In a significant development for the US-Japan alliance, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the decision to modernize the command and control structure during high-level meetings in Tokyo. This move aims to address the challenges faced in the present and future, marking the most significant change in U.S. Forces Japan since its establishment 70 years ago.

The decision includes upgrading the U.S. Forces Japan to a joint force headquarters with expanded responsibilities and missions. Under the leadership of a three-star officer, the new joint force headquarters will serve as a counterpart to Japan's Japan Self-Defense Forces Joint Operations Command.

Speaking at a press briefing, Secretary Austin expressed enthusiasm for the historic decision, stating, "We welcome an historic decision to modernize our alliance command and control to better meet the challenges of today and tomorrow." He emphasized that the new joint force headquarters would facilitate closer collaboration between the U.S. and Japanese forces, leading to enhanced deterrence capabilities.

The discussions also focused on increasing bilateral presence in Japan's Southwest Islands, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The participants explored opportunities for defense industrial cooperation and discussed the expansion of the production capacity of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement missiles.

A separate two-plus-two ministerial level meeting on extended deterrence was also held, which had never been done before. Secretary Austin reiterated the United States' unwavering commitment to defend Japan, including the utilization of its nuclear capabilities.

During the extended deterrence meeting, the participants addressed concerns regarding North Korea's destabilizing activities in the region, including its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs. They also discussed China's increasing nuclear arsenal and Russia's unlawful arms transfers with North Korea.

Secretary Austin deemed both meetings in Tokyo a success, stressing that the agreements reached would strengthen the collective ability to deter and counter coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. He highlighted the significance of reinforcing the rules-based international order, ensuring the U.S.-Japan alliance remains a cornerstone of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The modernization of the alliance's command and control structure, coupled with the expanded responsibilities and missions of the joint force headquarters, exemplifies the commitment of the United States and Japan to adapt to contemporary challenges and enhance their collaborative efforts in maintaining regional peace and security.