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Exercise VALIANT SHIELD 2026 ended after ten days of combined-force mission simulations across the Indo-Pacific, with 5th Air Force directing operations from Yokota Air Base and establishing a bilateral air operations coordination center with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The two forces teamed on events that included a KC-46 refueling mission, a mass-casualty aeromedical evacuation and rapid airfield damage recovery.
Senior leaders from both 5th Air Force and the JASDF visited multiple sites during the exercise. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Joel Carey, 5th Air Force commander, and JASDF Lt. Gen. Hidemasa Inatsuki, Air Defense Command commander, joined participants on a flight to Fukuoka Airport to observe a training scenario focused on chemical, biological, environmental and nuclear hazards at Matsushima Air Base. Additional engagements and expert exchanges took place across Japan.
“Integrating with our JASDF counterparts goes beyond learning how to communicate through language barriers,” said U.S. Air Force Col. David McAlroy, 5AF Battle Staff Director. “Experiencing how each of our teams reaches similar objectives and learning to integrate in a way that complements each other’s capabilities. This is the real strategic advantage that allows us to better respond in dynamic environments and deter aggression against the U.S. and our allies.”
Bilateral efforts also emphasized sustainment and survival. Joint aeromedical evacuation and blood transport training were conducted side by side to bolster resilience and operational sustainability. Shared fuel initiatives and bilateral air refueling agreements kept aircraft airborne longer and extended the alliance’s operational reach.
Agile Combat Employment initiatives focused on hardening infrastructure and logistics to enable joint and allied aircraft to launch, recover and be maintained rapidly from dispersed locations. Participants also practiced supporting U.S. Marine Corps missions via a C-130J flight from Yokota to Kadena Air Base, building joint and combined force skills.
VS26 is a biennial event. This 11th iteration highlighted ready, postured forces as central to regional security and emphasized strengthening mutual trust and advancing all-domain capabilities to support peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
