Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) announced on May 22 that it will participate in a multilateral live-fire exercise called "Southern Jackaroo 26" alongside United States and Australian military forces, as part of efforts to uphold and reinforce a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The exercise is scheduled to run from May 29 to July 3, 2026, and will be held at the Townsville Field Training Area in Queensland, Australia, among other locations. The stated objectives include enhancing operational and combat capabilities, as well as strengthening interoperability with American and Australian forces.
Lieutenant General Makoto Endo, Commander of the JGSDF's Middle Army, will serve as the commanding officer representing the Japanese side. Participating units include the 7th Infantry Regiment, the Middle Army Artillery Regiment, and the Middle Army Intelligence Unit.
On the American side, the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin and the U.S. Army's 11th Airborne Division will take part. Australia will contribute the 3rd Brigade of the Australian Army. All three nations' forces will conduct joint live exercises together throughout the training period.
The exercise reflects growing trilateral defenseJapan's Ground Self-Defense Force will deploy alongside American and Australian troops for a major live-fire exercise in Queensland next week, the latest sign of deepening trilateral military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Running from May 29 to July 3 at the Townsville Field Training Area, Southern Jackaroo 26 is designed to sharpen combat readiness and strengthen interoperability among the three allies. The JGSDF announced the exercise on May 22, citing its commitment to upholding a "free and open Indo-Pacific."
Forces on the Ground
Japan's contingent will be led by Lieutenant General Makoto Endo, Commander of the Middle Army. Deployed units include the 7th Infantry Regiment, the Middle Army Artillery Regiment, and the Middle Army Intelligence Unit — a combined-arms lineup that goes well beyond symbolic participation.
The United States will contribute the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin and the Army's 11th Airborne Division. Australia's 3rd Brigade rounds out the trilateral force. All three contingents will conduct joint live-fire drills throughout the five-week exercise.
Why It Matters
Southern Jackaroo has become an annual proving ground for Japan-US-Australia ground force integration, and the 2026 edition reflects how seriously all three nations are investing in that relationship. For Japan, deploying artillery and intelligence units thousands of kilometres from its home islands is a concrete expression of its broader push to expand military readiness and alliance coordination across the region.
With Indo-Pacific security remaining a pressing concern, exercises like this one send a clear signal — to allies and adversaries alike — about the reach and resolve of the trilateral partnership.
*Source: Japan Ground Staff Office, JGSDF official press release, May 22, 2026. cooperation among Japan, the United States, and Australia amid shared concerns over regional security in the Indo-Pacific. Southern Jackaroo 26 represents a concrete step in Japan's broader push to expand its military readiness and alliance coordination beyond its home islands.
