The drills, scheduled between February 2 and 18, are the first between Australia and Japan since the two signed a historic defence agreement at the start of January.

The reciprocal agreement - Japan's only such pact - increases the interoperability between the Australian Defence Force and Japan's Self-Defence Force, including for humanitarian response purposes.

The trilateral exercise will work through tactics, techniques and procedures for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as well as large scale employment, which gives pilots practice in environments with a large number of aircraft operating.

RAAF Task Unit Commander, Group Captain Andrew McHugh, said the Cope North 22 exercise would provide invaluable experience for personnel and ensure an effective and professional response when needed.

"Through Cope North 22, we are focused on deepening relationships and strengthening engagement with the USAF's Pacific Air Force and the (Japanese) Koku-Jieitai, to contribute to our shared vision of an open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific," he said.

"We are committed to developing an intelligent and skilled workforce with exercises such as Cope North providing the opportunity to operate as a combined force with the United States and the Japan, and ensure our people can deliver air power when required."

The RAAF will deploy the E-7A Wedgetail, C-27J Spartan, KC-30A multi- role tanker transport and F-35A Lightning II.

All RAAF personnel deploying will be fully vaccinated.

Australian Associated Press