Photo By Airman 1st Class Jessel Fabara | The Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force Commodore Marcel ‘Bo’van Egmond, right,...... read more read more
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MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan – Air Force leaders from the United States, Japan and the Netherlands gathered at Misawa Air Base for Exercise Kazaguruma Guardian 26, highlighting the strength of trilateral partnerships and a shared commitment to peace through strength in the Indo-Pacific region.
The first-of-its-kind exercise, brings together advanced airpower and integrated operations among the three nations, reinforcing a unified approach to deterrence and regional security.
“This trilateral exercise is more than just a training opportunity,” said Lt. Gen. Joel Carey, commander of Fifth Air Force. “It is a powerful demonstration of our collective resolve to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring prosperity and security for all nations within this vital region.”
Kazaguruma Guardian 26 reflects growing interoperability between allies and cooperation beyond traditional geographic boundaries.
“This marks the first deployment of Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force aircraft to Japan and the Indo-Pacific region,” said Lt. Gen. André Steur, commander of the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force. “Partnerships beyond Europe, like this one, make us stronger together.”
For Japan, the exercise reflects both enduring alliances and expanding global partnerships grounded in shared values. Kazaguruma Guardian, meaning “windmill protector,” derives its symbolism from a windmill’s three blades, each signifying one of the participating nations: Japan, the Netherlands and the United States.
“When all three blades come together and catch the wind, they generate great power,” said General TakehiroMorita, Chief of Staff of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. “This image reflects how our nations cooperate to create strength through partnership.”
That partnership strengthens coalition readiness and deterrence to provide a credible and robust defense union of the region’s airspace.
“Together, our combined airpower sends a clear message of our unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Carey said.
Leaders from all three nations emphasized the exercise is not only about tactical proficiency, but also about building enduring relationships in an increasingly complex security environment.
Kazaguruma Guardian 26 underscores that strong partnerships remain essential to maintaining peace, stability and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.
| Date Taken: | 03.27.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 03.30.2026 02:56 |
| Story ID: | 561516 |
| Location: | MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JP |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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