Latest news with #JapanGroundSelf-DefenceForce
South China Morning Post
22-03-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Japan sends message to Beijing on ‘significant costs' of Taiwan Strait attack
Tokyo's plan to deploy long-range missiles in the southwest of the country has the Taiwan Strait and North Korea in mind, and it could also deny Chinese navy vessels access to the Pacific, analysts say. Advertisement Japanese news agency Kyodo reported on Sunday that Tokyo was considering deploying the missiles on the southwestern island of Kyushu to strengthen 'counterstrike capabilities' against enemy targets if a conflict arose. The report, citing Japanese government sources, said the deployment was likely to take place in March 2026 as part of efforts to improve the security of the Nansei Islands – an archipelago also known as the Ryukyus. Kyushu is part of the island chain which has strategic importance for its proximity to Taiwan Tokyo is assessing possible sites in Kyushu for the deployment, according to Kyodo. It said the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force surface-to-ship missile regiment garrisons in Yufu in Oita prefecture and the city of Kumamoto were two likely candidates. The missiles to be deployed are an upgraded version of Japan's Type-12 surface-to-ship guided missile, with an extended range of 1,000km (620 miles). That would put both North Korea and the Chinese coast within reach from Kyushu. Advertisement Stephen Nagy, a professor of politics and international studies at the International Christian University in Tokyo, said Japan was sending a message that there would be 'significant costs' if Beijing launched a military operation across the Taiwan Strait, or in and around the Diaoyu Islands . The Diaoyus – known in Japan as the Senkakus – are a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea claimed by both China and Japan. Nagy said Tokyo was trying to show Washington that it takes security seriously and is shouldering its fair share of the burden within the alliance, and that it was also concerned about Beijing's activities in the region including military drills around Taiwan and grey-zone operations.
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.
