Analysis & Reports

Australia is sending 300 personnel to participate in the joint military exercise 'Keen Sword 2026' alongside approximately 45,000 Japanese and 11,000 U.S. personnel. The exercise, taking place in Japan and surrounding maritime areas from October 19 to October 29, 2026, focuses on integrating naval, air, cyber, and space operations. It aims to enhance logistical coordination among the participating nations, including the U.S. Navy and Japan Self-Defense Forces.

Tanaka TakashiFri Oct 23 2026Loading...

The U.S. Armed Forces and Japan Self-Defense Forces commenced the Keen Sword 26 joint military exercise on October 19, focusing on the defense of Japan's Southwest Islands. Involving 45,000 personnel, the exercise will run until October 29 and includes 260 aircraft, 40 ships, and 6,100 vehicles. The operation emphasizes logistical support and the need for effective communication between the forces.

Tanaka TakashiMon Oct 19 2026Loading...

The Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Armed Forces conducted the 'Keen Sword 27' joint military exercise from October 19 to 29 in the Southwest Islands of Japan. Approximately 45,000 personnel, along with 6,100 vehicles, 40 ships, and 260 aircraft, participated in training focused on integrated defense operations, including air defense and cyber operations. The exercise also involved collaboration with forces from Australia, Canada, and other nations, emphasizing logistical coordination and crisis response capabilities.

Tanaka TakashiSun Oct 11 2026Loading...

Anduril announced a $3.7 billion investment to build a new facility in Maryland for producing key components of Virginia-class submarines, supported by a $2.9 billion contract from the U.S. Navy, totaling $6.6 billion. The facility, named Arsenal-2, is expected to create approximately 3,100 direct jobs and over 11,000 indirect jobs, aiming for operational readiness by the 2030s. This investment is crucial for maintaining U.S. undersea capabilities amid increasing competition.

Tanaka TakashiWed Oct 07 2026Loading...

On September 18, 2026, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Air Force conducted tactical training in the Pacific Ocean east of Okinawa, involving 9 F-22s, 4 F-15s, and 1 KC-135. The exercise aimed to strengthen deterrence and operational capabilities between the two nations, focusing on air superiority and logistical support.

Tanaka TakashiSun Sep 20 2026Loading...

Japan and South Korea are enhancing their naval capabilities in response to China's naval expansion, focusing on rapid information sharing regarding underwater activities. The Freedom Edge 2026 exercise commenced on September 7, 2026, involving multi-domain operations. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Taihei-class submarines and South Korea's KSS-III submarines are central to this effort, emphasizing stealth and operational coordination.

Tanaka TakashiSat Sep 12 2026Loading...

U.S. and Japanese forces conducted the Pacific Atlas 26-1 exercise from June 15 to 19, 2026, off Yokosuka, verifying logistics capabilities for dispersed maritime operations. The exercise featured the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett and Japan Coast Guard Patrol Vessel Yumehari, demonstrating vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations. This event aimed to assess communication and supply procedures for sustained operations in the region.

Tanaka TakashiTue Jul 14 2026Loading...

From June 20 to June 30, 2026, approximately 9700 personnel from the U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted a joint military exercise named Resolute Dragon 26 in the Southwest Islands and Kyushu. The exercise focused on enhancing defense capabilities and control of maritime terrain, involving live-fire training and logistical operations. This marks a significant step in U.S.-Japan military cooperation in the region.

Tanaka TakashiSat Jul 11 2026Loading...