Amid escalating regional tensions, Japan and the United States have commenced significant joint military exercises, focusing on the defense of Japan’s southwestern islands and enhancing military coordination. Known as Keen Sword 27, this biennial exercise involves around 45,000 Japanese personnel and 12,000 US service members. Additionally, seven other countries from the Indo-Pacific region and Europe, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the Philippines, are participating in selected activities for the first time.
Scheduled to run until October 29, the exercise spans a range of military operations such as amphibious landings, air and missile defense, mine-clearing, intelligence gathering, logistics, resupply, and casualty evacuation. These activities are taking place across various remote islands, including Tanegashima, Yonaguni, and Ishigaki. Notably, Yonaguni, positioned approximately 110 kilometers east of Taiwan, holds strategic significance due to its proximity to potential conflict zones.
Japan has stationed its Type-25 land-to-ship missile system on Yonaguni for the first time during these exercises, although no test-firing is anticipated. The missile system boasts an estimated range of 1,000 kilometers. In conjunction, the US military is deploying advanced systems such as the NMESIS anti-ship missile system, the MADIS short-range air defense system on Yonaguni, and the HIMARS mobile rocket launcher on Ishigaki, with live-fire exercises planned at a Pacific Ocean training site.
Japanese officials assert that these drills are not aimed at any specific nation, emphasizing that military preparedness and collaboration with allies are essential for safeguarding national territory and ensuring regional stability. The exercises occur amid strained Japan-China relations, largely due to disputes over Taiwan and apprehensions regarding China’s growing military presence in the region. In response, Japan has bolstered its defenses in the southwestern islands, deploying longer-range missiles and interception systems.
The joint exercises also spark public debate in Japan, particularly about the US military bases on Okinawa, where residents voice concerns over noise, pollution, and criminal incidents. Nonetheless, the military activities underscore the increasing importance of defense cooperation between Japan and the United States as both countries strive to enhance readiness and address evolving security challenges across the Indo-Pacific.
