RAAF F-35A Jets Train with Malaysian Air Force in Exercise Elangaroo 24

From September 30 to October 4, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightning IIs conducted air combat training with the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s F/A-18D Hornets and Su-30MKM Flankers during Exercise Elangaroo 24. Around 140 RAAF personnel and six F-35As were deployed.

Wing Commander Paul Simmons, No. 77 Squadron Commanding Officer, emphasized Malaysia’s importance as a regional partner. “Exercise Elangaroo strengthens our ability to work together for Indo-Pacific security,” he said.

The exercise also focused on agile combat employment, with F-35As refuelling mid-mission at Malaysian airbases. It marked the second time F-35As participated in Elangaroo, following their 2022 debut.

The exercise built on decades of cooperation, dating back to No. 77 Squadron’s presence in Malaysia from 1958 to 1969, reinforcing the long-standing defence relationship between the two nations.