RAAF P-8A Poseidon joins about 260 aircraft in Japan-US Exercise Keen Sword

A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft has deployed to Japan as part of Exercise Keen Sword, a large-scale military exercise that is running from October 19 to 29, 2026, and involves around 260 aircraft.

Australia’s Department of Defence announced on October 20, 2026, that almost 300 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have deployed to Japan for the exercise, which aims to improve readiness and the ability of allied forces to operate together.

The opening ceremony for Keen Sword 27 was held this morning, Oct. 19, on Ishigaki Island, officially kicking off the exercise.

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— U.S. Forces Japan (@USForcesJapan) October 19, 2026

RAAF P-8A joins 260 aircraft and 40 ships in one of the region’s largest exercises

Keen Sword was established in 1986 by Japan and the United States and is held every two years at locations in Japan and across the region. This year’s edition involves about 45,000 Japanese and 11,000 US personnel, along with 40 vessels and 260 aircraft.

Australia is one of several invited countries, alongside Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the Netherlands and the Philippines. Australia first participated in 2022.

The P-8A Poseidon is a Boeing 737-based aircraft used for maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and reconnaissance. Australia’s contingent also includes the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart, specialist cyber and space teams, exercise control staff, and personnel embedded in Japanese and US units.

Exercise to test autonomous systems and shared command and control

Australia, Japan and the United States will also use the exercise to trial new technology together, including autonomous systems, underwater acoustic communications, and approaches to command and control. The goal is to improve secure communication between the three countries’ forces and to coordinate the use of robotic and autonomous systems.

Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Australia’s Commander of Joint Operations, declared that Keen Sword would test critical capabilities needed to respond to a crisis or contingency in the region.

He suggested that Australia’s participation reflects the importance of collective security and its defense ties with Japan, the United States and other regional partners, describing Japan as an indispensable partner for regional peace and prosperity.

Australian contingent commander says air and maritime cooperation is expanding into space and cyber

Squadron Leader Peter Doyle, commander of the Australian contingent, said defense cooperation with Japan and the United States is at a high point, and that the ADF regularly trains and deploys with both countries’ forces.

He argued that Australia brings extensive experience in maritime and air cooperation with its two partners, and that expanding that work into space and cyber would further improve how their forces operate together.

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