Author: Dzirhan Mahadzir

Carrier USS Nimitz Visits South Korea Amidst North Korean, Russian Missile Tests

The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group docked at the port of Busan, South Korea on Tuesday to mark the 70th Anniversary of the U.S-South Korea alliance ahead of more trilateral drills with the Republic of Korea Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The Nimitz CSG currently includes carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) […]

USS Nimitz (CVN-68), the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG-73) and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) steam in formation on March 23, 2023. US Navy Photo

The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group docked at the port of Busan, South Korea on Tuesday to mark the 70th Anniversary of the U.S-South Korea alliance ahead of more trilateral drills with the Republic of Korea Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

The Nimitz CSG currently includes carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) and destroyers USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) and USS Decatur (DDG-73). USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-60) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93) are currently detached, with Paul Hamilton operating under U.S. 5th Fleet in the Arabian Sea, while Chung-Hoon is operating in the South China Sea.

The CSG is expected to depart Busan next week following an open house for Korean citizens on Saturday as part of the anniversary celebrations.

Last week, the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group comprising of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD-8), amphibious transport docks USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26) and USS Anchorage (LPD-23) and the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit docked at Busan as part of its participation in Exercise Ssangyong. The ARG departed on Sunday and is now operating in the waters near Pohang,

Before arriving at Busan, the Nimitz CSG drilled with the JMSDF and ROKN. Nimitz, Wayne E. Meyer and Decatur exercised with JMSDF helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH-182) from Thursday to Sunday in the Philippine Sea, according to a Monday news relase from the U.S. Navy.

On Monday, Nimitz, Bunker Hill, Wayne E. Meyer and Decatur conducted drills with ROKN destroyers ROKS Sejong the Great (DDG-991) and ROKS Choe Young (DDG-981), and replenishment ship ROKS Hwacheon (AOE-59) in the waters south of Jeju Island as part of the U.S. – ROK Warrior Shield field training exercises.

The exercises between the U.S., South Korea and Japan come as North Korea continued its campaign of launching ballistic missiles. Japan’s Ministry of Defense reported that two ballistic missiles were launched from the west coast of North Korea on Monday, with both missiles landing in waters off the east coast of North Korea. The first missile launched at around 7:47 a.m. local time and flew about 220 miles at a maximum altitude of about 31 miles. The second missile launched at around 7:57 a.m. and flew about 220 miles at a maximum altitude of about 31 miles.

On Tuesday, two Russian Navy Tarantul class corvettes launched Moskit P-270 Moskit missiles at a mock sea target in the Sea of Japan. Videos released of the firings showed RFS R-261 (991) as one of the two corvettes and missile range instrumentation ship RFS Marshal Krylov also taking part in the firing exercise. The Russian Defense Ministry said the two missiles successfully hit the target located about 160 miles.

Meanwhile, Russian and Chinese intelligence ships have been transiting Japan’s Tsushima Strait, based on releases by the Joint Staff Office (JSO) of Japan’s Ministry of Defense. Russian Navy intelligence ship Kareliya (535) was sighted at 7 a.m. local time on Saturday sailing northeast in an area 87 miles west of the Goto Islands. From Saturday to Sunday, it transited the Tsushima Strait to enter the Sea of Japan, according to a Monday JSO release.

Officials said multi-purpose support ship JS Amakusa (AMS-4303) and JMSDF P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) of Fleet Air Wing 1 stationed at JMSDF Kanoya Air Base, Kyushu, and Fleet Air Wing 4 based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Honshu, shadowed the Russian ship.

The JSO spotted People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) intelligence ship Kaiyangxing (796) on Monday sailing northeast in an area 100 miles west of the Goto Islands and. On Tuesday the ship transited the Tsushima Strait to enter the Sea of Japan, according to a Tuesday release. Fast attack craft JS Shirataka (PG-829) and JMSDF P-1 MPAs of Fleet Air Wing 4 monitored the Chinese ship, according to the release.

On Sunday, Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) frigate HMCS Montreal (FFH336) and replenishment ship MV Asterix departed Halifax, Canada, for a six-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

A Canadian Department of National Defense release stated that this is the first time an East Coast-based RCN frigate deployed to the Indo-Pacific.

Montreal will also participate in Operation Neon, Canada’s contribution to multinational efforts to monitor sanctions imposed on North Korea by the United Nations Security Council, according to the release. The two ships will sail through the Mediterranean and exercise with NATO ships operating there while on their way to the Indo-Pacific.

Makin Island ARG Docks in Busan, 3 LCS Now Underway in Indo-PACOM

The Makin Island Amphibious Group (ARG) docked at the port of Busan in the Republic of Korea (ROK) as part of their participation in the U.S.-ROK Exercise Ssangyong this week. Exercise Ssangyong was on hiatus since 2018 after the previous Moon Jae-in government suspended major U.S.- Republic of Korea military exercises to lower tensions with […]

USS Makin Island (LHD-8) conducts a photo exercise and replenishment-at-sea with the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93), March 15, 2023. US Navy Photo

The Makin Island Amphibious Group (ARG) docked at the port of Busan in the Republic of Korea (ROK) as part of their participation in the U.S.-ROK Exercise Ssangyong this week.

Exercise Ssangyong was on hiatus since 2018 after the previous Moon Jae-in government suspended major U.S.- Republic of Korea military exercises to lower tensions with North Korea. The Yoon Suk-yeol administration resumed military drills. In response, North Korea fired a series of ballistic and cruise missile launches into the Sea of Japan.

Before the Makin Island ARG’s arrival at Busan, North Korea reportedly test-fired four cruise missiles from its eastern coast into the sea.

This year’s iteration will take place around Pohang with ROK Marine Corps units and the 13th MEU conducting amphibious landings and performing naval drills between U.S. and ROK Navy ships. The drills will also include a contingent of U.K. Royal Marines. Similar small detachments of U.K. ground forces have been also been participating in exercises in Japan in the past months.

Prior to docking at Busan, the ARG sailed with nine ships of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) on Tuesday. Among the nine ROKN ships were both of the ROKN’s Dokdo class amphibious assault ships, ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111) and ROKS Marado (LPH-6112).

Chinese and Russian Ships Spotted Near Japan

CNS Binzhou (515). JSDF Photo

In Japan, the People’s Liberation Army Navy frigate CNS Binzhou (515) was sighted sailing west over the weekend in an area 75 miles southwest of Ishigaki Island. On Sunday, the PLAN frigate sailed north between Yonaguni Island and Taiwan and, subsequently, was sighted sailing north in an area 50 miles west of Uotsuri Island, part of the Senkaku Islands, according to the Joint Staff Office (JSO) of the Ministry of Defense officials.

Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer escort JS Jintsu (DE-230) shadowed the PLAN frigate. Officials said Binzhou sailed northeast through the waters between Amami Oshima and the uninhabited volcanic island of Yokoate-jima and entered the Pacific Ocean on March 16.

On Thursday, Russian Navy intelligence ship Kareliya (535) was sighted sailing west in an area 50 miles southeast of Okinawa before it sailed west through the Miyako Strait to enter the East China Sea. The release added that minesweeper JS Yakushima (MSC-602) shadowed the Russian ship.

On Wednesday, dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD-48) departed Sasebo for its new homeport of San Diego, Calif., according to a 7th Fleet release. Ashland arrived at Sasebo in 2013 as part of Expeditionary Strike Group 7.

Meanwhile, a third U.S. Littoral Combat Ship, USS Mobile (LCS-26), is now deployed to the Indo-Pacific, joining USS Charleston (LCS-18) and USS Oakland (LCS-24), according to a 3rd Fleet release on Thursday.

The LCSs are taking part in U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard joint patrol in the Western Pacific under the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) to reduce and eliminate illegal, unregulated, unreported fishing, combat transnational crimes and enhance regional security with the patrol being conducted by Mobile with an embarked Coast Guard law enforcement detachment from the Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team. Charleston is currently operating around the Indian Ocean while Oakland is around the South China Sea.

U.S. Bombers Drill with Japanese, South Korean Fighters After North Korean Missile Launches

U.S. forces conducted separate presence drills with South Korea and Japan over the last several days in response to multiple North Korean ballistic missile launches. U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers and F-16 and F-35A Lighting II fighters flew with Republic of Korea Air Force Sunday. In a separate drill, U.S. Air Force B-1Bs and […]

Japanese sailors aboard JS Atago (DDG-177) drill with US Navy destroyers. JMSDF Photo

U.S. forces conducted separate presence drills with South Korea and Japan over the last several days in response to multiple North Korean ballistic missile launches.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers and F-16 and F-35A Lighting II fighters flew with Republic of Korea Air Force Sunday. In a separate drill, U.S. Air Force B-1Bs and Japan-based U.S. F-16 Falcons joined Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15s.

Sunday’s drill with the ROKAF was part of the ongoing Freedom Shield, which began on March 13, Japanese officials said.

From Saturday to Sunday, destroyer USS Milius (DDG-69) and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Atago (DDG-177) conducted a ballistic missile defense exercise in the Sea of Japan.

The exercise was conducted to practice connecting networks between each Aegis warship and sharing targeting information for ballistic missile targets, according to the release.

“For the defense of Japan and the realization of a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific,’ there can be no unilateral changes to the status quo by force,” reads the statement.

North Korea fired a Hwasong-17 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) on Thursday, its second ICBM launch this year. State-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) described the ICBM launch as a response to the ongoing drills by the U.S. and South Korea. On Sunday, North Korea launched a single ballistic missile, with Japan’s Defense Ministry saying the missile was launched toward the east from near the west coast of North Korea and flew a distance of approximately 500 miles with a maximum altitude of about 30 miles before landing in the Sea of ​​Japan.

In the Philippines, amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) docked in Manila on Sunday for a port visit, the Manila Bulletin reported. America drilled with amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD-8) in the East China Sea Thursday.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA)-122, assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), held forward rearming and refueling operations with America. Fighter aircraft launched from Makin Island, landed on America to refuel and returned to Makin Island.

A U.S. Air Force 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer receives fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a flight over the Pacific Ocean, March 19, 2023. US Air Force Photo

“It adds another layer of operational effectiveness when assets from multiple ARGs, MEUs or ships are able to team up to conduct operations,” said Rear. Adm. Derek Trinque, commander, Task Force 76/3 in a statement.
“Flexing our ability to conduct FARS operations provides a greater operating radius of all our aircraft.”

The Marine F-35s joined up with EA-18G Growlers from Navy Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) – 5, and trained with cruiser USS Shiloh (CG-67) and destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93). The Makin Island ARG, which along with Makin Island, includes amphibious transport docks USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26) and USS Anchorage (LPD-23), completed multinational Exercise Cobra Gold 23 in Thailand on March 10. The America ARG, which includes America, amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD-20) and dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD-48), completed the bilateral U.S.- Japan Iron Fist 23 exercise in Japan on March 12.

On Friday, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) frigate CNS Binzhou (515) was sighted sailing eastwards in an area 100 miles west of Amami Oshima island.

The PLAN frigate subsequently sailed northeast through the waters between Amami Oshima and the uninhabited volcanic island of Yokoate-jima and entered the Pacific Ocean. Japanese officials said that destroyer escort JS Jintsu (DE-230), minesweeper JS Shishijima (MSC-691) along with JMSDF P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircrafts (MPA) of Fleet Air Wing 1 based at JMSDF Kanoya Air Base, Kyushu and Fleet Air Wing 4 based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Honshu, monitored the PLAN frigate.

On Saturday in Singapore, French amphibious assault ship FS Dixmude (L9015) and frigate FS La Fayette (F710), which form the Mission Jeanne D’Arc 2023 deployment arrived at Changi Naval Base for a port visit, having concluded the French-led multinational exercise La Perouse in the Indian Ocean on March 14.

INDOPACOM: China Has Not Responded to U.S. Attempts to Establish Communication

China has not responded to any of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s requests to establish direct communication channels between its commander and the commanders of China’s main military commands, Adm. John Aquilino said Thursday. Defense chiefs of partner nations approached Aquilino in August 2021 during the annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense conference, hosted by INDOPACOM, and asked […]

Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, listens to a brief during the USINDOPACOM Commander’s Summit in Hawaii on Dec. 13, 2022. U.S. Navy Photo

China has not responded to any of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s requests to establish direct communication channels between its commander and the commanders of China’s main military commands, Adm. John Aquilino said Thursday.

Defense chiefs of partner nations approached Aquilino in August 2021 during the annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense conference, hosted by INDOPACOM, and asked the U.S. to establish communication with China, Aquilino said Thursday during a event hosted by the International Institute of Strategic Studies.

“At that event, many of my partners came over and said, ‘hey, you really need to engage and develop an ability to communicate with a) all of us and b) with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) leadership,” Aquilino said.

He followed the advice of the other defense leaders and requested to speak with the PRC’s Eastern and South Theater commanders, Aquilino said.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and then-China’s Minister of National Defense Gen. Wei Fenghe agreed in November 2022 that operational commanders should keep lines of communication open. However, Aquilino has not received any response in a year and a half.

Aquilino continues to request communication with the Chinese government, he said. It concerns him that he doesn’t have the ability to talk to someone on the Chinese side should a reason to communicate arise.

The two countries are competing, he said, with China considered to be the pacing challenge.

“And by competing, clearly demonstrate the superiority of the rules-based international order to provide all nations the opportunity to reach their full potential,”Aquilino said.

There are countries that look to disrupt the current system in ways that benefit themselves but would come at the cost of others, he said, although he did not specify which countries. The countries often use coercion and justify their actions through the belief that power is more important, he argued.

Aquilino added that these countries also made illegal excessive territorial claims based solely on revisionist history and empowered their law enforcement authorities to harass nations operating legally within those nations’ own Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Some of these revisionist powers have proposed alternative security options, which may look benign on the surface, but the real purpose is to establish an alternative to the rules-based order in ways that benefit one nation at the expense of others.

During the question and answer session, the INDOPACOM commander said it’s too early to provide specific details on future U.S. nuclear attack submarine deployments under the AUKUS agreement and whether the AUKUS deployments would increase the number of U.S. nuclear attack submarines operating in the Indo-Pacific. He said the details are not fleshed out yet and the focus is moving the agreement as fast as possible and to deliver the capability Australia needs.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter sits aboard the flight deck of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) while the vessel transits the Indian Ocean, Sep. 12, 2022. U.S. Coast Guard Photo.

Aquilino said he welcomed greater involvement by the U.S. Coast Guard and European nations in the region. In many cases, the U.S. Coast Guard is the right force for missions in the region, particularly in law enforcement and in combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, he said.

Aquilino and his U.S. Coast Guard counterpart coordinate and operate together to achieve the objectives of the United States, “and it’s a really great team, I am looking for more Coast Guard, and as the Coast Guard balances across their global commitments, anything additional they can provide to the Pacific, we certainly have use for” Aquilino said.

On European nations, he said he invites U.S. partners to deploy to the Indo-Pacific, join exercises, operate with his command, and build relationships with partners in the Indo-Pacific. Aquilino thanked France for their past deployments to the region that involved a number of activities with the U.S. and regional partners.

In response to a question about a U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle rotationally deploying to Singapore, Aquilino said there’s a requirement for the deployment that’s been facilitated with short and close coordination with Singapore. He said it’s an example of the close partnership, the ability to coordinate quickly, understand each other’s operations and support each other when needed.

Meanwhile, the U.S Navy in a Thursday news release announced that the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle operated by Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19 finished its deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet deployment area of responsibility. The squadron will deploy again to the region this year.

“The MQ-4C began operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations (AOO) in 2020 to commence developing tactics, techniques, and procedures for unmanned aircraft operations. The two aircraft in the baseline configuration known as Integrated Functional Capability (IFC) 3 were forward deployed supporting Commander, Task Force 72 tasking. During this time, Triton conducted ISR operations using its multi-sensor mission payload,” the Navy news release reads.

The MQ-4C squadron was mainly based at Guam’s Andersen Air Force Base on Guam, it also operated from Misawa Air Base and Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan to test out “expeditionary basing,” according to the release.

“VUP-19 will return to 7th Fleet in 2023 to start the MQ-4C’s initial operational capability (IOC). The IOC period will utilize multiple Triton aircraft in the upgraded IFC-4 configuration to conduct enhanced MISR&T operations with an upgraded sensor suite,” the release reads.

Makin Island, America ARGs Wrap Up Exercises with Thai, Japanese Forces

The Makin Island and America amphibious ready groups wrapped up their participation in exercises in Thailand and Japan this week.  The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) – which includes amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD-8), amphibious transport docks USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26) and USS Anchorage (LPD-23), and the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary […]

A Republic of Korea Marine provides security as part of an amphibious assault during Exercise Cobra Gold 23 in Chonburi province, Kingdom of Thailand on March 3, 2023. U.S. Marine Corps Photo

The Makin Island and America amphibious ready groups wrapped up their participation in exercises in Thailand and Japan this week. 

The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) – which includes amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD-8), amphibious transport docks USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26) and USS Anchorage (LPD-23), and the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) – participated in multinational exercise Cobra Gold 23, which began Feb. 23 in Thailand and ended on Friday. Although 20 countries took part in the exercise, the bulk of the approximately 7,400 personnel came from host nation Thailand, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States.

In addition to the ARG and the embarked MEU, the U.S. Navy also dispatched a P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from the “Red Landers” of Patrol Squadron (VP), currently operating from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, for the exercise with Combat Aircrew (CAC) 3 and a maintenance support team deployed to U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Airfield, according to a service release.

The P-8 was assigned to provide support to the 13th MEU as part of an amphibious assault exercise, during which the P-8A used its MX-20 EO/IR system to collect aerial imagery of the coalition forces.

“The crew members of CAC-3 conducted mission-planning with representatives from RTN Squadron 102 which operates the Fokker F27-200 MAR and Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk. Mission planning enables flawless execution by both U.S. and Thai forces conducting non-combatant evacuation operations,” according to the U.S. Navy release. “Several members of the RTN were welcomed aboard the P-8A to observe first-hand the numerous capabilities of the aircraft and to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures with CAC-3 personnel.”

The U.S. Army sent elements from the 7th Infantry Division, 82nd Airborne Division and 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. The Air Force (USAF) deployed eight C-17s – three each from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and two from Joint Base Charleston, S.C. – under the 535th Airlift Squadron and the 204th Airlift Squadron to conduct a parachute drop of a combined 600 82nd Airborne Division and Royal Thai Army in Thailand Mar. 3, according to a U.S. Air Force news release.

The U.S. Air Force also deployed F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, to Korat Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Base for the exercise.

On Sunday, the America ARG – which includes amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6), amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD-20) and dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD-48) – wrapped up participation in U.S.-Japan bilateral exercise Iron Fist 23 in Okinawa, according to a U.S. Navy release.

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldier, with the 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, observes the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) during a simulated bilateral casualty pick up in the Philippine Sea, March 10, 2023. U.S. Marine Corps Photo

Iron Fist 23, which began Feb. 16, was a series of drills around Japan’s southwestern islands with an amphibious landing in Okinawa as the concluding event. The Navy, as well as the 31st MEU, participated with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, 1st Airborne Brigade and 1st Helicopter Brigade, as well as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Western Army Aviation Unit.

This is the first time that the exercise was held in Japan since it began in 2006. Previous iterations were held at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. .

Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa and 1st Marine Division, I MEF deployed to Korea to join their ROK counterparts to form the Combined Marine Component Command (CMCC) during Exercise Freedom Shield 23, according to a Monday U.S. Marine Corps release.

The Combined Marine Component Command will use a computer-based scenario to rehearse force-wide command and control. The goal of the exercise is increased collective defense capability, as well as a reduction in the time needed to respond to a crisis, according to the release.

The 11-day exercise will use live exercises and constructive simulation, according to a U.S. Forces Korea release.

Participating units will include personnel from the ROK Military, United States Forces Korea (USFK), United Nations Command (UNC) and subordinate component commands under CFC, along with augmentees, civilian personnel and representatives of the United Nations.

In addition to Freedom Shield 23, several combined field training exercises (FTX), collectively called Warrior Shield FTX, will also take place around the Korean Peninsula, according to the release.

“The purpose of the training for Warrior Shield FTX, is to further enhance the ROK and U.S. militaries’ cooperation through air, land, sea, space, cyber and special operations, and improve upon tactics, techniques and procedures,” according to the release.

The planned military exercises irked North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, with Pyongyang threatening “unprecedentedly persistent and strong counteractions.” North Korea also conducted ballistic missiles in the past month.

In the Indian Ocean

Meanwhile, in the Indian Oceam, La Perouse 2023 exercise took place on Monday and Tuesday. It involved ships and helicopters of the Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Indian Navy, JMSDF, the United Kingdom Royal Navy, and the U.S. Navy along with headquarters elements from the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy, according to a Wednesday JMSDF release.

French amphibious assault ship FS Dixmude (L9015) and frigate FS La Fayette (F710), which form the Mission Jeanne D’Arc 2023 deployment, led the exercise, which took place in the waters east of Sri Lanka.

In addition to Dixmude and La Fayatte, ships taking part in the exercise included:

  • Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Perth (FFH157)
  • Indian Navy frigate INS Sahyadri (F49) and replenishment ship INS Jyoti (A58)
  • JMSDF destroyer JS Suzutsuki (DD-117),
  • U.K. Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Tamar (P233)
  • U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship USS Charleston (LCS-18).

The ships participated in tactical exercises, such as anti-surface warfare exercise, air defense Exercise, tactical maneuvering and cross deck landings.

Prior to the exercise, Sahyadri conducted a maritime partnership exercise with Dixmude and La Fayatte on Friday and Saturday in the Arabian Sea. The ship also worked with Suzutsuki in the Arabian Sea on Saturday.

Suzutsuki is on its way home after completing its deployment in the Gulf of Aden as the 43rd Deployed Surface Force for Counter-Piracy Enforcement (DSPE), Japan’s ongoing rotational deployment for countering piracy in the region. JS Makinami (DD-112) took over the mission as the 44th Deployed Surface Force for Counter-Piracy Enforcement (DSPE).

Perth left Australia in January for an Indo-Pacific deployment. On Feb. 28, it was in the Sunda Strait to commemorate the 1942 sinking of its World War II namesake, cruiser HMAS Perth (D29), and cruiser USS Houston (CA-30) during the battle of Sunda Strait.

Charleston is one of two LCSs rotationally deployed in the Indo-Pacific region, the other being USS Oakland (LCS-24).

Tamar is one of two RN offshore patrol vessels deployed in the Indo-Pacific. The other is HMS Spey (P234), which left Thailand Sunday after concluding a visit.

In the South Pacific

Amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra (L02) arrived in Vanuatu Thursday after receiving a request from Vanuatu’s government. Canberra is part of the Australian Defense Force’s Operation Vanuatu Assist 2023, which is part of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-led government response to provide support to Vanuatu in the wake of Severe Tropical Cyclone Judy and Tropical Cyclone Kevin.

Canberra has 600 ADF personnel on board along with three Australian Army CH-47 helicopters to conduct various humanitarian aid and disaster relief taskings there along with distributing relief supplies in the country.

Anti-submarine warfare exercise Sea Dragon 23 began Wednesday between the U.S. Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Indian Navy, the JMSDF and the Republic of Korea Navy.

Sea Dragon 23, which is taking place in Guam, primarily centers on anti-submarine warfare training and culminates in over 270 hours of in-flight training ranging from tracking simulated targets to tracking a U.S. Navy submarine, according to a  U.S. Navy news release issued Wednesday.

The U.S. Navy sent two P-8A Poseidon MPAs from the “Red Lancers” of VP-10 “Red Lancers” and the “Pelicans” of VP-45, though it did not state what the other aircraft were.

A single JMSDF P-1 MPA will participate, according to a Wednesday JMSDF release.

The RCAF is likely deploying its CP-140 Aurora MPA, while the Indian Navy will likely send its P-8I MPA and the ROKN its P-3C Orion MPA.

China Ships Still Operating Near Pag-asa, Says Philippine Coast Guard

China reduced the number of ships off the disputed Spratly Islands archipelago Pag-asa, according to officials in the Philippines said this week. A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight showed fewer Chinese Maritime Militia ships around the island internationally known as Thitu island compared to the previous week, according to a Friday release. There […]

A China Coast Guard cutter off the coast of Pag-asa Island on March 3, 2023. Philippine Coast Guard Photo

China reduced the number of ships off the disputed Spratly Islands archipelago Pag-asa, according to officials in the Philippines said this week.

A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight showed fewer Chinese Maritime Militia ships around the island internationally known as Thitu island compared to the previous week, according to a Friday release. There is also a People’s Liberation Army Navy ship operating nearby – a Type 056 Jiangdao-class corvette.

“The PCG noted a decrease in the number of suspected CMM vessels observed over Pag-asa – from forty-two (42) last week to fifteen (15) on 09 March 2023,” according to the release, which added that the Jiangdao class corvette and China Coast Guard (CGC) ship 5203 continue to loiter within Pag-asa Island’s 12-nautical mile territorial sea since last week.

The PCG flight also observed CCG ship 5304 approximately six nautical miles from the grounded Philippine Navy landing ship tank BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), near Ayungin Shoal, also called Second Thomas Shoal internationally.

Former USS Harnett County (LST-821), which operated in the U.S Navy from World War II to the Vietnam War, before transferring to the Republic of South Vietnam Navy in 1970. It arrived in the Philippines in 1975 following the republic’s fall and subsequently was transferred to the Philippine Navy in 1976. Sierra Madre was deliberately grounded at the shoal in 1999 by the Philippines to stake its claim to the shoal and to serve as an outpost there that is manned by a garrison of a dozen Philippine Marines.

Chinese Maritime Militia vessels were down to 17 compared to 26 observed at Sabrine Shoal – also known as Escoda Schoal – two weeks ago, according to the release, which also stated that during the flight, the PCG flight received a total of seven radio challenges from the CCG vessels: four challenges while over Pag-asa Island’s territorial sea and three while over the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal. The release did not state which aircraft type conducted the MDA flight. The PCG operates two Britten-Norman BN-2 Islanders and a single Cessna 208 Caravan in its wing inventory. The flight also embarked a small number of Philippine and foreign media, Reuters reported.

China, along with Taiwan and Vietnam, does not recognize Philippine sovereignty over Manila’s holdings in the Spratlys as all three nations claim the archipelago in its entirety. China foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a Friday press conference that China has sovereignty over the Spratlys and its adjacent waters and thus it was reasonable and legal for it to carry out activities in waters under China’s jurisdiction, according to Reuters.

Australia, Japan and the United States conducted the Trilateral ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) Exchange at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Honshu, from Monday to Wednesday, according to releases from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF).

The exercise involved a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft, (MPA) a JMSDF EP-3 Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) aircraft, a JMSDF OP-3C reconnaissance aircraft, a JASDF RC-2 ELINT aircraft and a United States Air Force RC-135 electronic and signal intelligence aircraft. The exercise enabled the exchange of information, improved tactical capabilities and interoperability among participants, according to the release.

The JMSDF aircraft were part of JMSDF Fleet Air Wing 31 stationed at MCAS Iwakuni while the RAAF P-8A has been operating from Kadena airbase, Okinawa, since early February under Operation Argos, the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) commitment to the international effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea. The RAAF P-8A has been conducting surveillance and monitoring missions on ships suspected to be operating in breach of these sanctions with its deployment to end in early March.

On Thursday, the JMSDF issued a release stating that a JMSDF EP-3 ELINT aircraft from Fleet Air Wing 31 conducted Despatched Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare Training and a bilateral exercise with U.S Navy EP-3E ELINT aircraft and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington state, from Feb. 24 until Tuesday. The JMSDF routinely dispatches its ships, submarines and aircraft to conduct bilateral, specialized training in the United States with the most recent notable instance being in November last year when two JMSDF destroyers conducted Ballistic Missile Defence missile firings.

Chinese Warship, Cutter Violate Pag-asa Island Territorial Sea, Says Philippine Coast Guard

A Chinese warship, a China Coast Guard ship and 42 Maritime Militia ships operated within the 12-nautical mile territorial sea around Pag-Asa Island, internationally known as Thitu island, in the Spratly Island archipelago Saturday, according to a Philippine Coast Guard statement. The PCG released a low resolution of the People’s Liberation Army warship while the China Coast […]

A Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy off the coast of Pag-asa Island on March 3, 2023. Philippine Coast Guard Photo

A Chinese warship, a China Coast Guard ship and 42 Maritime Militia ships operated within the 12-nautical mile territorial sea around Pag-Asa Island, internationally known as Thitu island, in the Spratly Island archipelago Saturday, according to a Philippine Coast Guard statement.

The PCG released a low resolution of the People’s Liberation Army warship while the China Coast Guard ship was identified as CCG 5203. The Chinese ships operated 4.5 to 8 nautical miles from Pag-asa Island, which is administered by the Philippines.

The PLAN ship and CCG 5203 were observed to be slowly loitering within the surrounding waters of Pag-asa Island with a distance of 8 nautical miles and 4 nautical miles respectively. Fourteen suspected China Maritime Militia ships were anchored within the vicinity of Pag-asa Cay 3 – an estimated distance of 4 nautical miles west of Pag-asa Island – while the other 28 suspected maritime militia ships were monitored to be within the area of Pag-asa Cay 4.

“The observed location of the Chinese vessels fall squarely within Pag-asa Island’s 12 [nautical miles] territorial sea,” according to the PCG statement. “Their continuing unauthorized presence is clearly inconsistent with the right of innocent passage and a blatant violation of the Philippines’ territorial integrity.”

China’s Foreign Ministry has yet to comment on the statement so far. Last month, China’s Foreign Ministry denied that a China Coast Guard ship directed a military-grade laser light at PCG patrol vessel BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) on Feb. 6.

A China Coast Guard cutter off the coast of Pag-asa Island on March 3, 2023. Philippine Coast Guard Photo

Pag-Asa Island was originally held by Taiwan, but the garrison withdrew in 1971 to avoid a typhoon, and the island was then taken by the Philippines military in its absence.

In 2001, the Philippines placed a civilian population there with an estimated 300 to 400 residents currently living on the island. It serves as the administrative capital of the Municipality of Kalayaan, which is the district covering all Philippines holdings in the Spratly Islands though Pag-Asa is the only one with a civilian population. China, Taiwan and Vietnam do not recognise Philippine sovereignty over Pag-Asa with Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry stating in 2021 that all activities violating Vietnam’s legal and historic sovereignty over the Spratly Islands were illegal in response to Philippine plans to upgrade the facilities on the island. China, Taiwan and Vietnam all claim the entirety of the Islands, while the other claimants, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines claim the portions close to their territories.

Over in Thailand, Cobra Gold 23 field exercise since it formally began on Feb. 27. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which includes amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD-8) and amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD-23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26) along with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit MEU, are taking part in the exercise.

Anchorage conducted a casualty evacuation drill on Thurday, while Makin Island and John P..Murtha have been involved in amphibious drills along with Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) landing ship tank ROKS Il Chul Bong (LST-688) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) landing platform dock HTMS Angthong (LPD-791). U.S, Korean and Thai Marines conduct amphibious assault landing exercise that commenced on Thursday. Elements of the U.S Army’s 7th Infantry Division have been conducting live fire and field exercises with their Royal Thai Army (RTA) counterparts while personnel from the 82nd Airborne Division conducted a parachute drop and field exercise with the Thai Army on Friday at Thanarat Drop Zone in Thailand.

Exercise Iron Fist 23 is ongoing around the southwestern islands of Japan with the 31st MEU and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), along with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and U.S Navy, conducting an amphibious drill on Tokuno Island Friday.

On Wednesday, amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) and amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD-20) completed a bilateral mine counter-measure transit in the East China Sea with JMSDF minesweepers JS Hirashima (MSC -601) and JS Yakushima (MSC-602), and landing ship tank JS Osumi (LST-4001) as part of the exercise. On Thursday, America conducted joint flight operations with JGSDF CH-47 helicopters with the CH-47s landing, refuelling and flying off the ship.

The Navy and Marine participation in Cobra Gold 23 and Iron Fist 23 is overseen by Task Force 76/3, a temporary joint U.S. Navy and Marine Corps command formed from the merging the staffs of the Navy’s Task Force 76, 7th Fleet and 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The task force is carrying out an experimental period of operations in the Indo-Pacific region to determine the best way forward for an integrated Navy and Marines Corps command.

“Task Force 76/3 is currently conducting distributed operations; Exercise Cobra Gold in Thailand and Exercise Iron Fist in Japan. Both training exercises strengthen our relationships with our allies, and promote the sharing of ideas and procedures,” according to a Monday social media post from the task force.

Royal Australian Air Force Reactivating Squadron to Operate New MQ-4C Tritons

The Royal Australian Air Force will reactivate a squadron for the three MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles it will start operating in 2024, Australian Defense officials announced Friday. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and Chief of the RAAF Air Marshal Robert Chipman announced the reformation of the squadron in a joint […]

The Royal Australian Air Force’s first MQ-4C Triton. Northrop Grumman Photo

The Royal Australian Air Force will reactivate a squadron for the three MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles it will start operating in 2024, Australian Defense officials announced Friday.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and Chief of the RAAF Air Marshal Robert Chipman announced the reformation of the squadron in a joint press conference at the Avalon Airshow held in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. The squadron was deactivated in 1989. The new squadron will be based at RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia, though the MQ-4s will operate out of RAAF Tindal in the Northern Territory, Marles said.

“It can fly for up to 24 hours,  and it will be able to provide the persistent reconnaissance and surveillance of our northern maritime approaches, which is so important in terms of the defense of our nation,” said Marles, who added that the MQ-4 will also be able to conduct surveillance on illegal fishing not only in Australian waters, but also in the waters of its Pacific neighbors.

“So it’s a really exciting capability,” he added. “We’ve got three on order. The first comes into the possession of the Commonwealth next year.”

Marles declined to say whether Australia would purchase additional MQ-4s beyond the three currently under contract. A 2016 Australian Defense White Paper said Australia would acquire a total of seven. But former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in June 2018 announced Australia would buy six.

“But at this stage, we’ve got three that are on order, and that’s the extent of our acquisition” Marles said.

So far, Australia is the only other operator of the MQ-4 besides the U.S Navy.

RAAF No. 9 Squadron was formed in 1939, operating amphibian aircraft deployed on Royal Australian Navy (RAN) cruisers, before getting disbanded in 1944. It was then reestablished in 1962 as a search and rescue squadron initially but transitioned to providing airlift for the Australian Army. It operated UH-1 Iroquois helicopters and took part in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1971. The squadron was reequipped with S-70A Blackhawk helicopters in 1988 before getting disbanded again in 1989, shortly after the Australian government decided in 1986 the RAAF would transfer its battlefield helicopter capability to the Australian Army.

The RAAF currently has two units providing maritime Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance – No. 10 Squadron operating the AP-3C Orion and No. 11 Squadron operating the P-8A Poseidon.

Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758) salute the national ensign after arriving at Royal Australian Navy HMAS Stirling Naval Base, Feb. 27. Australian Department of Defense Photo

In Australia on Monday, submarine USS Asheville (SSN-758) arrived at HMAS Stirling naval base, Garden Island, Western Australia. Asheville was in Australia for drills with RAN submarine forces during its planned patrol in the Indo-Pacific, according to a Thursday news release from the U.S Embassy in Canberra.

On Friday, Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced that submarine RFS Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (B-274), which is part of the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet, carried out the successful submerged firing of a 3M-54 Kalibr cruise missile in the Sea of Japan. The missile successfully hit its designated coastal target, which was over 1000 kilometers away at the Surkum missile range in the Khabarovsk region, the Russian MoD said. Russian Pacific Fleet ships, naval aircraft and unmanned aerial systems established a cordon around the submarine’s firing area for safety, according to the Ministry.

Meanwhile, on Thursday a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) destroyer and frigate were sighted at 4 a.m. local time sailing southeast in an area 100 kilometers west of Kume Island, which lies east of Okinawa, according to a news release issued by the Joint Staff Office (JSO) of Japan’s Ministry of Defense.

Hull numbers and images provided identify the ships as destroyer CNS Ningbo (139) and frigate CNS Xiangtan (531). The two PLAN ships subsequently sailed southeast through the Miyako Strait to enter the Pacific Ocean, according to the JSO, which added that Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Akebono (DD-108) and a JMSDF P-3C Orion of Fleet Air Wing 5 stationed at Naha Air Base, Okinawa, monitored the PLAN ships.

America ARG, Makin Island ARG Will Join Cobra Gold 2023

The Navy’s two Amphibious Ready Groups (ARG) deployed in the Indo-Pacific – the Makin Island ARG and the America ARG – will participate in major exercises in Thailand and Japan on Monday with the multinational Cobra Gold 2023 exercise in Thailand and the bilateral Iron Fist 23 exercise in Japan. Amphibious assault ship USS Makin […]

An MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron (VMM) 362 (Rein.), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), lands on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD-8) in the Gulf of Thailand, Feb. 22, 2023. US Navy Photo

The Navy’s two Amphibious Ready Groups (ARG) deployed in the Indo-Pacific – the Makin Island ARG and the America ARG – will participate in major exercises in Thailand and Japan on Monday with the multinational Cobra Gold 2023 exercise in Thailand and the bilateral Iron Fist 23 exercise in Japan.
Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD-8) with embarked elements of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is currently already operating in the Gulf of Thailand ahead of the exercise, which takes place officially from Monday until March 10, in the Thai provinces of Lop Buri, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo and Rayong. The activities related to the civic action programs and Humanitarian And Disaster Relief (HADR) portion of the exercise has already begun.

There are about 7,394 personnel from 30 countries participating, with the U.S. contributing 3, 800 personnel and host Thailand fielding 3,000 personnel.

The actual number of U.S. personnel could reach up to 6,000 if personnel on U.S. ships take part in the exercise, Col. Kurt Leffler, senior defense official and Defense Attaché to the Kingdom of Thailand and the chief of Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) – Thailand, said during a Feb. 14 pre-exercise press conference in Thailand, according to the Bangkok Post.

The bulk of U.S ground forces in Cobra Gold are drawn from the Army’s 7th Infantry Division and 25th Combat Aviation Brigade though the 13th MEU will carry out the amphibious assault phase of Cobra Gold. The Makin Island ARG consists of Makin Island along with amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD-23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26), though it is not clear whether these two ships and their embarked 13th MEU complement will join Cobra Gold.

Thailand will be deploying naval vessels for the exercise, but it has not stated which ships will participate.

The Republic of Korea announced that landing ship tank ROKS Ilchulbong (688) is taking part in Cobra Gold with 420 navy and marine corps personnel and an embarked vehicle complement of six Korean Assault Amphibious Vehicles (a ROK produced variant of the AAV-7A1), two K808 wheeled armored vehicles, two K55A1 self-propelled howitzers and one K77 fire command armored vehicle.

Soldiers attached to the 833rd Transportation Battalion stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., prepare to fill the Cape Henry vessel at the Port of Tacoma for its voyage to Thailand as a part of the Pacific Pathways 23-1 multinational mission, Jan.19, 2023. Army Photo

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year’s Cobra Gold only featured around 3,500 personnel with the U.S contributing 1,300 troops. This year, Thailand, the US, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, and Malaysia will be participating in the main combat planning and field exercises along with the Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, while China, India and Australia will only be doing the HADR exercise. China’s PLA Daily reported that the country sent 25 personnel to the exercise. Ten countries – Cambodia, Laos, Brazil, Pakistan, Vietnam, Germany, Sweden, Greece, Kuwait and Sri Lanka – will join as observers.

The America ARG will conduct exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) starting Monday, according to a Thursday JMSDF release.

Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6), amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD-20) and dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD-48) will work with Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) landing ship tank LST JS Osumi (LST-4001) and minesweepers JS Hirashima (MSC-601) and JS Yakushima (MSC-602). The cooperative drills will take place in Hiroshima Bay and from West of Kyushu to around Okinawa until March 12.

Though not stated in the release, the drills are part of the ongoing Iron Fist 23 exercise between the Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), which also ends on March 12. This is the first time the exercise serial has been held in Japan since it began in 2006.

JGSDF forces taking part in the exercise will be the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB), 1st Airborne Brigade, and 1st Helicopter Brigade, along with the Western Army Aviation Unit while the Marine Corps is represented by the 31st MEU.

Carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) arrived in Guam Sunday for a port visit, according to a social media post by Naval Base Guam prior to the carrier’s arrival. Nimitz together with destroyers USS Decatur (DDG-73) and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) conducted tactical drills on Feb. 22 with JMSDF destroyers JS Asagiri (DD-151) and JS Shimakaze (DD-172) in the waters around the island, according to a Friday JMSDF release.

U.S., Japan, South Korea Hold Ballistic Missile Defense Drills after North Korean Launches

The U.S., Japan and South Korea carried out a trilateral Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) drill in the Sea of Japan Wednesday in response to North Korean missile launches Saturday and Monday. U.S. Navy destroyer USS Barry (DDG-52), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Atago (DDG-177), and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) destroyer ROKS Sejong […]

JS ATAGO conducted an information sharing EX on BMD with U.S. and ROK naval vessels in the Sea of Japan. JSDF Photo

The U.S., Japan and South Korea carried out a trilateral Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) drill in the Sea of Japan Wednesday in response to North Korean missile launches Saturday and Monday.

U.S. Navy destroyer USS Barry (DDG-52), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Atago (DDG-177), and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) destroyer ROKS Sejong the Great (DDG-991) participated in the exercise. Barry departed Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka on Feb. 17, as part of a scheduled homeport shift to Everett, Washington, following six years of service forward-deployed to U.S. 7th Fleet.

“This exercise enhances the interoperability of our collective forces and demonstrates the strength of the trilateral relationship with our Japan and Republic of Korea allies. This trilateral cooperation is reflective of our shared values and resolve against those who challenge regional stability. We remain committed to peace and prosperity in the region to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific,” reads a U.S. Indo Pacific Command release.

Japan and the Republic of Korea also put out their own statements supporting the trilateral exercise.

In its own message, Japan’s Joint Staff Office (JSO) of the Ministry of Defense stated that, “this exercise demonstrates the commitment of Japan, the U.S., and the ROK for further trilateral cooperation to respond to regional security challenges amid an increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan, including North Korea’s ICBM-class Ballistic Missile launch that landed within Japanese Exclusive Economic Zone in the Sea of Japan, protecting shared security and prosperity, and bolstering the rules-based international order.“

The three countries had carried out a similar BMD drill in response to North Korean missile launches in October last year with five ships involved in the drill.

On Saturday, North Korea launched a single Hwasong-15 ICBM from Pyongyang’s Sunan area after warning on Friday that the U.S. and ROK would face “unprecedentedly persistent and strong counteractions” if the two countries went ahead with planned military exercises. The missile flew for 66 minutes before landing within Japan’s exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan, in an area 125 miles west of the island of Oshima Oshima, which lies 30 miles west of the main island of Hokkaido.

On Monday, North Korea followed up by launching two missiles from a 600 mm multiple launch rocket system. Both missiles fell in the Sea of Japan off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula with the first missile traveling for 250 miles while the second traveled for 218 miles, according to Japan’s Ministry of Defense.

Two People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) destroyers were sighted 2 a.m. Saturday, sailing southeast in an area six miles west of Kume island, which is a part of the Okinawa Islands, according to a Monday JSO release.

Images and hull numbers identified the destroyers as CNS Suzhou (132) and CNS Hangzhou (136). Both ships subsequently sailed southeast through the Miyako Strait into the Pacific Ocean, according to the release. Replenishment ship JS Mashu (AOE-425) along with a JMSDF P-3 of Fleet Air Wing 5 based at Naha Air Base, Okinawa, shadowed the PLAN destroyers.

The Miyako Strait between Okinawa and Miyako Island is a regular deployment transit route used by the PLAN when traveling between the East China Sea into the Pacific and returning back into the East China Sea.

(ltor) Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Atago (DDG-177) U.S. Navy destroyer USS Barry (DDG-52),, and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) destroyer ROKS Sejong the Great (DDG991)

U.S. 7th Fleet commander Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, commander in chief of the self defense fleet, Vice Admiral Akira Saito and Commander of the Korean Naval Operations Command Vice Admiral Kim Myung-Soo, participated in Flag Talks among the U.S., Japanese, and Korean fleet commanders aboard the command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) on Wednesday.

The three commanders condemned North Korea’s unprecedented frequency of ballistic missile launches as a serious threat to regional peace and security, and agreed to further strengthen trilateral response by the U.S., Japanese and ROK naval forces.

“The Self-Defense Fleet maintains readiness, defends Japan in supporting of deterrence and the strong Japan-U.S. Alliance, and contributes to stability in the Indo-Pacific region with allied and like-minded navies,” reads the Japanese release.

Earlier on Sunday, two U.S Air Force (USAF) B-1B Lancer bombers from the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron on the Bomber Task Force deployment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, carried out separate deterrence flights with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) following Saturday’s launch of a single intercontinental ballistic missile by North Korea.

F-35As and F-15Ks fighters of the ROKAF along with USAF F-16s flew with the B-1Bs through the Korea Air Defence Identification Zone (KAIDZ) while the JSO release stated that three F-15s of the JASDF 2nd Air Wing together with four Air Force F-16s conducted tactical exercises with the two B-1Bs over the Sea of Japan.

The exercise was carried out “amid an increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan” following North Korea’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launch that landed within Japan’s EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Sea of Japan, according to the release. “This bilateral exercise reaffirms the strong will between Japan and the United States to respond to any situation, the readiness of JSDF and U.S. Armed Forces, and further strengthens the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.”