US, Japan conduct joint electronic warfare drills

The United States and Japan have carried out joint military exercises in the Sea of Japan, underscoring ongoing defence cooperation between the two allies amid regional security concerns.

According to a statement published by the United States Navy on X, EA-18G Growler aircraft from Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-135—known as the “Black Ravens”—participated alongside a UP-3D Orion aircraft operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force in bilateral drills conducted on April 3, 2026, Caliber.Az reports.

We have friends in high places. 🇺🇸🤝🇯🇵

EA-18G Growlers assigned to the “Black Ravens” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135 and a UP-3D Orion of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force @JMSDF_PAO conduct bi-lateral exercises in the Sea of Japan.

VAQ-135 is assigned to… pic.twitter.com/eHjt2pykvY

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) April 3, 2026

The Navy highlighted the coordination between the two forces in a brief message accompanying images from the exercise, stating: “We have friends in high places. EA-18G Growlers assigned to the ‘Black Ravens’ of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135 and a UP-3D Orion of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force conduct bi-lateral exercises in the Sea of Japan.”

VAQ-135 is assigned to Commander, Task Force 70 and is forward-deployed to the US Seventh Fleet, the Navy noted.

The Seventh Fleet, described as the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely operates alongside regional allies and partners in support of what Washington characterises as a “free and open Indo-Pacific”.

By Aghakazim Guliyev