US military to stage part of large-scale exercise in Japan for first time
NHK has learned the US military will hold part of its large-scale exercise in Japan for the first time in an apparent effort to improve its rapid response capability to address possible emergencies near the country.
The US military conducts the exercise, code-named Valiant Shield, once every two years in Guam and elsewhere. It involves personnel from branches such as the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.
This year's iteration of the exercise is scheduled to begin in early June and continue for about two weeks.
Sources say US fighter jets are scheduled to arrive at US bases and two Self-Defense Force facilities in Japan to engage in training with SDF aircraft.