World’s Biggest Maritime Exercise, RIMPAC 2026, Sees Participation From 30 Nations & 30 Plus Warships In Hawaii

The United States officially launched Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 on June 24, bringing together military forces from 30 countries for the world’s largest international maritime exercise.

The drill aims to strengthen cooperation, operational readiness and maritime security across the Indo-Pacific. The exercise began with an opening ceremony and press conference in Hawaii and will continue until July 31.

Hosted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC 2026 involves more than 30 surface ships, five submarines, over 206 aircraft, 15 national land forces and around 30,000 military personnel training in and around the Hawaiian Islands.

The U.S. Navy said RIMPAC gives participating countries an opportunity to train together while strengthening partnerships that are important for keeping sea lanes secure and maintaining stability across the region.

“The Rim of the Pacific exercise continues to be the world’s premier multinational maritime training event, bringing together allies and partners committed to strengthening security and stability across the region,” said Vice Adm. Jeff Jablon, Commander of the Combined Task Forces for RIMPAC 2026.

He said the realistic training helps participating countries improve military readiness, sharpen combat skills and strengthen their ability to operate together whenever needed.

RIMPAC 2026 is the 30th edition of the exercise, which first began in 1971. It is the world’s largest joint and combined maritime exercise, bringing together naval, air and land forces to improve their ability to operate together across a wide range of military operations.

This year’s theme is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared,” showing the participating countries’ focus on working together and improving shared readiness in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Through advanced training, the participating forces will strengthen partnerships, improve tactical skills and increase their ability to carry out joint operations.

The exercise is led by a multinational command team. Chilean Navy Commodore Andres Howard serves as Deputy Commander of the Combined Task Force, while Rear Adm. Takuo Kobayashi of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is Vice Commander. Rear Adm.

In-Ho Kim of the Republic of Korea Navy serves as Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander, and Brig. Gen. J.S. Davis of the Royal Canadian Air Force serves as Combined Forces Air Component Commander.

The exercise includes amphibious operations, gunnery and missile drills, anti-submarine warfare, air defence operations, military medicine, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, counter-piracy missions, mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.

According to the U.S. Navy, RIMPAC 2026 builds on previous exercises by bringing together allied and partner nations to demonstrate the capability and flexibility of multinational maritime forces.

During the exercise, participants will train together to improve collective readiness, strengthen international partnerships and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

References: pacom, defence industry europe