In a significant move to bolster military readiness in the face of rising regional tensions, Japan and the United States have commenced major joint military exercises focused on the defense of Japan’s southwestern islands. The biennial exercise, Keen Sword 27, involves approximately 45,000 Japanese personnel and 12,000 US service members, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing coordination between their armed forces.
The exercises, scheduled to run through October 29, span various operations including amphibious landings, air and missile defense, mine-clearing tasks, intelligence gathering, logistics, resupply, and casualty evacuation. These activities are taking place across several remote islands, such as Tanegashima, Yonaguni, and Ishigaki, which hold strategic importance due to their proximity to Taiwan amid heightened security concerns in the region.
Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost island, is notably positioned just 110 kilometers east of Taiwan. As part of the exercises, Japan has stationed its Type-25 land-to-ship missile system on the island for the first time, although no live test-firing is planned. Meanwhile, the US military is showcasing its NMESIS anti-ship missile system and MADIS short-range air defense system on Yonaguni, along with the HIMARS mobile rocket launcher on nearby Ishigaki.
These drills also feature participation from seven other countries, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the Philippines, marking a significant collaborative effort within the Indo-Pacific region and Europe. Japanese officials emphasize that the exercises are not targeted at any specific nation but are crucial for maintaining national defense and regional stability.
The joint military activities occur amid strained relations between Japan and China, primarily due to disputes over Taiwan and concerns regarding China’s expanding military presence in the area. Japan has been actively fortifying its defenses on the southwestern islands, deploying longer-range missiles and interception systems to counter potential threats.
Public debate continues in Japan regarding the presence of US military bases, particularly on Okinawa, where local residents have expressed concerns about noise, pollution, and incidents involving military personnel. Despite these domestic issues, the joint drills underscore the critical importance of defense cooperation between Japan and the United States as both nations aim to enhance their preparedness and address evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.