Japan’s Defense Ministry said a contingent of more than 30 military aircraft from Germany, France and Spain will deploy to Japan to conduct a series of exercises called Pacific Skies, currently being held by the air forces of the three European countries. The exercise will last about two months starting in mid-June in areas including Hawaii and Australia, according to The Japan Times .
German and Japanese fighter jets take part in joint exercises in the skies over Japan in September 2022.
Japan Air Self-Defense Force
The ASDF's exercises with France are scheduled to take place on July 19-20 in the airspace around Hyakuri Air Base in Ibaraki Prefecture, while exercises with both Germany and Spain will be held in the airspace around Chitose Air Base in Hokkaido.
Germany and Spain will send Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, while France will send Rafale jets to Japan. Several transport and aerial refueling aircraft and hundreds of military personnel will also participate in the exercise.
European navies and air forces flock to the Indo- Pacific
Mr. Kihara assessed that the regular visits to the Indo-Pacific region by the armed forces of Germany, France, and Spain are evidence of their determination to engage and demonstrate a clearer role in the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition, Japan's joint exercises with other countries' militaries not only help improve the tactical skills of the Japan Self-Defense Forces but also strengthen cooperative relations with other parties, as well as contribute to realizing Tokyo's vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The moves come as both Japan and Europe are concerned about growing challenges to the international order, including the conflict in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions and security tensions in East Asia.
Comment (0)