Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Marine Corps have commenced the Resolute Dragon field exercise, focusing on island defense skills. The drills, which will run until June 30, aim to enhance readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The joint drills between Japan and the U.S. underscore escalating regional security concerns and demonstrate a commitment to enhancing defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in response to territorial disputes and maritime activity in the East China Sea.
Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Marine Corps commenced the Resolute Dragon field exercise for island defense skills on June 20, which will continue through June 30 across the Kyushu region and Okinawa prefecture. The opening ceremony was held at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Kengun Camp in Kumamoto.
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.