Status: 10.11.2022 12:39 p.m
Japan and the United States have launched joint maneuvers called Sharp Sword. The reason for the exercise is the security situation – an increasingly powerful China and North Korea’s recent missile tests.
Japan and the USA have started a joint maneuver. The Sharp Sword exercise began at an airbase in southern Japan and is scheduled to last until November 19. The allies want to use the maneuver to strengthen their operational readiness in view of the Chinese government’s growing self-confidence and renewed missile tests in North Korea.
Other countries included
According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, around 26,000 Japanese and 10,000 American soldiers as well as 20 ships and 370 aircraft from both sides should take part in the exercise.
Australia, Great Britain and Canada would also be included in parts of the maneuver. Joint field exercises, including amphibious landings, were planned on the islands of Tokunoshima, Amami and Tsutarajima in southwestern Japan.
Option for pre-emptive strike
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, citing a deteriorating security situation in the region, announced plans to significantly strengthen Japan’s military capabilities and possibly also allow a pre-emptive strike to attack enemy missile launch sites from afar.
The plans are expected to be incorporated into a revised national security strategy and medium- to long-term defense guidelines later this year.