Marines Stage Hornet Maritime Strike Package off Japan
The U.S. Marine Corps sortied anti-ship missile-equipped Hornets off Japan last month, showcasing its maritime strike capabilities. Ten F/A-18 Hornet fighters from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 took off from U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni with AGM-84D Harpoon anti-ship missiles on Aug. 19. According to a spokesperson with Marine Air Group 12, the maritime strike drill “provides a glimpse into the sizable maritime strike package and combat power” that the service’s tactical fighters can project from Japanese bases. Forward deployed to Japan last summer, VMFA 232 is the Marine Corps’ latest squadron to base out of Iwakuni through the
A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, refuels an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, both assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, off the coast of Japan, Aug, 19, 2026. US Marine Corps photo The U.S. Marine Corps sortied anti-ship missile-equipped Hornets off Japan last month, showcasing its maritime strike capabilities.
Ten F/A-18 Hornet fighters from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 took off from U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni with AGM-84D Harpoon anti-ship missiles on Aug. 19. According to a spokesperson with Marine Air Group 12, the maritime strike drill “provides a glimpse into the sizable maritime strike package and combat power” that the service’s tactical fighters can project from Japanese bases.
Forward deployed to Japan last summer, VMFA 232 is the Marine Corps’ latest squadron to base out of Iwakuni through the service’s through the Unit Deployment Program.
Media released by the service on the drills showcase the fighters each loaded with fuel tanks, two AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles and a pair of Harpoons. Markings on the air-to-air and anti-ship missiles indicated the use of live munitions during the drill. In total, the drill brought out 20 of the ship-killing missiles and mobilized 10 of the Red Devils’ 12 fighters.
These drills coincide with a renewed focus on countering China’s increasingly modern surface fleet. In recent years, the People’s Liberation Army Navy anti-aircraft warfare capabilities have been bolstered through the introduction of the Type 055 and Type 052D classes of guided-missile destroyers. Improvements to the HHQ-9 series of naval surface-to-air missiles, improved radars and a growing carrier aviation capability further complicates American legacy maritime strike systems and tactics.
Last month’s flight continued consecutive deployments of American and allied aerial maritime strike capabilities across the Western Pacific in recent months. In June, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber showcased its ability to launch AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile duringt Valiant Shield 26. The aerial branch also practiced validating the stealthy extended-range anti-ship missile on its supersonic B-1B Lancer bomber.
This was followed by further air-launched Harpoon and LRASM launches at Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026 in July by American and Australian combat aircraft.
Tokyo has also sortied large anti-ship flights with its F-2 strike fighters to showcase its attack capabilities against Chinese naval forces. Last December saw Japan sortie up to 16 of these fighters amid the People’s Liberation Army Navy aircraft carrier Liaoning (16) presence near Japan.
