Japanese and U.S. troops carried out a joint train to strengthen the protection of distant Japanese islands, in response to native media Sunday.
Tokyo-based The Japan Times reported that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force together with the U.S. Marines “conducted a landing drill on the island of Tokunoshima in Kagoshima Prefecture on Friday as part of the Iron Fist joint exercise.”
It is “the first iteration of the drill to be held in Japan,” the newspaper reported.
“By conducting the drill in a location close to the Nansei Islands, the Japanese and U.S. sides were looking to confirm their joint capabilities in defending the southwestern island chain and keeping China’s increasing maritime presence in check,” it stated.
As a part of the drill, models from the 2 international locations “worked together to land troops,” it added.
All earlier Iron Fist drills had taken place within the US.
The train additionally included “parachute training and landings with amphibious assault and airborne units,” The Japan News reported.
The train, which kicked off on Feb. 16, will proceed by way of March 12.
Source: www.anews.com.tr