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Four Australian fighter jets have landed in Malaysia to participate for the second consecutive year in Exercise Bersama Lima, a multinational military aviation drill.
As part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) between Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom, the drill is a continued commitment to promoting regional security, enhancing interoperability and strengthening allied preparation.
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“We’ll be conducting familiarisation flights, basic fighter manoeuvres, self-escort strikes and missions down to Singapore,” said No. 75 Squadron Leader Anthony.
Four Australian F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft touched down in the eastern coastal city of Kuantan after embarking on a collaborative route. Initially departing from RAAF Base Tindal (NT), the aircraft linked with the United States Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker for aerial refuelling in Darwin, and then further flew across Bali and Singapore.
The fifth-generation F-35A is a stealth supersonic, multi-role jet that first became operational in the RAAF in 2021. The aircraft has a range of advanced sensors and data systems that allow for effective information communications and quick acceleration and agility, giving it 9G manoeuvrability.
SQNLDR Anthony expressed the eagerness of Australia to collaborate with the Royal Malaysian Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force throughout the exercise and across the long-term goals of the FPDA.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with the Malaysians based here in Kuantan, especially flying alongside their SU-30 Flankers and F-18 Hornets,” he said.
The SU-30 Flankers are twin-engine supermanoeuvrable fighter jets that can reach speeds of up to 2,120 kilometres per hour and are capable of performing complex aerial manoeuvres. F-18 Hornets are adaptable aircraft that have the capability to perform precision day/night strikes, close air support and conduct reconnaissance.
Emphasising the value of regional support, Exercise Bersama Lima acts as a “vital platform” to maintain the effectiveness of the FPDA and promote security.
“Air Combat Group has a rich history of cooperation in this region, so it’s great to be back and to see the professionalism of the Royal Malaysian Air Force firsthand,” SQNLDR Anthony said.
