The Apache helicopter's flight over Irisuna Island, about 70 km from the main island of Okinawa, was part of the 11-day 05JX exercise across Japan, according to Reuters. The exercise, which will conclude on November 20, also includes air defense drills in northern Japan and simulations of attacks on five nuclear reactors, including the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
An AH-64 Apache helicopter of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force during a training exercise on Irisuna Island (Japan) on November 15.
The 05JX exercise aims to prepare Japan's air, sea, and land forces for a potential conflict in East Asia, according to Reuters.
Such exercises are expected to be expanded in scale and become more frequent after Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida revealed in December 2022 a plan to double defense spending over the next five years to strengthen the country's Self-Defense Forces.
From Irisuna Island, Shingo Nashinoki, commander of Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB), stated that the national security environment surrounding the country has become more challenging. The ARDB was established in 2018 to support the defense of the Okinawa archipelago, which stretches from Japan's main islands to near Taiwan.
According to Nashinoki, Japan's growing defense budget will allow the ARDB to add a third regiment.
Commander Shingo Nashinoki and soldiers of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) participate in a training exercise while U.S. Marines observe, on Irisuna Island, November 15.
Last month, a senior Japanese official said that while trying to close a "defense gap" in the Nansei island chain, which stretches from Kyushu to near Taiwan, the Japanese Ministry of Defense is urgently strengthening its deterrence capabilities in Kyushu, according to Jiji News.
Accordingly, the Japanese Ministry of Defense will establish a squadron of F-35B stealth fighter jets and a land-to-ship missile unit in Kyushu. In fiscal year 2024 (beginning April 2024), six F-35B fighter jets, capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings, will be deployed to Japan for the first time. These F-35Bs will belong to a temporary squadron established at the Nyutabaru Air Self-Defense Force base in Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu region.
In addition, a land-to-ship missile regiment will be established at Camp Yufuin of the Ground Self-Defense Force in Oita Prefecture, also in Kyushu, to prepare for any unexpected situations that may arise in the region.
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