Australia ends Cope North exercise with US, Japan

Forces from Australia, the United States and Japan have successfully completed the annual trilateral Exercise Cope North. The exercise was held at the United States’ Andersen Air Force Base in Guam from 3 to 19 February 2021. Commander of the Australian Task Group, Group Captain Nathan Christie said Exercise Cope North demonstrates our shared commitment and vision for a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region. “This exercise is an important opportunity for our three nations, individually and collectively, to develop our capability to deliver air and space power as part of a combined and interoperable force,” Christie said. “Equally, as the world continues to grapple with the effects of COVID-19 and a range of natural disasters, exercises such as Cope North enhance our collective humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness. They also demonstrate Australia’s focus on enhancing the bonds between our three nations, and are testament to the strength and adaptability of the trilateral partnership.” More than 2,000 military personnel and around 95 aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force, United States Air Force, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated in Cope North 2021. Australia’s contribution to the exercise included around 170 personnel, an E-7A Wedgetail, a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, a Contingency Response Squadron and operational headquarters staff. This year marks the centenary of the RAAF and the 11th year of Australia’s involvement in Exercise Cope North. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]