# Iron Fist

Largest-Ever US–Japan ‘Iron Fist’ Exercise in Okinawa Signals Deeper Amphibious Integration—and Greater Regional Risk

The 2026 US–Japan 'Iron Fist' amphibious exercise, running 11 February–9 March, is the largest yet and spans 19 sites in and around Okinawa. With deeper operational integration between US and Japanese commands, expanded amphibious forces and sharpened political rhetoric in Tokyo and Washington, the drills both bolster deterrence and raise regional risks of miscalculation.