RAAF F-35A will Participate in Exercise Elangaroo with Malaysia

10 November 2022

RAAF F-35A Lightning II (photo : RAAF)

Force integration aim of Exercise Elangaroo in Malaysia

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel and aircraft have deployed to Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Butterworth Air Base to participate in Exercise Elangaroo, an air-to-air fighter interaction exercise.  

This year’s exercise involves Australian F-35A Lightning II and C-27J Spartan aircraft for the first time.

RAAF Co-Exercise Director, Group Captain Ravinder Singh, said the aim of the exercise would be to test and improve force integration and combined readiness between the nations.

“Australia and Malaysia have a long-standing relationship and a history of conducting military exercises together,” Group Captain Singh 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 peninsular.

“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.”

Exercises such as Elangaroo are pivotal to ensure Air Force is ready to respond, and support the ongoing commitment to regional stability within the Indo-Pacific region.

Group Captain Singh said the training and integration during the exercise would directly support Air Force’s ability to conduct operations.

"Elangaroo will further advance our capability to project air power at short notice," Group Captain Singh said.

"The employment of a potent, integrated force requires careful planning and training to ensure that if called upon, our efforts are safe, efficient and effective."

Exercise Elangaroo is being held from 7 to 18 November 2022.

(Aus DoD)