Japan, US launch 'Keen Sword' exercises amid regional tensions

Approximately 47,000 Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and US Forces on 5 November launched joint-bilateral exercises amid heightened regional tensions due to an ongoing territorial dispute between Japan and China in the East China Sea.

'Keen Sword 2013', which runs until 16 November, is part of a series of regular field training exercises meant to enable JSDF and US armed forces to hone co-ordination procedures and improve operational interoperability to ensure that Japan can meet various security contingencies in the Asia-Pacific region.

The biennial exercise - the 11th since its inception in 1986 - alternates yearly with 'Keen Edge', a command post exercise, the last of which was held on 22-27 January 2012.

All components from both militaries are participating at locations throughout Japan.

US Forces-Japan (USFJ) confirmed to IHS Jane's that an estimated 10,000 US participants from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps are involved in the exercise, including the US 7th Fleet.

USFJ added that this year's exercises included maritime operations and base security operations, as well as integrated air and missile defence, search and rescue, close air support, live-fire training, and maritime defence and interdiction.