US, Japan, and the ROK Conduct a Trilateral Ballistic Missile Defense Exercise

Following the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) ballistic missile launch over Japan on Oct. 4 (local time), which was part of a larger series of launches over the past two weeks, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65), part of the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, conducted a trilateral ballistic missile defense exercise in the waters between Korea and Japan, Oct. 6 (local time) alongside Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers JS Chokai (DDG 176) and JS Ashigara (DDG 178), and Republic of Korea Navy destroyer ROKS Sejong the Great (DDG 991).

This exercise enhances the interoperability of our collective forces and demonstrates the strength of the trilateral relationship with our Japan and Republic of Korea (ROK) allies, which is forward-leaning, reflective of our shared values, and resolute against those who challenge regional stability.

Also this week, the United States conducted air exercises with our ROK and Japanese Allies, as well as a joint tactical missile live-fire exercise with the ROK.

The United States, Republic of Korea and Japan strongly condemns the DPRK’s launches, which violate numerous, unanimous mandates of the United Nations Security Council. We urge the DPRK to immediately cease actions that violate U.N. Security Council resolutions, escalate military tensions, destabilize the region, and endanger peace and security.

We remain committed to peace and prosperity through the region in order to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific.