Japan and U.S. launch high-level military exercise
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military have begun the latest edition of the Keen Sword exercise, a large-scale live military drill designed to strengthen coordination and readiness in the event of an attack on Japan. More than 57,000 Japanese and U.S. personnel are taking part in the exercise, which began on the 19th and will continue through the 29th at Self-Defense Forces facilities and other locations across Japan.
The exercise involves approximately 45,000 members of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and around 12,000 U.S. personnel. Seven countries besides Japan and the United States are also participating. France, Germany and three other countries are joining the exercise for the first time, reflecting Japan’s expanding security partnerships with European and Indo-Pacific nations.
Long-range missile makes first deployment
One of the most closely watched elements of this year’s exercise is the first deployment during an exercise of Japan’s Type-25 surface-to-ship guided missile. The missile system was deployed from the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Kengun Camp in Kumamoto, where it was introduced in March, to the Ohnobaru Training Area in Nagasaki and Saga prefectures.
From the training area, Japanese forces will conduct drills focused on responding to hostile naval vessels. The missile is reported to have a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers, placing parts of China’s coastal areas within its potential reach. Its deployment is therefore viewed by Japan’s Defense Ministry as a highly visible symbol of the government’s developing “counterstrike capability,” which is intended to enable Japan to respond to attacks, including by targeting launch sites when necessary and under strict conditions.
Strengthening alliance coordination
Keen Sword is held roughly every two years, alternating with Keen Edge, a command-post exercise focused primarily on tabletop and computer-based scenarios. Keen Sword is a comprehensive field exercise that assumes an attack on Japan and involves personnel from Japan’s ground, maritime and air forces, together with U.S. forces. The drill is intended to improve communication, logistics, joint operations and the ability to respond rapidly across Japan’s geographically diverse territory.
This year’s exercise comes as military activity in the region becomes increasingly active. China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning moved into the Pacific earlier this month, while Chinese naval and air operations around Japan and the broader western Pacific continue to draw close attention from Tokyo and its partners. Japan’s government says the exercise is defensive in nature and aimed at improving deterrence and crisis response rather than provoking confrontation.
Growing focus on the southwest islands
U.S. forces are also deploying advanced equipment to Japan’s southwestern islands, an area considered strategically important because of its proximity to Taiwan, the East China Sea and major sea lanes. The region includes Okinawa and other remote islands where Japan has strengthened its defense presence in recent years.
For Japan, the exercise provides an opportunity to test how effectively its forces can operate with the United States while also improving cooperation with additional international partners. For foreign observers and residents in Japan, Keen Sword offers a clear view of how the country is adapting its defense posture while maintaining its long-standing emphasis on alliance-based security and regional stability. The exercise is expected to remain closely monitored as Japan balances stronger deterrence with its commitment to a free, open and peaceful Indo-Pacific.
