The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is currently conducting Indo-Pacific Deployment 2026, participating in joint exercises with the United States and Pacific island nations to contribute to regional peace and stability.
U.S. Space Forces–Japan held its first change of command on June 3. Col. John Patrick assumed command from Col. Ryan Laughton, marking a historic milestone for the newly established component and underscoring deepening 🇺🇸🇯🇵 cooperation in space operations across the Indo‑Pacific.
This month, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will conduct “Resolute Dragon 26 (RD26),” a joint exercise with the @USMC in the Kyushu and Okinawa regions, to enhance interoperability for island defense.
Check out the video from last year's RD exercise!
On May 21, Japan, the USA, and Australia conducted joint exercises in the airspace east of Okinawa. The three nations strengthened their tactical capabilities and reaffirmed their strong resolve to “prevent any unilateral attempts to change to the status quo by force.” 🇯🇵🤝🇺🇸🤝🇦🇺
U.S. Forces Japan is grateful for the support of the @ModJapan_en , the GOJ, and the Japanese people. HIMARS live‑fire exercises ensure our forces remain proficient, interoperable, and ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Japan in defense of a #FreeandOpenIndoPacific.
GEN Arai (Chief of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force) and GEN Kim (Chief of the General Staff of the @ROK_Army) attended a ceremony hosted by GEN Clark (Commander of @USARPAC), reaffirming their strong relationship.
The #JGSDF is committed to trilateral 🇯🇵-🇺🇸-🇰🇷cooperation.
Chief of the Joint Staff General Uchikura attended the closing ceremony for Exercise Balikatan, strengthening partnerships with 🇺🇸, 🇵🇭, & other participants.
#JSDF works toward a security environment that does not tolerate unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.
#Balikatan26 is readiness made real. A look back at multinational partners executing a coastal defense live-fire. This #C2 & #STRIKE integration proves our alliance can operate seamlessly across the archipelago. 🇺🇸🤝🇵🇭🇯🇵🇨🇦
🎥Sgt. Duke Edwards
#ArchipelagicDefense
Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted amphibious operations training during their participation in the 🇺🇸-🇵🇭-led multinational exercise Balikatan. The 🇯🇵 Self-Defense Forces will cooperate with allied and friendly nations to maintain and enhance their operational capabilities.
Japan Self-Defense Forces participated in the US-Philippine-led multinational exercise known as Balikatan and, under the supervision of 🇯🇵 Defense Minister Koizumi and 🇵🇭 Defense Secretary Teodoro, conducted surface-to-ship missile firing exercises with the Philippine military.
The @JASDF_PAO's #BlueImpulse performed a flyover in western Japan's #Kumamoto prefecture, in solidarity and prayer for recovery after experiencing a series of devastating earthquakes 10 years ago.
While it may be allergy season for some, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force works around the clock, 365 days a year, to safeguard Japan’s peace and carry out its missions to realize a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific. No hay fever here! 🌸🫡
#FOIP
Marines conduct a multi-weapons system range using various machine guns and sniper systems during exercise Northern Dragon 26 at JGSDF Camp Nihonbara, Okayama, Japan, March 16, 2026. @3rdMLG@1stMAW_Marines
🌸Cherry blossom alert!🌸
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom around the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Sasebo Base on the island of Kyushu. Only a week or so apart from DC's full bloom!
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Special Operations Group conducted field training exercises with @USSOCOM earlier this year. These exercises were designed to enhance operational capabilities for special ops & strengthen the response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance.
We have friends in high places. 🇺🇸🤝🇯🇵
EA-18G Growlers assigned to the “Black Ravens” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135 and a UP-3D Orion of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force @JMSDF_PAO conduct bi-lateral exercises in the Sea of Japan.
VAQ-135 is assigned to Commander, Task Force 70, and is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet. @US7thFleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.