Pacific Perspective:U.S.,Australia,Canada and Japan Complete Successful Exercise Keen Sword 25

According to U.S. Forces Japan,the biennial Exercise Keen Sword 25 was brought to a sucessful conclusion after 10 days of integrated training across Japan.Keen Sword 25 was a joint bilateral and mutilateral exercise that enhanced readiness and interoperability,strengthening the partnership of all involved.It included participation from the Australian Defence Force (ADF),the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF),the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF), and the U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ).The drills ran from 23 OCT to 1 NOV 2024.Throughout the exercise,U.S. Forces Japan worked alongside ADF,CAF and JSDF members to hone skills and sustain warfighting readiness.*Bilateral and mutilateral events of Keen Sword 25 included joint live-fire drills;medical mass casualty exercise;installation security forces training;and simulated airfield repair drills,among others.Participants took advantage of the unique training environment to enhance Tactics,Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) across a wide range of military operations in support of fostering interoperability between the U.S. and its Allies;strengthening deterrence and defence;and regional stability.The drills took place across mainland Japan and its territorial waters.The USS George Washington (CVN 77) Carrier Strike Group (CSG 5),under RDM Greg Newkirk,led Task Force 70 surface and air forces into Keen Sword 25,playing a key role.*U.S. Forces participating in Keen Sword 25 included:U.S. Indo-Pacific Command;U.S. Space Command;U.S. Pacific Fleet;U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific;U.S. Army Pacific;Pacific Air Forces;U.S. Forces Japan;U.S. 7th Fleet;III Marine Expeditionary Force;U.S. Army Japan;U.S. Naval Forces Japan 5th Air Force;along with other forces originating from units across the Department of Defense.*In addition to Carrier Air Wing 5 and the strike group staff,CTF 70 is represented by Expeditionary Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134;the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70);and the Arleigh-Burke-class destroyer USS Preeble (DDG 808),both operating under Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15.Typically the CSG is accompanied by an unnanounced nuclear-powered attack submarine for force protection.*Said RDM Greg Newkirk,commander Task Force 70 and the GWCSG:The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is crucial in Keen Sword 25.In Keen Sword,our strike group rehearses complex,high-end warfighting with the joint force and Allies.This type of exercise showcases the range,agility and lethality of our unified force and reestablishes the George Washington in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations (it was previously forward deployed to Japan in 2015-16 and recently relieved the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 70) as the only forward deployed naval force outside the U.S. at Naval Base Yokosuka,Japan).*The CSG team,with DESRON 15,coordinated with USS Lake Erie,which operated with Allies in the Philippine Sea near Okinawa,as well as the USS Preeble,which was in Yokosuka and provided a platform for bilateral Tomahawk Land-Attack Missile (TLAM) training with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force specialists.Keen Sword is designed to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific Region.This exercise,and others like it,are an opportunity to demonstrate to the world the will of the U.S. and Allies to defend Japan,as well as the iron-clad nature of the U.S.-Japan partnership which has stood for more than 70 years.*According to the Australian Ministry of Defence,the ADF contribution to Keen Sword 25 included 80 troops and two RAAF P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft,civil-military cooperation personnel and amphibious landing observers.The drills included 12,000 U.S. military personnel and 33,000 Japanese troops,40 vessels and 370 aircraft.Commander of the Australian Contingent,Wing Commander Adam Saber,said:Keen Sword demonstrated an increasing complexity in our relationship with Japan,from higher-end warfighting to homeland defence.The exercise was a great opportunity to hone our own skills across that spectrum,both in mainland Japan and its surrounding islands.

Pacific Perspective:Soldiers of the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division Deployed to Remote Island for Force Protetcion

By 13 September 2024,Soldiers of the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) along with two other units of U.S. Army Pacific from Hawaii and Washington State,were in place for a Force Protection Operation in light of stepped up Russian and Chinese military operations over the past year in the Arctic Region.At least 130 troops were deployed with a HIMARS rocket system and radar capability to the remote Shemya Island,one of the Aleutian Islands in the North Pacific Ocean.Shemya Island is about 280 mi/450.6 km from Russia.Task Force Geronimo consisted of 11th Airborne Division troops out of Joint Base Elmedorf-Richardson and Fort Wainwright,Alaska along with the other U.S. Army Pacific troops.The crew of the USCGC Stratton (WMSL 752),a Legend-class National Security Cutter,spotted four Russian Navy vessels in a Surface Action Group consistng of a Sverodvinsk-class submarine;a Dologuriky-class submarine;a Stereguschkiy class frigate;and a Seliva-class tug.The deployment of U.S. Army Pacific Task Force Geronimo was part of previously scheduled drills in response to Russian and Chinese military posturing in the Arctic Region.In addition,a U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer,the USS Sterett (DDG 104) pulled into the rarely used port of Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands.According to U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM),it was:deployed to support U.S. Northern Command's Maritime Homeland Defense mission in response to the known Russian exercise in that region.*Said the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) in a tweet:The Indo-Pacific represents more than 50% of the world's population,and some of the most diverse environments on Earth...the Soldiers of Task Force Geronimo made up of units from across U.S. Army Pacific landed there last week with long range fires and radar capability.Success there requires deploying ready,lethal forces who can survive,fight and win everywhere.*Said Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska):These escalating incidents demonstrate the critical role the Arctic plays in great power competition between the U.S.,China and Russia.Authoritarian regimes are testing the United States.Dictators like Vladimir Putin see through the lense of either strength or weakness,which is why I've long encouraged our senior military leaders to respond with strength.*

Pacific Perspective:US Air Force. B-2 Spirit bombers. Joint military exercises in Australia.

The drills are takking place at RAAF Amberley near Ipswich,Queensland.The RAAF operates the Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet primarily out of RAAF Amberley.Bomber Task Force missions such as this one are not announced in advance to give potential adversaries pause.Deployed by Air Force Global Strike Command,they emphasise the U.S. Air Force's ability to deter aggression,and,if necessary,defend our Allies and Partners,anytime and anywhere across the globe.The Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit strategic bombers are a frequent participant in Bomber Task Force missions in both the European and Pacific theatres.*Boeing (BA),Northrop Grumman (NOC)

USAF:Air Force to Upgrade F-22 Raptor with a view to containing China

According to the U.S. Air Force,the Lockheed Martin/Boeing F22 Raptor fifth generation fighter is to be upgraded even as the Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominence (NGAD) fighter programme is being paused.The Air Force has awarded Raytheon Technologies Corporation a contract worth potentially over a billion dollars to carry out sensor and other upgrades to keep the Raptor relevant in a quickly evolving battlespace.This was announced on 29 AUG 2024.The older 32 Block F-22s will be retired.The upgrades will take place at McKinney.Texas and are expected to be completed by 8 MAY 2029,per a DoD contracts announcement.*The programme involves upgrading the remaining 154 F-22s with new cryptography;an expanded open archtecture;new weapons;an infrared search and track sensor;and a Project Keystone effort to install an advanced threat warning receiver.The total cost will be more than 4.3 billion dollars between fiscal 2023 and 2029.*According to USAF BGEN Jason Vorheis,the programme executive officer for fighters and adavnced aircraft:The F-22 Raptor team is working really hard on executing a modernisation roadmap to field advanced sensors;connectivity;weapons;and other capabilities that are relevant to the INDOPACOM theatre.The Raptor team recently conducted six flight test efforts to demo and assess advanced sensors on the F-22 required to complete an ongoing rapid prototyping for the programme.*The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a twin engine,all weather,supersonic stealth fighter.It is a product of the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Tactical Fighter programme (ATF).It was designed as an air superiority fighter,but also incorporates ground attack,electronic warfare and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities.The prime contractor,Lockheed Martin,built most of the F-22 airframe and weapons;while partner Boeing provided the wings;aft fuselage;avionics integration;and training systems.The F-22 has provided close air support and electronic surveillance in combat against Islamic State and Assad-aligned forces in Syria,and also to deter Russian fighter aircraft there.It has three internal weapons bays,but hardpoints for underwing mounting of weapons as well.To protect its sensitive technology,the F-22 Raptor is banned for export by the U.S. Congress.*Lockheed Martin (LMT),Boeing (BA),Raytheon Technologies Corp (RTX)

Pacific Perspective:AUSMIN 24 Focused on Containing China,Part 2

In the AUSMIN 24 statement,the Parties briefly mentioned some upgrades to facilities in Australia's Northern Territory that the U.S. and Australia were making.An article in The Washington Post went into this in more detail.The article pointed out that Australia was offering the U.S. a vast launching pad in the event of conflict with China.Across Australia,it says,many old bases were being cleaned up or upgraded,some of them dating back to the World War II era,to prepare for another global conflict.Said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles:This is about deterrence.We're working together to deter future conflict and to provide for the collective security of the region in which we live.*Australia joined AUKUS,the Australia/UK/U.S. defence Alliance,under which Australia,the U.S. and UK will provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines with sensitive technology.Of the cleaning and upgrades,Representative Michael McCaul,R-Texas,chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Commitee:This provides a central base of operations from which to project power.*A comprehensive upgrade of RAAF Tindal in the Northern Territory is underway with Australia spending nearly a billion dollars so far on the project.Part of the project is a new parking apron for four of Australia's largest military aircraft,the KC-30 refueling tanker that will facilitate refueling fighter aircraft such as the RAAF Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter for distant missions.The RAAF Lightning IIs are based at RAAF Tindal in the Northern Territory and RAAF Williamstown in New South Wales.The U.S. also intends to build a parking apron at the base for six Boeing B-52 H/J Stratofortress strategic bombers that can reach mainland China.These would be deployed to Australia much more frequently,according to U.S. Secretary of Defense GEN Lloyd F. Austin III U.S. Army ret.Noted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles:increasing U.S. force posture in Australia.We see that as very much in Australia's national interest.People understand that we are living through challenging times,when the global rules-based order is under pressure.*At RAAF Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory,the U.S. Marines have built a new fuel depot for their Bell Boeing MV-22 Ospreys,an aircraft that can vertically take off and land like a helicopter,but fly straight ahead like an airplane.Refueling the Ospreys could extend their range into the South China Sea;the Philippine Sea and to the Solomon Islands.Said Rep. McCaul:As Chairman Xi (Xinping) is looking out at all of this,he's feeling more deterrence.Our capabilities to respond are getting stronger.*According to BGEN Michael Say,head of Australia's Force Posture Initiative,even more upgrades are being contemplated for three skeleton facilities in remote Western Australia state and Quennsland state to accomodate heavier U.S. and Australian aircraft.In the Cocos Islands,Canberra will soon be upgrading the airstrip to accomodate heavier aircraft such as the Boeing P-8A Maritime Surveillance Aircraft,which also has anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.*Lockheed Martin (LMT),Boeing (BA), Bell Helicopter (TXT)

US Air Force. Powerful fighter jets during Northern Edge military exercise

USAF Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,Alaska Exercise Northern Edge is a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercise designed to provide high-end,realistic warfighting practise and improve joint interoperability,enhancing the combat readiness of partiipating forces.*Boeing (BA),Lockheed Martin (LMT)

Pacific Perspective:B-52H Strategic Bombers Deployed from Minot Air Force Base

Boeing B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers of the 23rd Bomb Wing out of Minot Air Force Base,North Dakota,have been deployed by Air Force Global Strike Command to Andersen Air Base,Guam on a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission.The mission will accomplish goals of the National Defense Strategy of the United States,projecting power for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is committed to this strategy of upholding a rules-based,free and open Indo-Pacific Region that protects the sovereignty of every nation and preserves freedom of navigation.Together with our Allies and Partners,the command says,the US is dedicated to maintaining a region comprised of nations that adhere to the international rule of law.* BTF missions keep aircrews in a high state of readiness,proficiency,and validate our always-ready global strike capability.The Department of Defense remains fully committed to defence and deterrence of any malign actors that would look to undermine or threaten our shared interests.BTF missions contribute to joint force lethality and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific Region by demonstrating the United States Air Force 's ability to operate anywhere in the world at any time in support of the National Defense Strategy.Moreover,BTF missions provide opportunities to train and operate with Allies and Partners in joint and combined operations and exercises.BTF enhances readiness,to include joint and multilateral,to respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific Region.*BTF supports national security objectives through the speed,flexibility,and readiness of our strategic bombers.BTF also demonstrates cutting-edge capabilities;forward presence;and committment to our Allies and Partners.It augments the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) under the command of GEN Kenneth Wilsbach,USAF.He is also Air Component Commander,U.S. Indo-Pacific Command,and Executive Director Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff.PACAF is responsible in USAF activities spread over half the globe in a command that supports over 46,000 Airmen serving primarily in Japan,Korea,Hawaii,Alaska and Guam.GEN Wilsbach is a distinguished graduate of the University of Florida's ROTC program and earned his pilot's wings in 1986 as a distinguished graduate of Laughlin Air Force Base,Texas.He has commanded a fighter squadron;operations group;two wings;two Numbered Air Forces;and held numerous staff assignments.Prior to his current assignment,GEN Wilsbach was Deputy Commander U.S. Forces Korea.He also served as Commander Seventh Air Force,Pacific Air Forces,Osan Air Base,South Korea.*GEN Wilsbach is a command pilot with more thn five thousand hours in multiple aircraft,primarily in the F-15C,F-16C,MC-12W and F-22A.He has flown 71 combat missions in Operations Northern and Southern Watch (Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).*GEN Wilsbach was promoted to General on 8 July 2020.*GEN Wilsbach's Awards and Decorations include:Defense Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster;the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters;the Bronze Star Medal;the Meritorius Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster;and the Air and Space Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.*In one BTF mission,two Boeing B-52H Stratofortress nuclear-capable strategic bombers conducted a flyover at Changi Airbase East on 22 February 2024 at the Singapore Air Show 2024.The U.S. Department of Defense participated in the event with aerial demonstrations and static displays to build on already strong ties with Singapore;demonstrate flexible aircraft capbility;enable engagement with foreign Partners;and expand power projection capabilities.*Boeing (BA)

Pacific Perspective:JGSDF and US Army. Allied airborne operations in the New Year.

Lockheed Martin (LMT)

Pacific Perspective:Fighter Presence Assured at Kadena Air Base

On 2 October 2023,Boeing F-15C Eagles from 144th Fighter Wing,Fresno Air National Guard Base,California,arrived at Kadena Air Base,Okinawa,Japan to ensure continuous fighter presence as Kadena's fleet of F-15 C/D Eagles make a phased return to the US,18th Wing announced.Kadena is called the Keystone of the Pacific because of its strategic location on Okinawa.The ANG Eagles will work with other heavy,reconnaissance,and 4th and 5th generation fighter aircraft assets augmented and stationed to Kadena to ensure steady-state fighter capabilities in the Indo-Pacific Region.The diverse array of fighters,alongside joint and Allied Forces,strengthen operational readiness to defend Japan,while ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific through a robust presence of dynamic fighter aircraft.Said Lt.Col. John Vanbragt,144th Operations Group commander:Our squadron is excited to train and integrate with our bilateral Partners.Operating in the Indo-Pacific offers immense opportunities for our Airmen and Allies to strengthen our partnerships and continue to refine tactics.* Thus the reception of the F-15C at Kadena enables the 18th Wing to work dynamically in a fluid airspace and Area of Operations,ensuring U.S. Forces Japan and Allied partners remain postured to deliver lethal and combat-ceredible airpower to ensure the defence of US Allies and a free and open Indo-Pacific,maintaining deterrence capabilities and added flexibility in a dynamic theatre.Posturing with a wide range of capabilities in the Indo-Pacific remains a top priority,18th Wing said.* Team Kadena is a world-class combat team ready to fight and win from the Keystone in the Pacific.Kadena Air Base's mission is to project decisive airpower to ensure regional stability and security as an Agile,Innovative and Ready Force from Pacific Air Forces' premier air base.* The F-15C has a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 (1650 mph/2655 km/h at high altitude) and has a service ceiling of 65,000 ft/20,000 km.It is armed with 1x20mm M61A1 Vulcan 6 barrel rotating cannon and up to 4xAIM-7 Sparrow missiles;4xAIM-9 Sidewinder missiles;and 8-AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.The Air Force plans to retire all F-15C/Ds by 2026.* Boeing (BA)

Pacific Perspective:Space Force Focuses on the Indo-Pacific Region - plus an excerpt from the USAF Academy Class of 2023 Fact Sheet

U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific has been established as a service component command of the unified combatant command U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).Its first commander is Brigadier General Anthony J. Mustalir,U.S. Space Force.BGEN Mustalir said they will double down on incorporating space across all components and domains.The component's Guardians,as Space Force personnel are now designated,number 21 at present,including enlisted,officers and civilians.BGEN Mustalir said they are really focused on: integrating space into the operations plans,contingency plans-ensuring that other component commands absolutely,wihout a doubt,maximize the combat effects available from the space capabilities the nation has.* Guardians will advise on satellite communications across the Pacific tyranny of distance,while fighting through intentional interference with communications and GPS.In light of North Korea's launching of missiles,Guardians will understand what the profiles look like;projected impact points;making sure that US service members are safe,which is something Guardians can bring a lot of expertise to.In light of Chinese threats with ballistic and hypersonic missiles,Guardians can help bring clarity to such topics.* U.S. Forces Korea and U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) will be the next to get their Space Force component commands;then U.S. European Command (EUCOM) will follow.However,the rest of the component commanders will be colonels,because the Space Force cannot afford the expense of supporting general officers.Chief of Space Operations General Chance B. Saltzman said that: given today's multi-domain character of war,space must be deeply integrated with the rest of the joint team.This is never more true than in this AOR (Area of Responsibility) where we find ourselves competing against a thinking adversary who continues to field counterspace systems as well as their own exquisite space-based support systems for their increasingly capable terrestrial forces.* Concluded BGEN Mustalir:As of today,you are the Guardians of INDOPACOM.You are outranked and outnumbered by every other compnent here-I don't care.I expect you to be confident and bold.* So the new component command's personnel are expected to make themselves a seat at the table and take command and control of space assets for INDOPACOM,while maintaining close ties to U.S. Pacific Air Forces.* The U.S. Air Force Academy held graduation on 1 June 2023.President Joseph R. Biden delivered the commencement address.From the USAF Academy Class of 2023 Fact Sheet-Graduating:921,Men 651 (71%),Women 270 (29%);International Students:12 from Cambodia,Jordan,Malaysia,Peru,Poland,Republic of Korea,Romania,Sri Lanka,Taiwan,Thailand,Tunisia;Assignments:419 pilots;Space Force:93;cross-commissioned:Army 3,Navy 3,Marines 2;total Space Force commissioned for all years:391;Service Academy graduates entering active duty incur a five-year service commitment.

Pacific Perspective:Chinese Fighter Jet Harasses Air Force Recon Plane

On 21 December 2022,a US Air Force Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft was intercepted by a Chinese People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF) J-11BH fighter jet over the South China Sea,U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) said in a statement on 29 December.The intercept occurred in international airspace,where the RC-135 was free to operate,but the J-11BH performed an unsafe manoeuvre,flying in front of and within 20 feet of the RC-135's nose.Thus the Rivet Joint had to undertake evasive action to avoid colliding with the PLANAF aircraft.USINDOPACOM stated that: We expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific Region to use international airspace safely and in accordance with international law.* China has an expansive view of its control over the South China Sea (SCS).According to the U.S. Department of State,the People's Republic of China (PRC) asserts unlawful maritime claims in most of the SCS: In recent years,the PRC has stepped up its coercive activities in the South China Sea by increasing its deployment of maritime militias that operate alongside PRC law enforcement and military to harass and intimidate other claimant states...the U.S. stands with Southeast Asian claimant states seeking to defend their sovereign rights and interests consistent with international law reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention.* PRC's claims include the Paracel Islands;Spratly Islands;Scarborough Shoal;plus reefs PRC is building up into artificial militarised islands.Other countries making SCS claims are Brunei;Malaysia;the Phillippines;Taiwan;and Vietnam.* The RC-135 V/W Rivet Joint supports theatre and national level command authorities with near real time,on-scene intelligence collection,analysis and dissimenation.Its onboard sensor suite permits the aircrew to detect,identify and geolocate signals (SIGINT) thorughout the electromagnetic spectrum.It can then forward the information via the Rivet Joint's extensive communications suite.A crew of more than 30 includes cockpit crew;Electronic Warfare officers;intel operators;and in-flight maintenance technicians.It has a digital glass cockpit configuration.All Rivet Joint airframe and mission systems modifications are carried out by L3Harris Technologies Inc. overseen by Air Force Materiel Command.* The PLANAF Shenyang Aircraft Corporation J-11BH is an evolved Russian Sukhoi Su-27 aircraft,NATO codeword "Flanker-L."Comparable to the Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet,it is mounted with PL-8 and PL-12 air-to-air missiles for intercept missions.The PLANAF had 40 J-11BH and 32 J-11BSH (NATO codeword Flanker-L+) as of 2018.* Boeing (BA),L-3Harris Technologies Inc (LHX)

L3Harris Pursuing Early Materials Acquisition for SDA Tracking Layer Satellites

L3Harris Pursuing Early Materials Acquisition for SDA Tracking Layer Satellites: The fiscal year 2022 defense appropriations law provided $550 million for the Space Development Agency (SDA) to accelerate development of the Tracking