Joint Operations Command

Connecting to a network is just as important at 30,000 feet as it is on the ground.

In May, Royal Australian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force_ENG crews took airborne cooperation to new heights by sharing information between a RAAF P‑8A Poseidon and JASDF Kawasaki RC‑2 over the Pacific.

Operating from Japan, the mission focused on sharing real-time data across tactical networks to build a common operating picture.

The significance of this activity is reflected in senior leadership talks between Australia, Japan and the United States, with all three countries committed to increasing their trilateral ISR cooperation.

“During peacetime, (our) awareness ensures we’re ready to respond and assist should the regional security environment ever change."

A Royal Australian Air Force P‑8A Poseidon and aviators from 12 Squadron recently deployed to the Philippines, strengthening maritime domain awareness across key Indo‑Pacific waterways.

Operating from Clark Air Base, these missions use advanced sensors to monitor activity across the South China Sea and Philippine Sea.

Working closely with regional partners, these deployments reinforce Australia’s commitment to regional security while helping ensure safe, stable and secure sea lanes.