Japan and the United States conducted joint air exercises over the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, signaling a continued collaboration between the two allied forces. The operation, reported by TASS and drawing on the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, involved over 50 aviation assets from both nations, including four F-35A fighters deployed by the United States. The drills focused on tactical formations, interdiction scenarios, and the enhancement of interoperability between the two air forces, reflecting a sustained emphasis on alliance readiness and regional security dynamics.
Separately, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan’s strike group advanced into the South China Sea earlier in the week. The carrier group comprises multiple ships, notably the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76), underscoring the scale and reach of U.S. naval operations in the region. Navy announcements
In northern waters, the Russian Northern Fleet announced the initiation of anti-submarine exercises in the Barents Sea. The fleet’s command indicated a staged program designed to practice joint maneuvering, sensor coordination, and damage-control procedures while ships maneuver under way. This activity, separate from the American-led drills, highlights ongoing high-readiness training across major maritime powers and the importance of maritime domain awareness in Arctic and northern European theaters. Fleet press release