JASDF F-15J/DJ and RAAF F/A-18A/B prior to departure at Chitose Air Base

RAAF Deploy to Japan: Exercise Bushido Guardian 2019

by Emil

RAAF Deploy to Japan: Exercise Bushido Guardian 2019

Exercise Bushido Guardian held in Septemeber and October 2019 marked the first joint air combat exercise between the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Japan Self-Defense Force (JASDF) in northern Japan. With assets based out of Chitose Air Base, Hokkaidō and Misawa Air Base, Tōhoku, the exercise took place over a four week period from the 11th of September to the 8th of October.

JASDF F-15DJ entering RWY36R at Chitose Air Base whilst three RAAF F/A-18A/B hold short
JASDF F-15DJ 52-8088 entering RWY36R at Chitose Air Base whilst three RAAF F/A-18A/B hold short (Image: Masahito Utsumi)

About Exercise Bushido Guardian 2019

Following the cancellation of Exercise Bushido Guardian in September 2018 due to a 6.6 magnitude earthquake in southern Hōkkaido, up to 150 defence personnel were deployed to this year’s iteration of the exercise.

“This is the first exercise of this nature between our two countries which aims to increase our practical engagement with Japan – a key partner that shares Australia’s commitment to regional peace and security.”

Senator The Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, Minister of Defence
RAAF F/A-18A arriving into Chitose Air Base on sunset
RAAF F/A-18A recovering into Chitose Air Base on sunset (Image: Masahito Utsumi)

Participating Aircraft

A total of thirteen Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft participated in the exercise from both Chitose and Misawa.

  • Three F-2A/B Viper Zeros from 3 Hikotai
  • Ten F-15J/DJ Eagles from 201 and 203 Hikotai

The Royal Australian Air Force sent a total of nine aircraft to Japan over the duration of the exercise.

  • Six F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets from No. 77 Squadron
  • One C-130J Hercules from No. 37 Squadron
  • One C-17A Globemaster III from No. 36 Squadron
  • One KC-30A MRTT from No. 33 Squadron
A RAAF F/A-18A Hornet from No. 77 Squadron flies in formation with Koku-Jieitai fighter jets including an F-15J and F-2A alongside a U-4 VIP jet during Exercise Bushido Guardian conducted out of Chitose Air Base in Japan. (Image: Commonwealth of Australia)

In recent years Japan and Australia have participated in numerous multi-national exercises including Exercise Cope North in Guam and more notably Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019, where the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) sent the JS Ise and JS Kunisaki with CH-47s and H-60s from the JGSDF and JMSDF respectively. Exercise Pitch Black 2020 will also mark a significant milestone between Australia and Japan with Japan being expected to participate in Australia’s largest multi-national exercise for the first time.

The Aviation Studio would like to extend a big thank you to local planespotter Masahito Utsumi for allowing us to use his photos in this article.

RAAF F/A-18B A21-114 taxiing at Chitose Air Base with JASDF F-15Js trailing behind
RAAF F/A-18B A21-114 taxiing at Chitose Air Base with JASDF F-15Js trailing behind (Image: Masahito Utsumi)
RAAF F/A-18A A21-23 taxiing at Chitose Air Base
RAAF F/A-18A A21-23 taxiing at Chitose Air Base (Image: Masahito Utsumi)
JASDF F-15J 22-8937 taxiing at Chitose Air Base
JASDF F-15J 22-8937 taxiing at Chitose Air Base (Image: Masahito Utsumi)

Emil is a Brisbane based aviation photographer specialising in low light and panning photography. Working full time in the aviation industry at Brisbane Airport, Emil also works on the side for a Melbourne based landscape architecture firm as a university graduate. Outside of aviation, Emil is a keen athlete and traveller.