security. Additionally, the U.S. Air Force, with support from HII and the Royal Australian Air Force, conducted high-fidelity F-35 pilot training using the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) at Nellis Air Force Base, which offers the most immersive synthetic battlespace for coalition aircrew readiness against emerging threats. Concurrently, aerial refueling exercises involving KC-46A Pegasus tankers were conducted to demonstrate the U.S. Air Force's global mission capability and extend air superiority in the Indo-Pacific, a region designated as a priority theater amid ongoing strategic competition with China. These exercises underscore the U.S. commitment to maintaining operational readiness and coalition interoperability in a complex and contested security environment.