US Strategic Command officials discussed deeper cooperation with Australia on ballistic missile defense, space operations, and cyber capabilities during a visit to Canberra, Australia, Nov. 5. “This visit reaffirms the strength of the US-Australian alliance, its strategic importance to regional security, and our shared commitment to combating regional and global security challenges,” said STRACOM boss Adm. Cecil Haney. “Australia is an ally that shares our foundational values and has the capacity and capability for cooperation on a range of issues,” he added. STRATCOM signed a combined space operations memo with several allies, including Australia, earlier this year. Australia is invested in the US’ Wideband Global SATCOM satellite constellation, and is also partnering with the US on space surveillance and on-orbit debris tracking.
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.