Japan and the United States launched the large-scale naval exercise ANNUALEX 2025 in the Philippine Sea on October 20, 2025, conducting extensive air and maritime operations. The joint drills highlight Japan’s growing assertiveness in its defense policy and the allies’ efforts to enhance readiness for potential regional crises.
Led by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) with participation from U.S. 7th Fleet assets, the exercise also involves forces from Australia, Canada, France, and New Zealand, underscoring the broad coalition’s commitment to regional security. The training focuses on strengthening allied air-sea integration, maritime logistics, and sustained operational endurance at sea.
Key participating assets include F-35B Lightning II fighters, Arleigh Burke– and Ticonderoga-class warships, P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and Japan’s helicopter destroyer JS Kaga (DDH 184). The Kaga’s role symbolizes Japan’s ongoing modernization drive emphasizing sea control, anti-submarine warfare, and integrated maritime aviation.
U.S. units such as USS Shoup (DDG 86) and USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) contribute layered air and missile defense through the Aegis Combat System, while U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs enhance the force’s situational awareness through advanced data networking.
Conducted in the Philippine Sea, ANNUALEX 2025 reflects Japan’s move beyond its postwar defensive posture toward a more proactive regional deterrence strategy. The exercise strengthens interoperability in communications, air and undersea warfare, and demonstrates the allies’ ability to maintain a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” through persistent maritime presence and joint operational readiness.
