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South China Morning Post
15-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Can South Korea, Japan forces train together? Joint drill denial reveals unresolved trauma
South Korea's categorical denial of Japanese media reports that it will conduct its first-ever joint military exercise with Japan highlights the ongoing challenges facing the two countries in strengthening military cooperation, despite growing threats from North Korea and an increasingly assertive China, analysts say. On Tuesday, major Japanese news outlets reported that the South Korean Marine Corps would participate in a joint exercise with the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) as part of Kamandag, an annual multinational military exercise in the Philippines scheduled for next month. Kamandag – short for Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat, or 'Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea' – is led by the Philippine Marine Corps and the US Marine Corps. However, South Korea 's Marine Corps swiftly denied the reports. 'We will conduct combined drills with the United States and the Philippines, but there is no plan to do so with the JGSDF,' a defence ministry spokesman told This Week in Asia on Wednesday. 'As in previous years, the South Korean Marine Corps and the JGSDF will conduct separate exercises.' South Korean marines take aim with their rifles after dashing out of an assault amphibious vehicle during a landing drill in Pohang, North Gyeongsang province, on April 28. Photo: EPA-EFE/Yonhap A Marine Corp officer told Yonhap news agency: 'There won't be any scenario in which Korean marines and JGSDF troops share the same vessel.'
Times of Oman
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
India-Japan Joint Military Exercise 'Dharma Guardian' concludes successfully
Fuji: The 6th edition of the India-Japan joint military exercise, Dharma Guardian, concluded successfully at the East Fuji Training Area in Japan, a statement by the Indian Army said. The exercise, held from February 24 to March 9, marked a significant milestone in bilateral defence cooperation, as it was conducted on an enhanced scale with the participation of troops at the company-strength level, the statement said. The closing ceremony was attended by Lieutenant General Toriumi Seiji, Commanding General of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) 1st Division, who conveyed his appreciation to the participating troops for successfully meeting all objectives of the exercise. General Toriumi expressed his satisfaction with the joint training, which has further strengthened the operational readiness of both armed forces and deepened the India-Japan defence relationship. As per the statement, he emphasised the exercise's role in fostering greater cooperation and mutual understanding between the two nations' defence forces. The joint exercise focussed primarily on counter-terrorism operations in urban terrain, a key area of collaboration. Additionally, activities related to United Nations peacekeeping operations, including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), were also rehearsed. Troops engaged in a series of tactical drills, exchanged knowledge and expertise on operational conduct, and forged lasting ties of friendship and trust. During the course of the exercise, troops from both sides also engaged in cultural exchange activities. This included a special Yoga session organised by the Indian contingent for the Japanese side, a display of Kalari Pattu by the Indian troops and Japanese martial arts by the Japanese troops. The exercise concluded with a 72-hour validation phase, during which troops from both nations demonstrated their capability through a simulated joint counter-terrorism operation in an urban setting. The operation incorporated specialised techniques such as heli-borne insertion, slithering, and storming, during which the troops successfully met the desired operational standards, the statement added. Exercise Dharma Guardian provided both sides with a unique opportunity to learn from each other's best practices for conducting joint operations. The exercise also reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Japan to regional peace, security, and stability, strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries, the statement said.
