Quad Conducts First IPLN Field Training Exercise in Guam

Quad partners, as part of the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN), conducted their first Field Training Exercise (FTX) during Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.

• Quad partners Australia, India, Japan, and the US, as part of the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN), successfully conducted their first Field Training Exercise (FTX) during Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
• This exercise was conducted from December 8 to 12. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that IPLN is an initiative that helps Quad partners leverage shared logistics capabilities to assist civilians during large-scale natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific, in order to save lives, promote recovery efforts, and support regional partners.
• This FTX strengthened the disaster response capability of Quad partners through training activities such as boarding a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) C-130H transport aircraft.
• This FTX demonstrates Quad’s commitment to strengthening practical cooperation to address regional challenges and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
• Along with the IPLN tabletop exercise (TTX) conducted in April 2025, this FTX reflects Quad’s commitment to strengthening practical cooperation to address regional challenges and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Quad or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue

• Is a strategic platform of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia aimed at enhancing regional security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
• The 2004 tsunami: The origin of this group is linked to the relief efforts carried out after the 2004 tsunami, in which the United States, Japan, Australia, and India jointly conducted rescue operations.
• 2007 formation: Quad was formally established in 2007 on the suggestion of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
• Due to Chinese pressure and regional tensions, Australia withdrew from the arrangement in 2008.
• Revival in 2017: As a result of improved military relations between the United States and Australia, Australia rejoined the arrangement. The Philippines hosted the first formal Quad meeting in 2017.
• Malabar Exercise: The Malabar Exercise began in 1992 as a bilateral naval exercise between India and the United States. Japan joined in 2015 and Australia joined in 2020.