{"id":36533,"date":"2026-07-02T08:46:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T05:46:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=36533"},"modified":"2026-07-02T11:42:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T08:42:51","slug":"us-and-its-allies-conclude-valiant-shield-2026-exercise-with-multi-domain-military-operations-across-indo-pacific","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/us-and-its-allies-conclude-valiant-shield-2026-exercise-with-multi-domain-military-operations-across-indo-pacific\/","title":{"rendered":"US and its allies conclude Valiant Shield 2026 exercise with multi-domain military operations across Indo-Pacific"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

6 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The United States and its allies concluded Valiant Shield 2026 on July 1 after 10 days of intensive multinational military training across the Indo-Pacific, showcasing advanced joint operations spanning land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biennial exercise, now in its 11th edition and marking its 20th anniversary, took place across the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Japan, and the surrounding waters of the Mariana Islands Range Complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exercise brought together all branches of the U.S. military alongside the naval and aerial forces of Japan, Canada, France, the Philippines, and partner forces to strengthen interoperability and prepare for a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance to high-end combat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military officials said the exercise focused on improving the ability of participating forces to detect, locate, track, and engage threats across multiple domains while operating together in realistic, contested environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Aerial and Maritime Readiness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The centerpiece of this year’s exercise was a live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) held on June 27 in the Philippine Sea, where U.S. and allied forces destroyed the decommissioned USS Juneau (LPD-10) in a coordinated multi-domain attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The former Austin-class amphibious transport dock, which served during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm before being decommissioned in 2008, was positioned more than 200 nautical miles off the coast of Guam as the target vessel.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Valiant<\/a>
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine fires a torpedo at the decommissioned USS Juneau in support of a live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) as part of Valiant Shield 2026 while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 27, 2026. (Image Credit: U.S. Navy\/Seaman Anthony Vilardi)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The operation combined air, surface, and subsurface assets, allowing crews to practice realistic weapons employment and target engagement under combat-like conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the most notable aspects of the exercise was the launch of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) from a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The missile is designed to detect and destroy enemy warships at long ranges and is considered a key capability for future maritime operations in the Indo-Pacific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, commander of Carrier Strike Group 5 and Task Force 70, said the exercise strengthened cooperation among participating forces. “This [exercise] provided an outstanding opportunity for our joint team to integrate capabilities across domains, honing the lethal precision and coordination essential for high-end maritime operations in the Pacific theater.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air Force Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, commander of Pacific Air Forces, said the successful B-2 mission demonstrated the military’s growing flexibility. “The B-2’s impressive performance underscores the U.S. military’s commitment to adaptability and flexibility in the face of emerging security challenges.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added, “By prioritizing counter-maritime strike operations, we can maintain a decisive edge over adversaries, protect our national interests, and ensure the free and open Pacific that underpins our global security.”
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Fighter aircraft fly above USS George Washington and JMSDF ships underway in the Philippine Sea during Valiant Shield 2026. This demonstration of multi-domain capabilities proves supreme readiness to deter aggression and ensure regional stability.#ValiantShield<\/a> | #US7thFleet<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/qoCukExhiZ<\/a><\/p>\u2014 7th Fleet (@US7thFleet) June 23, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>