Soldiers from the US Army's 11th Airborne Division conducted a large-scale airborne operation in Hokkaido, Japan, in late January 2026 as part of the North Wind 26 bilateral winter training exercise with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the US Army in Japan confirmed. The operation took place in Hokudai-en, northern Hokkaido, and involved hundreds of US paratroopers descending from the sky to secure a drop zone. The complex air assault was aimed at enhancing interoperability between US and Japanese forces, as well as testing the 11th Airborne's rapid deployment and infiltration capabilities in a cold-weather environment. The North Wind series is an annual joint exercise focused on winter warfare and disaster response training. This year's iteration demonstrates the growing integration of US and Japanese forces, reflecting the strengthening of the bilateral defense alliance amid concerns over China's regional ambitions and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The airborne operation also showcases the US Army's renewed emphasis on large-scale, high-intensity conflict scenarios, as the service prepares its newly reactivated airborne units like the 11th Airborne to support a potential defense of the Pacific against peer adversaries. The exercise provides valuable experience for US forces to hone their skills in challenging environmental conditions.