Japanese F-35 jets visit Australia in first deployment abroad

Two Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's F-35A fighter jets have arrived at a military base in Australia for training, marking the first time Japan deployed the aircraft overseas, the Australian Defense Department said Monday, Report informs, citing Kyodo.

The move comes as the two nations seek to boost security ties amid China's growing military assertiveness in the region and marks the first activity under a new agreement to facilitate reciprocal access and cooperation between their defense forces.

The two F-35s arrived at the Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal in northern Australia on Saturday, along with a contingent of 55 personnel from the ASDF, according to the Australian Defense Department.