From August 6 to 8, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF, Koku Jieitai) and the Italian Air Force (ITAF, Aeronautica Militare) conducted their second consecutive bilateral exercise, dubbed Rising Sun 24, at Misawa Air Base in northern Japan. The training focused on enhancing tactical skills through the integration of advanced aircraft, including the JASDF’s F-35A and the ITAF’s F-35A, EF2000 Typhoon, G-550 CAEW and KC-767 tanker. In a further display of strengthened military cooperation, the United States Air Force (USAF) also participated in the exercise, contributing to the deepening of trilateral operational ties between Japan, Italy, and the U.S. The joint activities focused on interoperability between air units, with an emphasis on refining strategic capabilities in aerial combat and refueling operations.
A significant moment during the exercise was the visit of Lieutenant General Aurelio Colagrande, Deputy Chief of Staff of the ITAF, who observed the drills firsthand. In a joint press conference with Lieutenant General Ogasawara Takuto, Vice Chief of Staff of the JASDF, both military leaders emphasized the critical importance of the bilateral training, which has now become a recurring event. During the bilateral meeting, discussions extended beyond tactical drills to explore broader cooperation on shared defense assets and the potential development of future fighter jet programs. These discussions reflect an increasing alignment of defense priorities between Japan and Italy, particularly in the face of evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Japan and Italy’s collaboration extends beyond bilateral exercises. The ITAF is projected to play a significant role in the Indo-Pacific with an impressive deployment of aircraft and personnel. Following Rising Sun 24, the ITAF will participate in the upcoming Pitch Black 2024 exercise in Australia and engage in extensive training with the Italian Navy in the open sea. The JASDF, committed to regional peace and stability, has reaffirmed its intention to continue strengthening cooperation with both the ITAF through joint exercises, defense partnerships, and military exchanges. These efforts highlight the growing strategic importance of multinational collaboration in maintaining security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
