Japan-US training exercise could involve new US missile system
The Resolute Dragon field exercise is aimed at coordinating maneuvers for the defense of Japan's remote islands.
The Ground Self-Defense Force says this year's exercise runs from September 11 through 25. It will be held in the Kyushu region including Okinawa Prefecture, the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, and Ioto, also known as Iwojima.
The scale of the exercise will be one of the largest ever. About 12,000 personnel from the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces and roughly 1,900 US personnel from the Marine Corps and other forces are set to take part.
They plan to conduct live-fire drills with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force's rocket system and the US military's artillery rocket system.
Officials say deployment of the US military's NMESIS anti-ship missile system at Camp Ishigaki in Okinawa is under consideration.
The idea appears to be aimed at strengthening deterrence, mindful of China's increased military activities.
But deployment of the new missile system could draw protests from locals.
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