RIMPAC 2026 multinational naval drills wrap up in Hawaii

The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise ran from June 24 to July 31, 2026 in Hawaii, bringing together more than 30 nations, over 30,000 service members, 31 surface ships, five submarines and roughly 190 aircraft. Vice Admiral Jeffrey T. Jablon, deputy chief for Naval Operations, highlighted the drill’s role in strengthening collective capability and deterring aggression across the Indo‑Pacific.

Japan’s Rear Admiral Takuo Kobayashi, serving as deputy commander of the joint task force, emphasized that the exercise improves tactical proficiency, especially in anti‑submarine warfare and integrated air defence, and deepens partner relationships. Participants conducted live‑fire, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and maritime combat scenarios.

During the exercise, China launched a long‑range ballistic missile from a nuclear‑powered submarine on July 6, carrying a dummy warhead. The launch was observed by the United States and allied forces, underscoring the heightened security environment that RIMPAC seeks to address.