The Self-Defense Forces from Japan will participate in the U.S. military’s Valiant Shield exercise for the first time, as announced by the Defense Ministry. The biennial drill, which involves about 10,000 personnel and takes place in the Pacific region, aims to enhance preparedness for potential contingencies around Japan.
This year, around 4,000 SDF personnel along with 130 vehicles and 60 aircraft from the Ground, Maritime, and Air forces will take part in the exercise scheduled from June 7 to 18. Nine prefectures in Japan will host various parts of the exercise, with deployment drills at air bases in Aomori and Miyagi Prefecture and airborne drop training in Hokkaido.
The Valiant Shield exercise will also include anti-ship combat drills around Amami Oshima and will be held in waters and airspace near Hawaii and the Philippines. This collaboration between Japanese and U.S. forces signifies a strategic partnership to strengthen defense capabilities in the region.