P-1 participated in the U.S. Navy hosted multilateral exercise (SEA DRAGON2026).

From 9 to 24 March 2026, a P-1 from Fleet Air Wing 3 participated in the U.S. Navy-hosted multilateral exercise SEA DRAGON 2026 in the vicinity of Guam. SEA DRAGON is an annual, multilateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise which the JMSDF sends its fixed-wing aircraft and crew to enhance tactical capabilities through tactical flights and information exchange with units from other navies and air forces. By flying together, the JMSDF strengthened cooperation and deepened mutual understanding with the participating navies and air forces.

SEA DRAGON is a competition-style joint exercise for fixed-wing aircraft, in which units from participating countries compete and train their tactical ASW capabilities. Starting in 2020, this marks the 7th consecutive year of the JMSDF's participation in SEA DRAGON. A P-1 and its crew from Fleet Air Wing 3 delivered an outstanding performance with technical expertise, securing victory in SEA DRAGON 2026. The JMSDF will continue contributing to the maintenance of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific by fostering goodwill and friendship with the navies of allies and like-minded nations through multilateral exercises.

The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.

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