SDF and US forces hold largest-ever joint military exercise

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

SDF and US forces hold largest-ever joint military exercise

The largest-ever joint military exercise involving 45,000 members of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military, named as Keen Sword, took place from December 3 to 10.

Japan and the United States carried out the exercise amid the increasing military tension in Northeast Asia due to the Senkaku Islands issue and North Korea’s missile attack on a South Korean island.

The commanders of both militaries said that the exercises are routine and are not in response to recent events.

However, the SDF and the U.S. forces in joint military exercises regard both China and North Korea as potential enemies.

The reason why the size of joint military training became the largest-ever was precisely because both militaries are preparing for action against the potential threat of the two countries.

- Akahata, December 10, 2010