U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, explain the different technology in the AH-64 Apache to Col. Masahiro Yamashita, and other Japanese Self-Defense Force Members assigned to 22nd Rapid Deployment Regiment, during Rising Thunder 25, Yakima Training Center, Wash., Nov. 5, 2025. Rising Thunder is designed to enhance interoperability and combat readiness between the U.S. and Japan and has been a regular occurrence between the two allies since 1994. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Kyle Kimble)
Since 1994, the U.S. Army and the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) have annually conducted Rising Thunder, an exercise that strengthens the interoperability and readiness amongst both allied nations.
