Joint Japan-US Drills and Ground Self Defense Forces Drills Begin SDF Vehicles Heading to Remote Islands via Kagoshima Ferry[11/10 19:20]
Joint Japan-US exercises and Ground Self-Defense Force exercises began on remote islands in Kagoshima Prefecture.
On the afternoon of the 10th, in Kagoshima New Port, about 20 vehicles of the Self-Defense Forces were boarded on the “Akebono Ferry” bound for Amami and Tokunoshima. It is believed to be a unit participating in the joint Japan-US exercise “Keen Sword” which began on the 10th.
26,000 members of the Self-Defense Forces and 10,000 members of the US military will participate in the exercises, designed to defend remote islands and respond to ballistic missiles. In Amami Oshima, one of the training camps, remote island defense and logistical support training such as equipment and fuel will be held.
(Amami City, 60, self-employed) “I agree (for the exercises). In the current world situation, isn’t emergency training important?”
(Housewife, 30, Amami City) “I have small children, so (Japan-US joint exercise) it’s a little scary.”
In Tokunoshima, on the 17th and 18th, training with ospreys from both Japan and the United States is scheduled for the first time. The aim is believed to be to enhance the operational capabilities of Japan and the United States in the Nansei Islands, keeping China in mind as it advances into the oceans.
In addition, the Ground Self-Defense Force has also started island defense exercises since the 10th. Around 400 people will participate in Tanegashima, including members of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade.
On the coast of Nakatane Town, preparations were underway for the training of amphibious vehicles.
Both the Japan-US Joint Exercise and the Ground Self-Defense Force Exercise will run until the 19th of this month.
