Paratroopers from the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division carried out a mass drop in Hokkaido, Japan, as part of the bilateral winter exercise North Wind 26, conducted in partnership with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in late January 2026.
The operation took place in Hokudai-en and involved soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, supported by U.S. Air Force transport aircraft.
The tactical jump was executed under extreme cold conditions and followed by ground maneuvers simulating combat operations in austere terrain. Immediately after landing, troops conducted movement drills, defensive actions, and direct-fire simulations, testing rapid insertion capability, unit coordination, and command and control in a harsh winter environment.
Held from January 20 to February 3, North Wind 26 aims to enhance interoperability between the forces of both countries in cold and mountainous regions. The annual training in Hokkaido replicates conditions similar to those that could be encountered in potential operational scenarios in Northeast Asia, with a focus on joint action immediately following airborne insertion.
The participation of the 11th Airborne Division reflects the U.S. Army’s strategy to strengthen cold-weather and expeditionary operations capabilities, particularly in areas where the use of mechanized assets is limited. The exercise also served to test airlift coordination, ground reception, and logistical sustainment under severe conditions, demonstrating the readiness of the forces to act rapidly in support of the alliance commitments between the United States and Japan.
U.S. Army paratroopers trained with @Japan_GSDF partners to sharpen cold-weather readiness and interoperability.
📸 Courtesy#AlliesAndPartners #Airborne #Readiness #IndoPacific #NorthWind26 pic.twitter.com/SvvxKhF4KG
— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) January 28, 2026
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @INDOPACOM | This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
