Japan, US begin island defense drills in Kyushu, Okinawa

The GSDF plans to deploy V-22 Osprey transport aircraft based at Camp Saga to Miyako Island in Okinawa for the first time. This deployment is for training to transport casualties from the island to U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on Okinawa Island.

Lt. Gen. Seiji Toriumi, commanding general of the GSDF Western Army, stated at the opening ceremony that demonstrating defense capabilities is crucial for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise occurs amid repeated intrusions by Chinese vessels into Japanese waters near the Senkaku Islands, which are controlled by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing.

Type 10 tanks will participate in the exercise at the Hijudai training range in Oita prefecture. However, they will refrain from firing their main guns following an incident in April where a tank drill resulted in casualties.