Members of the U.S. Air Force’s 374th Airlift Wing carried out a comprehensive joint forcible entry operation with personnel from the U.S. Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) as part of Exercise North Wind 26.
Conducted between January 22 and February 2, Exercise North Wind 26 involved the deployment of four C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the 36th Airlift Squadron. These aircraft airdropped 106 U.S. Army paratroopers from the 2nd Brigade of the 11th Airborne Division into the designated exercise area. The operation was executed in an integrated manner with jumpmasters from the JGSDF’s 1st Airborne Brigade.
Airfield Seizure and Air-Ground Mission
Mission commander U.S. Air Force Captain Joshua Osgard stated that the operation was a small-scale joint forcible entry mission aimed at seizing an airfield. The mission, which began in the designated drop zone, evolved into an air-ground operation targeting Chitose Air Base in order to prevent the advance of simulated enemy forces.
Planning and Coordination Process
The preparation phase of the operation took more than two weeks to align aircraft, personnel, equipment, and timelines. Prior to the mission, paratroopers assembled in facilities of the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron to complete equipment preparation and briefings. After ground forces landed in the field, the C-130Js conducted an airfield seizure simulation at Chitose Air Base to block enemy movement and enable ongoing joint operations.
Key Highlights of North Wind 26
North Wind 26 is a training exercise designed to strengthen the operational capabilities of U.S. and Japanese forces under Arctic field conditions and to enhance interoperability. The exercise also included the Canadian Armed Forces, aiming to promote cooperation with allied and like-minded nations. Throughout the operation, full coordination was maintained among the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division, the C-130J-flying 36th Airlift Squadron, Chitose Air Base, and JGSDF observers.
Emphasis on Regional Defense
In a statement by the JGSDF, it was noted that the exercise enhanced operational capabilities in snowy and cold weather conditions. It was emphasized that close cooperation with allies and partners would continue in order to build a defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region. Captain Osgard added that this partnership enables the conduct of complex operations in strategically important regions and challenging environments.
Source: C4Defence / USAF
