Military and defense industry leaders from 33 Indo-Pacific nations met in mid-May 2025 for the annual Land Forces Pacific Symposium and Exposition (LANPAC) in Honolulu, Hawaii, to discuss cooperation and synchronization among Allies and Partners facing unprecedented challenges.
Stressing the importance of interoperability, attendees at the three-day conference hosted by the Association of the United States Army addressed the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), the importance of working closely with defense industry partners, and the teaching and training of noncommissioned officers (NCO) who form the backbone of land force operations.
Adm. Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, noted the essential role of regional land forces and their “capability and will” to stand up to nations that pose threats. “The potential cost of aggression far outweighs the benefits,” he said.
The region spans more than half of the globe, encompassing the Indian and Pacific oceans, meaning that forces seeking to maintain peace and stability and protect sovereign rights face a “tyranny of distance” in their missions.
“Our alliances and partnerships are indispensable,” Paparo said, referring to “formidable but not insurmountable challenges.” The joint force trains to respond to problems together, presenting an effective defense shield, he said.
Military leaders discussed tailoring force posture and presence for security challenges through multilateral operations, activities and investments. Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commanding general of the Philippine Army, said it is vital for multinational forces “to ensure we are fit for purpose.”
“We can’t do it by ourselves,” Gen. Yasunori Morishita, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force chief of staff, said in a panel discussion. “We must coordinate with others.”
Leaders emphasized the immediate need to develop and refine AI systems to manage logistics, communications and potential conflict. AI also can help forces share data with their counterparts in other countries.
The technology cuts through time-consuming procedures, performing essential functions in seconds rather than weeks or months, said Brig. Gen. Donald K. Brooks, deputy commanding general for operations at U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Based on geometry and geology, for example, AI can determine which weapon system is most appropriate in a specific instance, he said.
AI “gives me speed and it gives me scale,” said Lt. Gen. Maria B. Barrett, commanding general of U.S. Army Cyber Command. “Where we were even a year ago is leaps and bounds beneath where we are today.”
Communication between land forces and defense industry leaders helps ensure deployed troops have what they need, whether they are responding to natural disasters or engaged in combat. There is always a need for supply chains that deliver more, faster, better and smarter, Paparo said.
“From factory to fight,” said panelist Tara Murphy Dougherty, chief executive officer of Govini, a defense software company. “Envisioning this will make supply chains function faster and more efficiently.”
“Industry is critical,” said Suzanne Vares-Lum, director of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu. “Where are the supply chain gaps? What are the supply chain needs? Understand what is needed and what is possible.”
Panelists also discussed the need to recognize generational differences in the development of NCOs. For example, young Soldiers often are more adept at social media and computer skills than senior leaders. An awareness of divergent skills and interests is important to get the most out of recruits with leadership aptitudes.
Soldiers “want to be challenged, and as leaders it is our responsibility to ensure they are challenged,” said Warrant Officer Kim Felmingham, regimental sergeant major of the Australian Army. “We have gotten better but there’s always more work to do.”
Incorporating emerging technology into NCO instruction is beneficial, but it is at least equally vital to teach and practice fundamental skills. “Technology matters, but our job as military professionals is to balance technology with human forces,” said Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart, commander of the Australian Army.
LANPAC also enables participants to build relationships within and beyond their respective nations’ military branches. “We are a powerful collective,” Stuart said. “The land power that we collectively generate is a force to be reckoned with.”
