Japan and the United States have commenced major joint military exercises, known as Keen Sword 27, amid escalating regional tensions. These exercises, which emphasize defending Japan’s southwestern islands, involve 45,000 Japanese personnel and 12,000 U.S. service members. They are part of efforts to enhance coordination between the two nations’ armed forces in response to growing security concerns.
The drills, set to continue until October 29, feature a range of military activities such as amphibious landings, air and missile defense, and intelligence gathering. They are taking place across various remote islands, including Tanegashima, Yonaguni, and Ishigaki. Notably, Yonaguni, positioned approximately 110 kilometers east of Taiwan, has strategic importance given the current regional security climate. For the first time, Japan’s Type-25 land-to-ship missile system, with an estimated range of 1,000 kilometers, has been deployed to Yonaguni, although no live testing is planned.
Alongside Japan’s systems, U.S. military equipment, including the NMESIS anti-ship missile system, the MADIS short-range air defense system, and the HIMARS mobile rocket launcher, are being utilized in the exercises. Live-fire drills are scheduled to occur at a Pacific Ocean training site as part of the comprehensive exercise itinerary.
While Japanese officials assert that these military exercises are not targeted at any specific country, they acknowledge the necessity of military preparedness and collaboration with allies to safeguard national territory and uphold regional stability. The backdrop of these activities includes strained Japan-China relations, influenced by disagreements over Taiwan and concerns about China’s expanding military presence in the region. Japan has been bolstering its defenses on the southwestern islands with more advanced missile and interception systems in response.
The joint exercises also coincide with ongoing public discussions in Japan about the presence of U.S. military bases, particularly on Okinawa. Locals have expressed concerns over noise, pollution, and criminal incidents associated with the bases. Nevertheless, the military collaboration underscores the growing importance of defense cooperation between Japan and the United States as both nations aim to enhance readiness and address evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.