The United States military is currently engaged in one of its most significant air exercises in recent memory, a strategic maneuver unequivocally aimed at bolstering capabilities and readiness in the event of a potential conflict, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. This monumental drill, codenamed Exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 (REFORPAC 25), signifies a pivotal moment in the Department of Defense’s long-term strategic planning.
According to the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), REFORPAC 25 is part of a groundbreaking “first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series,” underscoring its unprecedented scale and importance. Spanning from July through August, this extensive military exercise encompasses a vast array of assets and personnel, highlighting its comprehensive nature.
The scope of REFORPAC 25 is truly remarkable, involving over 350 combat and support aircraft, a substantial deployment of more than 12,000 personnel from numerous participating nations, and operations conducted across more than 50 locations spread over an immense 3,000-mile geographical expanse. This broad reach demonstrates the complex logistical and operational challenges the exercise is designed to address.
At its core, the primary objective of this massive air exercise is to significantly enhance interoperability and seamless coordination among the US military, its key allies, and partners within the critical Indo-Pacific area of operations. Strengthening these multinational bonds is paramount to establishing a cohesive and effective defense posture in the region.
US Air Force Col. Matthew “Scout” Johnston, commanding officer of the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW), emphasized the vital role of collaboration, stating, “Interoperability is key to any joint and coalition operations. That’s what makes the 354th AEW such an effective combat unit. We are able to integrate with our allies, partners, and the joint force nearly seamlessly as we share common systems and tactics.” This highlights the focus on integrated operations.
Beyond allied collaboration, REFORPAC provides an invaluable opportunity for various branches of the US armed forces—specifically the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps—to meticulously refine their joint air asset operations. The exercise uniquely brings together advanced fighter jets such as the F-35 Lightning II, alongside other crucial combat and support aircraft, fostering a holistic approach to air warfare preparedness.
In the realm of military preparedness, realistic and comprehensive drills stand as the most effective means of readying a force for combat, second only to actual conflict. Such extensive exercises are indispensable for honing skills, testing strategies, and identifying areas for improvement in a high-stakes operational environment.
Facing the complexities of potential near-peer competition in the Indo-Pacific, the US military understands its profound reliance on the unwavering assistance of regional allies and partners. Given global commitments and budget constraints, the Pentagon cannot singularly concentrate all its formidable assets, like aircraft carriers or combat aircraft, within this specific region. Conversely, the Chinese military, with its more regional focus, possesses the strategic flexibility to consolidate its forces within the area, potentially tipping the scales in its favor during a direct confrontation. Consequently, robust relationships with regional allies are the cornerstone of US strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
Exercise planners meticulously prioritized Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations, which involve launching, recovering, and maintaining aircraft from strategically dispersed locations throughout the vast operational area. Through these dispersed operations, the US military aims to mitigate the risk of a concentrated attack against its air assets, drawing lessons from historical vulnerabilities and enhancing survivability in dynamic threat environments.
