Pacific Dragon is a biennial U.S. 3rd Fleet exercise focused on ballistic missile defense, information sharing and interoperability between national combat systems.
The 2026 event was HMAS Sydney’s third appearance at the exercise following its participation in 2022 and 2024.
“Pacific Dragon 2026 demonstrates the strength of our alliance and partnerships and our shared commitment to advancing integrated air and missile defense capabilities across the region,” said Vice Adm. Marc Miguez, commander of U.S. 3rd Fleet.
The exercise combined shore-based preparation with operations at sea and included a multi-mission event integrating ballistic missile defense with wider air and missile defense scenarios.
HMAS *Sydney’s* Deputy Weapons Electrical Engineer Officer, Lieutenant Brad Kershaw, said the scenario gave the crew realistic training against complex threats in a multinational setting.
“Exercise Pacific Dragon provided the opportunity for our warfare team to hone their skills and put their training to practice,” Kershaw said.
The Australian destroyer operated with warships from Chile, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Spain and the United States.
Australian participation also included a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.
The U.S. Navy deployed USS *Jack H. Lucas*, its first Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer equipped with the AN/SPY-6 radar and Baseline 10 combat system.
“Operating with allies and partners has enhanced Sydney’s*interoperability, while demonstrating the ship’s lethality and the crew’s professionalism,” said Commander Hayden Jenkins, HMAS *Sydney’s* commanding officer.
Commissioned in May 2020, HMAS Sydney is the third and final Hobart-class destroyer built in Australia by the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance.
The ship is based on Navantia’s F100 frigate design and carries the Aegis Combat System, a phased-array radar and SM-2 missiles.
The Hobart class can defend nearby ships, land forces and coastal infrastructure while engaging aircraft and missiles at ranges exceeding 150 kilometers.
HMAS Sydney joined Pacific Dragon immediately after Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026 and will continue its regional presence deployment across the Indo-Pacific.
