Australian and Malaysian jet fighters have concluded training together during Exercise Elangaroo 24, from 30 September to 4 October 2024. In the skies over Malaysia, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightning IIs flew air combat training missions with Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D Hornets and SU-30MKM Flankers. On the ground, aircrew and maintenance personnel conducted training and engagement activities designed to improve how the two air forces work together. RAAF fighter squadrons have a long history of training and operations in Malaysia, with No. 77 Squadron based there from 1958 to 1969. Exercise Elangaroo 24 involved RAAF aviators working from RMAF Base Butterworth in Malaysia and Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore. The RAAF F-35As are deployed to Singapore to support a string of exercises in the region over September and October.
Wing Commander Paul Simmons, Commanding Officer of No. 77 Squadron, said “Six F-35As and approximately 140 RAAF aviators deployed for the exercise. Malaysia is one of our most important regional partners, and Exercise Elangaroo ensures we’re ready to contribute with our partners to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific. Air combat training allows us to integrate people and systems from respective air forces, learn each other’s strengths, and understand how to fight together. Malaysian and Australian aviators have trained together for generations, and Exercise Elangaroo 24 built on our longstanding Defence relationship. Exercise Elangaroo 24 allowed our aviators to practice agile combat employment missions to RMAF Base Butterworth in Malaysia, where F-35As would land mid-mission to refuel. This is more complex training than we previously conducted in 2022, when we debuted the F-35A in Malaysia for Exercise Elangaroo 22.”

The Boeing F/A-18D Hornet and the Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flanker are two key fighter jets operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). The F/A-18D Hornet, an American-made multi-role fighter, is well-suited for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It has been a mainstay of the RMAF since 1997, known for its agility and precision strike capabilities. Meanwhile, the Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flanker, a more modern Russian-made fighter, features advanced avionics and superior maneuverability. Introduced to the RMAF in 2007, the Su-30MKM is specifically customized for Malaysia, incorporating advanced sensors and avionics from countries like France, South Africa, and India. Both aircraft provide the RMAF with strategic advantages in maintaining Malaysia’s air sovereignty.
The Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter jet operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It is designed with stealth technology, advanced avionics, and the capability to conduct both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The F-35A provides an advantage in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance, enhancing the RAAF’s combat capabilities in securing Australia’s airspace. Equipped with a single Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, the jet can achieve high speeds and extended range. Royal Australian Air Force began receiving the F-35A in 2018 as part of its fleet modernization program, replacing the older Boeing F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. The first F-35A squadron, No. 3 Squadron, became operational in 2021. Australia has committed to 72 F-35A aircraft for three operational squadrons at: RAAF Base Williamtown, RAAF Base Tindal and a training squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown.
