Clark calls for sweeping Indo-Pacific transformation to secure peace through strength

HONOLULU — U.S. Army Gen. Ronald P. Clark, commanding general of United States Army Pacific, used a keynote address at the 2026 Land Forces Pacific Symposium and Exposition to stress that Indo-Pacific security hinges on readiness, innovation, and trusted partnerships able to adapt at the speed of modern conflict.

Introduced by retired U.S. Army Gen. Robert Brown, president and CEO of the Association of the United States Army, Clark was recognized for advancing theater readiness and campaigning forward across the region.

Clark described the Indo-Pacific as “one of the most consequential regions on Earth,” adding, “The Indo-Pacific is home to more than half the world’s population, over 3,000 languages, and nearly half of the global economy,” and, “Security in this region depends on strong bilateral partnerships, trust, and our ability to operate together.”

He said U.S. Army Pacific is focused on strengthening deterrence through persistent presence, multinational exercises, and operational integration with allies and partners across the theater. “Every day we campaign to strengthen readiness, deepen partnerships, and deter aggression,” Clark said.

Highlighting more than 100,000 U.S. Soldiers operating alongside five treaty allies throughout the region, he underscored the importance of interoperability and coalition readiness in an increasingly contested environment. “Our greatest strength is our people. Our enduring advantage is our partnerships. Together, we prevail,” he said.

Clark emphasized that transformation across the force can no longer occur at a peacetime pace, citing the rapid evolution of warfare and emerging technologies. “We are in the midst of a transformation that transcends all others, one that will be measured in months or days, not decades or years,” Clark said, quoting the Secretary of the Army.

He pointed to exercises such as Ivy Mass and the Pacific Land Forces Team Readiness Challenge as examples of how multinational training builds trust, cohesion, and combat readiness. He also highlighted the integration of artificial intelligence and unmanned systems into training and operations, including the Kestrel and Skydio X2, noting that at innovation sites like Schofield Barracks, Soldiers are experimenting with next-generation capabilities designed to extend operational reach and accelerate battlefield decision-making. “In today’s fight, we should never send a soldier when we can send an unmanned system first,” Clark said.

He added that AI-enabled systems are already helping commanders increase operational tempo and decision advantage. “By integrating these advanced AI capabilities, we’re not only increasing our own operational tempo but ensuring that our forces remain agile, responsive, and always ready to prevail in any environment,” Clark said.

Despite rapid advances in technology, Clark said the human dimension of warfare remains unchanged. “Despite our advances in technology and the changing character of war, we all know that the nature of war has not changed,” Clark said. “Combat is close, personal, and brutal.”

Closing his remarks, Clark underscored the stakes facing the region and the Army’s commitment to maintaining peace through strength. “Ultimately, our mission is to prevail,” Clark said. “The cost of failure is simply too high.”

LANPAC 2026 brought together military leaders, government officials, and defense industry representatives from across the Indo-Pacific region to discuss land power cooperation, security challenges, and future operational concepts.