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CN25 concluded at Andersen AFB Feb. 21, 2025

By Airman 1st Class Tala Hunt 

Exercise Cope North 25 concluded for the year at Andersen Air Force Base, Feb. 21, 2025. Cope North is an annual trilateral exercise conducted by U.S. Air Forces, the Japan Self-Defense Force, and the Royal Australian Air Force. 

Cope North has sustained integrated air operations for more than 47 years, fostering warrior ethos and lethality while strengthening interoperability with partners and allies. This year, CN25 led the way in 5th generation aviation with approximately 2,300 personnel participating.

Together, teams honed interoperability with aircraft from across their units, including the F-35A Lighting IIs; F-35B Lightning IIs; F-16 Fighting Falcons; F-18C/D Hornets; EA-18G Growlers; KC-46 Pegasus’s; Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker; KC-130J Hercules; Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules; E-3G Sentry; MH-60S Seahawk; and the E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node. 

The exercise supported the strategy of campaigning through cooperation at the “competition below armed conflict” level, focusing on integrating the contributions of allies and partners for a more favorable strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific. 

"It is highly significant and beneficial for regional security that three like-minded Allies in the Pacific region conduct high-level training involving 5th generation fighters and other advanced assets,” said Japan Air Self-Defense Force Col. Takeshi Okubo, flight group commander, 3rd Air Wing. “This exercise greatly contributed to the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

CN25 expedited the coordination of combined air tactics, techniques, and procedures to enhance security and stability and to compete, deter, or if needed, win in armed conflict.

“This exercise focused on 5th generation air warfare capabilities and whole force integration in realistic yet complex scenarios,” said Royal Australian Air Force GPCPT Darryl Porter, Australian Task Force commander. 

The integration of the F-35 fighters from the U.S., Japan, and Australia enabled a smooth collaboration and communication between air forces. The exercise was unique as it provided an opportunity for the participating nations to facilitate the exchange of information on how to employ, maintain, and command and control these fifth-generation fighters effectively.

“Cope North 2025 is not just an exercise; it's an investment in the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Loringer, F-35 pilot assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron. “This iteration of Cope North 25 was extremely unique as we were able to share these techniques and tactics allowing us to enhance interoperability and strengthen partnerships, as we are working towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” 

With its long history of cutting-edge aviation and integration between allies, Cope North remains a cornerstone of interoperable training in the Indo-Pacific.