Japan and the United States have commenced a significant joint military exercise, Keen Sword 27, aimed at enhancing defense strategies for Japan’s southwestern islands and strengthening military coordination amid increasing regional tensions. The exercise, which is biennial in nature, involves about 45,000 Japanese personnel and 12,000 U.S. service members. Additionally, countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the Philippines are participating in select activities for the first time.
The drills, running through October 29, encompass a variety of military operations, including amphibious landings, air and missile defense, mine-clearing activities, intelligence gathering, logistics, resupply, and casualty evacuation. These activities are occurring across remote islands like Tanegashima, Yonaguni, and Ishigaki. Of particular strategic importance is Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost island, located approximately 110 kilometers east of Taiwan, where Japan has deployed its Type-25 land-to-ship missile system for the first time during these exercises.
Key U.S. military systems featured in the drills include the NMESIS anti-ship missile system, the MADIS short-range air defense system on Yonaguni, and the HIMARS mobile rocket launcher on Ishigaki. The exercise also includes scheduled live-fire activities at a Pacific Ocean training site. Despite the scale and intensity of the drills, Japanese officials have stated that the exercises are not aimed at any specific country, emphasizing the necessity of military readiness and allied cooperation to protect national territory and ensure regional stability.
The joint exercises occur against a backdrop of strained relations between Japan and China, particularly regarding Taiwan and China’s military activities in the region. In response, Japan has bolstered its defenses on the southwestern islands by deploying longer-range missiles and interception systems. Moreover, the exercises coincide with ongoing public debate in Japan over the presence of U.S. military bases, especially in Okinawa, where there are concerns about noise, pollution, and crime associated with the bases.
The ongoing drills underscore the increased importance of defense cooperation between Japan and the United States as both countries aim to enhance their military readiness in response to evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.