U.S., U.K., Japan Lead Large-Scale Naval Exercise in North Philippine Sea

This weekend, a major joint naval exercise took place in the North Philippine Sea, spearheaded by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. This event showcased an impressive array of ships, submarines, and aircraft from six allied nations, marking one of the largest displays of military strength in the region this year.

The ongoing drill, set to conclude on August 12, showcases the U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington, the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s JS Kaga operating in close formation. The amphibious assault ship USS America has joined the formation, accompanied by over a dozen other vessels from Norway, Spain, and Australia.

“Allies and partners sailing as one,” the U.K.’s Carrier Strike Group shared on X, featuring an image of the ships accompanied by numerous fighter jets in the sky.

A nine-day exercise is underway, emphasizing cross-deck flight operations, anti-submarine warfare, and joint maneuvering. Fighter jets from Carrier Air Wing 5 took off from the George Washington, while British and U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs made history by landing on the JS Kaga for the first time. The Kaga, intended initially as a helicopter carrier, is currently being modified to accommodate fixed-wing aircraft operations.

The HMS Prince of Wales is actively involved in Operation Highmast, which represents the Royal Navy’s worldwide deployment efforts. The George Washington and Carrier Strike Group 5 are currently engaged in a summer rotation in the Indo-Pacific, following their recent participation in Australia’s Talisman Sabre drills.

The exercise features U.S. Navy assets, including the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Robert Smalls and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Shoup. Aircraft from various nations soared through the skies, featuring American F-35Cs and Marine Corps F-35Bs, along with Japanese and British fighter jets.

Earlier this year, the JS Kaga and USS Carl Vinson carried out a comparable operation alongside French naval forces. The U.S. Navy has characterized these partnerships as essential for ensuring a region in the Indo-Pacific that is open, inclusive, and free from coercive tactics.

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