Missile Defense Training with Six Ships from Japan, the U.S., and South Korea at Freedom Edge 2026: The Reality of Distributed Operations Highlighted by the Absence of an Aircraft Carrier
Tanaka TakashiMissile Defense Training with Six Vessels from Japan, the U.S., and South Korea at Freedom Edge 2026: The Reality of Distributed Operations Highlighted by the Absence of an Aircraft Carrier
From September 7 to 11, Japan, the U.S., and South Korea conducted Freedom Edge 2026 in the eastern and southern waters off Jeju Island. What caught attention this time was not just the absence of a U.S. aircraft carrier. The focus was on the attempt to share the same tactical situation map while operating the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Aegis destroyers "Atago" and "Asahi," two Sejong the Great-class vessels from the South Korean Navy, and the U.S. Navy's "Benfold," with land-based air units and surface vessels moving separately.
Composition of Six Vessels Without an Aircraft Carrier
The exercise reportedly involved six surface combatants and aircraft such as the F-15, F-2, E-767, E-2D, P-1, and KC-46A. Four of the vessels, including Atago, are equipped with the Aegis combat system, providing a high density of ballistic missile defense and air defense capabilities. On the other hand, this formation does not consolidate aircraft, fuel, maintenance, and command functions into a single vessel like an aircraft carrier strike group. Aircraft launched from bases operate several hundred kilometers away from the ships.
The Focus is on Connectivity, Not Radar
The practical focus will be on whether the detection capabilities of the E-767 and E-2D, the maritime surveillance of the P-1, and the radar information from the Aegis ships can be transmitted without delay to the command systems of Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. Given that North Korea has commissioned a missile destroyer, the "Kang Kon," of approximately 5,000 tons, increasing the options for ship-launched missiles, merely identifying launch points is insufficient. It is necessary to process identification, engagement decisions, and preparations for re-attack across different networks.
The joint training of Japan and the U.S. involving F-2, F-16, and MQ-9B in the northeastern waters, announced by the Ministry of Defense's Joint Staff Office in July, also indicated a direction towards the distributed operation of air power. Freedom Edge 2026 is considered an extension of this concept to trilateral cooperation around the Korean Peninsula.
Overlooked Aspects in Japan
It is dangerous to evaluate the absence of an aircraft carrier solely as a simplification. If any of the base runways, aerial refueling aircraft, or communication lines are compromised, the air defense capabilities of the vessels will become isolated. In the author's view, the litmus test for interoperability lies not in the number of vessels but in how long each ship and base can operate independently after a communication breakdown. While a distributed formation is flexible, the support infrastructure itself can become a new vulnerability.
Reference Information
Japan, the U.S., and South Korea conducted missile defense training near Jeju Island from September 7-11, 2026, involving 6 ships and multiple aircraft. The exercise emphasized the sharing of tactical information without the presence of an aircraft carrier, reflecting a shift towards distributed operations. This training comes in response to North Korea's enhanced missile capabilities, highlighting the need for improved coordination among allied forces.
- Japan, the U.S., and South Korea conducted missile defense training from September 7-11, 2026.
- The exercise involved 6 ships and various aircraft, including Aegis destroyers and fighter jets.
- The absence of an aircraft carrier indicates a shift towards distributed operations.
- The focus was on sharing tactical information among the forces.
- North Korea has increased its missile capabilities, necessitating improved coordination.