Japan and the United States have commenced Keen Sword 27, a significant joint military exercise aimed at bolstering defense capabilities and coordination amidst rising regional tensions. This biennial exercise, involving around 45,000 Japanese personnel and 12,000 US service members, underscores the strategic cooperation between the two nations in response to evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
The drills, running until October 29, are centered on defending Japan’s southwestern islands and include a range of operations such as amphibious landings, air and missile defense, mine-clearing, intelligence gathering, logistics, resupply, and casualty evacuation. Key activities are taking place on remote islands like Tanegashima, Yonaguni, and Ishigaki, highlighting their strategic importance in the region.
For the first time, Japan has deployed its Type-25 land-to-ship missile system on Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost island, located approximately 110 kilometers east of Taiwan. This deployment reflects the island’s critical position amid increasing security concerns. The exercises also feature US military systems, such as the NMESIS anti-ship missile system and the MADIS air defense system on Yonaguni, and the HIMARS mobile rocket launcher on Ishigaki. Live-fire exercises are also planned at a Pacific Ocean site.
While Japanese officials maintain that the exercises are not aimed at any specific country, they emphasize the importance of military preparedness and allied cooperation for national defense and regional stability. The drills occur against a backdrop of strained relations between Japan and China, fueled by disputes over Taiwan and concerns about China’s expanding military activities.
The joint military activities are not only a testament to the growing defense partnership between Japan and the United States but also reflect Japan’s recent efforts to enhance its southwestern island defenses. These efforts include deploying longer-range missiles and interception systems in response to regional security dynamics.
Amid these exercises, public debate continues in Japan over the presence of US military bases, particularly on Okinawa, where residents have expressed concerns about noise, pollution, and criminal incidents. Nonetheless, the joint exercises highlight the pivotal role of US-Japan defense cooperation in maintaining security across the Indo-Pacific region.