Through a brief statement published on its social media accounts, Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced that as part of the bilateral exercise Vigilant Isles, its Armed Forces have been working together with those of the United Kingdom to conduct paratrooper drops. Training activities are being carried out in the Hokkaido training area since November 5, with the main objective of strengthening defense ties between both countries and improving the interoperability of their troops.
Expanding on the details, the Japanese defense ministry pointed out that this is the first time the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is participating together with the Northern Army’s 5th Brigade, as well as the first time that paratrooper training is being conducted on Japanese territory alongside the British Army. From the British side, it is worth highlighting that the deployed unit is the 16th Air Assault Brigade, which specializes in this type of mission.
Referring to what these kinds of exercises imply beyond the training itself, the Japanese Ministry of Defense stated: “In addition to cooperation with allied nations, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) will further strengthen its ties with European countries that share fundamental values, including the United Kingdom, and contribute to the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
In this regard, it is worth recalling that Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force paratroopers had already trained with their European counterparts during the multinational exercise Mangusta 25, organized by the Italian Army. Broadening the view to other operational domains and alliances with Western nations, it is also worth mentioning that Japanese units are currently training with U.S. Army troops in counter-drone tactics at the Yakima Training Area, while at the end of October they conducted live-fire exercises with HIMARS artillery systems near Mount Fuji, involving U.S. Marine Corps units — developments that highlight the growing ties between Tokyo and its main allies.
Moreover, earlier this year the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force also contributed to strengthening relations with Western countries through the Atlantic Eagles deployment, which involved four F-15J fighters, two Kawasaki C-2 support aircraft, and KC-46 and KC-767 tankers. Among the various destinations visited, the Japanese aircraft stopped at RAF Coningsby to exchange procedures and deepen cooperation with their British counterparts, a task also carried out in Germany, Canada, and the United States, marking the institution’s first mission of this kind since its founding.
*Image credits: Japan Ministry of Defense
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AloJapan.com