The Japanese Defense Ministry called the maneuvers “the most ambitious in their entire history”.
The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces and the US military will conduct a large-scale military exercise Orient Shield with the participation of about 3 thousand people from both sides. This was announced on Tuesday at a press conference in Tokyo by Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi.
According to Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, the maneuvers will take place from June 24 to July 11 at bases and training grounds throughout Japan.
“The regional security situation around Japan is becoming increasingly dire. It is very important to strengthen cooperation between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the US military. This, in turn, will contribute to strengthening the Japanese-American strategic alliance”, – Kishi said.
Japan and the United States have been conducting joint exercises Orient Shield since 1985. They are designed to strengthen interaction between military units of the two countries, as well as to increase tactical and combat readiness.