SDF Joint Staff general says Keen Sword military exercise aims to establish ‘flawless defense system’
13:32 JST, November 15, 2022
Gen. Koji Yamazaki said Monday that the Japan-U.S. joint exercise currently underway “is aimed at strengthening the capacities [of Japan and the United States] to respond promptly to all situations and contribute to regional peace and stability.”
Keen Sword, which is the largest exercise of its kind, began in the Nansei Islands and other areas on Thursday. Yamazaki, chief of staff of the Self-Defense Forces’ Joint Staff, made the remark during a joint press conference with Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, commander of U.S. Forces Japan, held aboard the Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Izumo, which was sailing in the Pacific Ocean east of the islands.
“It is very meaningful to conduct this exercise in the southwest region in order to establish a flawless defense system,” Yamazaki said.
Rupp said that the U.S. will cooperate with other nations while continuing to deter provocative actions.
The exercise, scheduled between Nov. 10-19, involves about 26,000 SDF members and about 10,000 U.S. troops to check procedures for various defense operations and supplies. British, Australian and Canadian vessels are participating in some of the drills.
"Politics" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
China Conducts Naval Blockade Exercise in Miyako Strait; CCG Ships Near Senkaku Islands Given Stronger Weapons
-
Trump Discussed China-Taiwan Situation in Meeting with Abe’s Widow, Described Calling For Immediate End to War in Zelenskyy Talks
-
New Developments Seen in China’s Maritime Expansion; Japanese Govt Official Urges Calm, Stout Response
-
Poll: Over 70% in U.S. Support Japan Strengthening Defense Capabilities
-
U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel File 2 Lawsuits after Biden Blocks $14.9 Billion Deal
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Prehistoric Stone Tool Cut Out of Coral Reef and Taken Away in Kyushu island; Artifact was Believed to Have Been Dropped in Sea During Prehistoric Jomon Period
- Record 320 School Staff Punished for Sex Offenses in Japan
- New Year’s Ceremony Held at Imperial Palace (UPDATE 1)
- Central Tokyo Observes 1st Snow of Season; 25 Days Earlier than Last Winter
- Indonesia Launches Free School Meal Program with Support from Japan; Ishiba Currying Favor with New President