The DLE features 12,000 U.S. Air and Space Force personnel and over 350 aircraft including bombers, fighters, cargo and refuelling planes. It also integrates space-based and space-enabled capabilities such as electromagnetic warfare, domain awareness, orbital warfare and navigational warfare.
“This exercise, the first of its kind since the Cold War, marks a pivotal moment for our Air Force and Space Force, bringing together Airmen and Guardians to bolster our nation’s warfighting capabilities,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “Training like this alongside the Joint Force, our allies and partners in realistic operating environments using distributed operations is how we integrate capabilities to overcome any national security challenge.”
The DLE consolidates several key exercises under one unified threat deterrence scenario, including Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC), Resolute Space, Mobility Guardian, Emerald Warrior and Bamboo Eagle 25-3. Allied and partner nations will also participate in selected components, reflecting shared regional interests and enhancing cooperative defence postures.
“Exercising at this speed, scale and tempo is how we prepare for the future fight,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “We need Airmen to move fast and think outside the box, disrupting the operational status quo. We also build trust and understanding through deliberate planning, operating and learning alongside our partners across the Pacific.”
A central focus of the exercise is overcoming the logistical challenges involved in sustaining long-term operations. Air Mobility Command (AMC) has been preparing for nearly two years, applying lessons from Mobility Guardian 2023 to strengthen this year’s expanded efforts.
“Validating our ability to sustain operations by rapidly flowing forces and conducting Agile Combat Employment (ACE) throughout the Indo-Pacific theater is essential,” Allvin added. “Practicing these large muscle movements and learning to integrate seamlessly with our regional allies and partners ensures we can project power and provide options to the President.”
The inclusion of Resolute Space ensures that space operations are represented as they would be in a real-world scenario, demonstrating the integration of U.S. Space Force capabilities.
“Resolute Space sends a clear message: Guardians are prepared to fight and win in space shoulder to shoulder with our joint and allied partners,” stated Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “By training at this unprecedented scale, we’re sharpening warfighter instincts, strengthening combat credibility and proving our commitment to deliver peace through strength in the face of any challenge.”
Through this DLE, the Department of the Air Force aims to build a stronger, more effective deterrent force. The exercise is designed to ensure readiness across all domains and reinforce regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Source: U.S. Air Force.
