Japan and the United States have reaffirmed their shared commitment to counter regional threats through a combination of high-level security discussions and joint military exercises. This cooperative approach underscores the strength of the alliance and its focus on maintaining Indo-Pacific stability.
In February 2026, defense leaders from both nations convened in Washington, D.C., for the latest round of the Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD). The discussions provided an important platform to address strategic deterrence concerns, specifically focusing on the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific. Key topics included the alliance’s defense posture, nuclear and missile defense policies, arms control measures, and approaches to risk reduction. As part of the EDD, the delegations also participated in a tabletop exercise designed to further enhance cooperation and understanding.
Concurrently but separate from the dialogue, the two nations held aviation drills over the East China Sea, deploying strategic assets to demonstrate operational readiness and reinforce deterrence.
The EDD brought together officials from Japan’s Joint Staff and the U.S. Joint Staff, U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Indo Pacific Command. During talks, the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to Japan’s defense, using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities in response to “aggression in the region,” including nuclear weapons, according to a U.S. State Department news release.
“The two delegations discussed China’s rapid, opaque, and destabilizing nuclear weapons buildup and testing, as well as Russia’s historical noncompliance with arms control,” the U.S. State Department said in the news release. “The United States reiterated the need for multilateral strategic stability and arms control talks. Japan welcomed the U.S. intention to achieve a better agreement and emphasized the importance of involving Russia and China.” Leaders also called for the complete denuclearization of North Korea.
Established in 2010, the EDD provides a venue to discuss ways to sustain and strengthen the extended deterrence at the core of the Japan-U.S. relationship. At the 2026 talks, the delegations concurred that U.S. nuclear posture and policy, as well as increasing Japan’s investments in its conventional defense capabilities, play a significant role in deterring and, if necessary, responding to aggression in the region.
Tokyo has taken historic steps to enhance its security: In December 2025, the Japanese Cabinet approved the nation’s largest-ever defense budget, at $58 billion, part of the nation’s five-year plan to double defense spending. The country has invested in standoff missiles, radar systems, drone technology and cybersecurity measures. The Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) also has increased combined exercises with the U.S. and others.
During the two-day combined aviation drill, the Japan Air Self Defense Force and U.S. Air Force conducted maneuvers featuring four U.S. B 52 strategic bombers alongside Japanese fighter jets: three F 3s, three F 2s and five F 15s. Exercises took place over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea. Japan’s Maritime Self Defense Force also joined, deploying its destroyer JS Harusame as well as OP 3C, EP 3 and UP 3D reconnaissance and signals-intelligence aircraft in an Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare exercise. U.S. Navy assets included EA 18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, E 2D Hawkeye early warning planes and F/A 18E Super Hornets.
“This bilateral exercise reaffirms the strong will between Japan and the U.S. not to tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo by force,” the JSDF said in a news release. “It also highlighted the readiness and adaptability of the alliance in maintaining a ‘Free and Open Indo Pacific.’”