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RAAF F-35s and C-27J Spartans will train alongside the Royal Malaysian Air Force as part of Exercise Elangaroo next month.
It is hoped that the training program will enhance force integration and readiness between the two countries when it takes place from 7 to 18 November.
“Australia and Malaysia have a long-standing relationship and a history of conducting military exercises together,” Group Captain Ravinder Singh, RAAF co-exercise director, said.
“Exercise Elangaroo features the return of RAAF’s 75 Squadron to its old home in Butterworth, where it spent 16 years living and working alongside RMAF counterparts from 1967 to 1983.
“This particular exercise will feature a range of modern air combat platforms integrating across the diverse and challenging geography and weather patterns of the Malay peninsula.
“Crews will use RMAF and RAAF tactical assets, including the application of strike and air control missions, to continue the great mutual understanding that exists between our nations.”
The F-35 is the country’s newest fighter, purchased to replace the RAAF’s F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets that were in service since 1985 and retired in late 2021.
Over the coming years, Australia will buy 72 as part of the $17 billion AIR 6000 Phase 2A/B program, with all expected to be fully operational by 2023.
Thus far, the fighters have clocked in excess of 15,000 flight hours and have already achieved initial operational capability, making it combat-ready.
The aircraft comes in three variants: the F-35A — purchased by Australia — is a conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) version; the F-35B is a short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) variant, and the final F-35C is the carrier type (CV).
The RAAF took delivery of four more in September, taking its current fleet to 54.
It comes after Australian Aviation reported last week how Quickstep had agreed a new six-year deal to produce components for Northrop Grumman’s global F-35 program.
The Australian carbon fibre composites manufacturer was first integrated into the prime’s global supply chain in 2012.
The work is expected to be undertaken in Sydney, to support Northrop’s manufacturing of the centre fuselage for all three F-35 variants.
Meanwhile, the C-27J’s capabilities focus on regional peacetime operations including search and rescue, aeromedical operations, and airlift tasks such as troop movement, cargo transport, and airdrop operations. Operated by No. 35 Squadron from RAAF Base Amberly, Australia currently has a fleet of 10.
