Overview
- The anti-submarine warfare exercise is underway throughout March at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam under United States Navy leadership.
- Participating aircraft include US Navy P-8As, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force P-1, a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A, a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A, and an Indian Navy P-8I.
- Australia deployed a P-8A and 50 aviators from the recently re-formed No. 12 Squadron, underscoring expanded maritime surveillance and strike capacity.
- Organisers describe progression from simulated tracking to live-submarine detection with more than 200 cumulative in-flight training hours for participating crews.
- Crews compete for the Dragon Belt proficiency award, held by the RAAF in 2025 following three consecutive wins by Japan’s maritime force from 2022 to 2024.