Tokyo, October 23 (Sputnik) – The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced that Japan has begun a 10-day large-scale joint military exercise called Keen Sword with the United States, with 45,000 soldiers from both sides participating.
“The current exercises based on the strong Japan-U.S. alliance should contribute to improving Japan-U.S. combat readiness and operational compatibility,” a Defense Ministry source said. “In order to be able to respond to any situation, they should strengthen deterrence and response capabilities, ensure our country’s defense, and contribute to ensuring peace and regional security.”
Japan’s ground, maritime and air self-defense forces and their cybersecurity units will take part in the exercise.
The exercise will practice staff activities, joint anti-ship operations, amphibious landing operations, air and anti-missile defense, island defense, ensuring maritime transportation safety, protection of important facilities, command and communication systems, and deepening inter-regional operations.
Self-Defense Force and U.S. military bases as well as civilian airports and ports will be used in the exercises.
