U.S., Japan Conduct Bilateral Aerial Exercise

U.S. Forces and the Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted a bilateral air exercise over the Sea of Japan on Dec. 19, 2023, demonstrating the enduring deterrence options readily available to the U.S.-Japan Alliance amid an increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan.

Four F-16 fighter aircraft with the U.S. Air Force integrated with four Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 fighter aircraft, exemplifying our alliance's ability to quickly and decisively respond to threats against Japan and the region and further highlights the unshakable readiness of our forces. The U.S. remains committed to peace and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific alongside our Japanese and multilateral allies, together acting as the cornerstone of regional peace and security and presenting an ironclad defense of Japan.