Japan and the United States have commenced Keen Sword 27, a significant joint military exercise aimed at fortifying Japan’s southwestern islands and enhancing coordination between their military forces amid escalating regional tensions. This biennial exercise involves approximately 45,000 Japanese personnel and 12,000 US service members, with participation from seven other countries, including France, Germany, and the Philippines, who are joining for the first time.
Running through October 29, the exercises encompass a range of military operations such as amphibious landings, air and missile defense, mine-clearing, intelligence gathering, logistics, resupply, and casualty evacuation. The activities are spread across remote islands like Tanegashima, Yonaguni, and Ishigaki.
Strategically located just 110 kilometers east of Taiwan, Yonaguni plays an important role in the drills, particularly with Japan deploying its Type-25 land-to-ship missile system there for the first time, although no test-firing is scheduled. The US is also showcasing its military capabilities with the NMESIS anti-ship missile system and MADIS air defense system on Yonaguni, and the HIMARS mobile rocket launcher on Ishigaki. Live-fire exercises are planned at a Pacific Ocean training site.
Japanese officials have clarified that these exercises are not targeting any specific nation but are designed to ensure military readiness and collaboration with allies to safeguard national territory and uphold regional stability. The drills occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Japan and China over matters such as Taiwan and China’s expanding military presence in the region. Japan has been bolstering its defenses in its southwestern islands, including deploying longer-range missiles and interception systems.
While the joint military activities underscore the growing importance of Japan-US defense cooperation, they have also sparked domestic debate, particularly concerning the US military bases on Okinawa. Local residents have voiced concerns about the noise, pollution, and criminal incidents associated with the American military presence.