The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, known as the Quad, has marked a significant milestone by successfully concluding its first Field Training Exercise (FTX) under the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) from December 8 to 12, 2025. The exercise involved the collaboration of four key nations: Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, and was conducted alongside Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen Air Force Base.
This FTX represents a pivotal advancement in Quad cooperation, aimed specifically at enhancing rapid, coordinated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts across the Indo-Pacific region. The IPLN is designed to enable the partner nations to capitalize on their shared logistics capabilities, thereby facilitating a more effective civilian response to large-scale natural disasters. This strategic alignment is anticipated to enhance the speed and efficiency of aid delivery, improve recovery efforts, and provide robust support to regional partners during crises.
During the exercise, the participating forces engaged in a variety of training activities focused on interoperability and coordination. One key highlight was the boarding of a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) C-130H transport aircraft, which demonstrated the practical integration of logistics assets among the Quad nations. This hands-on experience was instrumental in bolstering their collective disaster response capabilities.
Officials emphasized that the recent FTX, in conjunction with the IPLN Tabletop Exercise (TTX) conducted earlier in April 2025, further solidifies the Quad’s dedication to practical cooperation in tackling regional challenges. This commitment aligns with the broader goal of advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Looking to the future, the Quad plans to continue developing its logistical framework through regular IPLN activities. Upcoming initiatives will include additional tabletop and field training exercises, confidence-building measures, and exchanges among subject matter experts. These efforts are aimed at institutionalizing logistics cooperation and ensuring preparedness for future regional contingencies, underscoring the Quad’s strategic focus on strengthening collective security in the Indo-Pacific.
