US and Allies Launch Thrilling Pacific Dragon 2024 Naval Exercise

The U.S. 3rd Fleet recently hosted Pacific Dragon, a biennial exercise enhancing multinational cooperation in ballistic missile defense. This edition marked a significant innovation with the introduction of the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Target (IAMD-T). The IAMD-T is a semi-guided system designed to engage terminal ship defense combat systems like Standard Missile (SM)-2 and SM-6.

Participating units included various international forces: HMAS Sydney and E-7A from the Royal Australian Navy, ITS Montecuccoli from the Italian Navy, JS Haguro from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, ROKS Yulgok Yi I from the Republic of Korea Navy, and HNLMS Tromp from the Royal Netherlands Navy. The U.S. also deployed the USS Carl M. Levin, USS Kidd, USS Shiloh, a P-8A, and an MQ-9 from the California Air National Guard’s 163rd Attack Wing.

“Exercises like Pacific Dragon enhance system interoperability and refine tactical procedures with our allies,” stated Vice Adm. John Wade, commander of the U.S. Third Fleet. He emphasized that combined operations and Integrated Air and Missile Defense improve proficiency and support maritime security.

The U.S. Third Fleet, an integral unit of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, ensures that naval forces in the Indo-Pacific are well-prepared for a range of military operations, from combat missions to humanitarian assistance. The fleet collaborates with allies to enforce freedom of navigation, rule of law, and other security principles essential for a free and open Indo-Pacific.