Designed to improve interoperability among allied and partner navies, Pacific Dragon 2026 (PD26) concluded on Aug. 15, closing out the eighth iteration of the biennial integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise.

Conducted off the coast of Kauai and the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Hawaii, and executed by the U.S. Third Fleet, with support from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), PD26 included forces from Australia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and first-time participants, Chile and Spain.

The exercise improved interoperability through the execution of multilateral ballistic missile defense (BMD) and tactical data link (TDL) information-sharing. Throughout the exercise, which included multi-mission events integrating BMD and IAMD scenarios, PD26 evaluated and advanced cooperative tactics, operational procedures and information-sharing.

For MDA it represented an opportunity to support the warfighter in executing and synchronizing multifaceted events with the participating countries. Also, it provided MDA with a critical venue to gather live-tracking data, validate sensor performance and refine the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system in a realistic, multi-domain environment.

MDA has participated in Pacific Dragon since its inception, using the exercise to advance development of BMD regional defenses and the Maritime Theater Missile Defense capability with partner nations.

PD26 participants conducted simulated ballistic target tracking events where each nation’s integrated air and missile defense capabilities could be exercised and improved upon.

Please direct all media queries to U.S. Third Fleet public affairs at C3F.PAO@navy.mil. For any MDA-specific questions, contact MDA public affairs at mda.press-operations@mail.mil.

See also: U.S. Third Fleet Pacific Dragon 2026 media release

IMAGE GALLERY

CAPTION: Multinational ships sail in formation during Pacific Dragon 2026, Aug. 04, 2026. Hosted by U.S. 3rd Fleet, Pacific Dragon improves participating forces' ability to detect, track, and report on integrated air and missile defense targets. An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the region and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute our Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations, from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster response. U.S. 3rd Fleet works with allies and partners to maintain freedom of navigation and overflight and a favorable balance of power in the region. (courtesy photo/released) DVIDS Download