Japan holds large-scale military drill in 3 decades

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - Japan on Wednesday began a large-scale military exercise in three decades with participation of at least 100,000 personnel, 20,000 vehicles and 120 aircraft.

A statement by Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) said on Wednesday that the “Ground Self-Defense Force Exercise” will continue until the end of November.

“This exercise is a large-scale exercise for the entire Ground Self-Defense Force for the first time in 30 years since 1993, focusing on the operational preparatory stage, improving operational effectiveness and deterrence/coping ability,” the statement said.

The military exercise is being held at a time when US and its allies are shoring up support to counter China’s expanding military and economic influence in the region.

The drill will see participation of personnel from Japan's Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces as well as a US Army landing ship.

“In order to respond effectively to various situations, including attacks on the islands, it is essential that the necessary forces are deployed quickly and extensively, depending on the situation,” Nobuo Kishi, Japan's defense minister, said.

A GSDF official told Tokyo-based Kyodo News: “In an increasingly uncertain security environment, the focus of our work will be on operational readiness.”

The drills will include transporting defense equipment, including tanks, necessary supplies and testing communication systems across the country.