This marks the first Japan Ground Self-Defense Force-hosted multinational airborne exercise conducted on Japanese soil.

The operation built upon the momentum of New Year Jump Indo-Pacific 2026, which included participation from 14 nations and served as the tactical phase of a broader training series designed to enhance airborne operational capability, interoperability among allied forces and as a ceremonial public demonstration. The emphasis at Ojojihara focused on combat readiness and operational execution. 

Operating from Yokota Air Base, four U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron delivered approximately 130 paratroopers from the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division to the drop zone in Miyagi Prefecture. The airborne insertion conducted in coordination with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, employed a Kawasaki C-2 assigned to the 2nd Tactical Airlift Group and two C-130H Hercules aircraft assigned to the 401st Tactical Airlift Squadron to transporting paratroopers from the JGSDF 1st Airborne Brigade. 

The combined force conducted an airborne insertion and transitioned immediately to ground maneuver - executing reconnaissance and consolidation actions to validate command-and-control procedures and combined maneuver capabilities. 

The operation required coordination among multiple airlift platforms operating in the same airspace. U.S. Air Force aircrews synchronized rendezvous points, altitudes and airspeeds with JASDF C-2 and C-130H aircraft to operating as a single formation prior to the drop. Aircraft spacing and timing are established based on ground force requirements, with all aircraft slowing to a common drop airspeed before paratrooper exit. 

“Flying with multiple airlift platforms requires precise coordination from start to finish,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Stephen Larson, 374th Airlift Wing, C-130J pilot. “Once we establish visual contact, we bring the formation together at the same altitude and airspeed and set spacing based on what the ground force needs for a safe and effective drop.” 

Despite the low cloud ceilings and reduced visibility, aircrews executed a precise airdrop. The C-130J’s automated systems assisted crews generating accurate airdrop run-in profiles, allowing pilots to focus on formation coordination, drop zone communication and air traffic control. The coordinated airlift enabled ground forces to execute the operation as planned. 

“The transition from the New Year Jump at Narashino to a full-scale tactical drop at Ojojihara is where training translates into operational capability,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kael Jordan, 11th Airborne Division, platoon sergeant. “The rehearsals and coordination we conducted beforehand allowed us to execute safely and effectively alongside our Japanese partners.” 

Prior to the Ojojihara operation, participating forces conducted preparatory training at Narashino Training Area, focusing on procedural alignment, joint briefings and coordination drills. 

The exercise brought together airborne forces from the United States and Japan to strengthen interoperability and reinforce combined airborne capabilities. The training was part of a series of linked exercises designed to enhance regional readiness and cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.