Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) took part in a live-fire anti-landing drill in northern Luzon in the Philippines. This was part of the joint large-scale Balikatan military exercise held by the Philippines and the United States and marked JSDF’s first direct participation.

Commander of the Northern Luzon Command Lt. Gen. Aristotle D. Gonzalez said that this was a scheduled training exercise not directed at any specific country but aimed at enhancing joint operational capabilities among like-minded nations.

Japan previously participated in Balikatan as an observer but dispatched JSDF personnel for the first time this year to directly engage in training exercises, including live-fire drills. Balikatan began on April 20 and is scheduled to continue through May 8. Participating nations include the Philippines, the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, France and New Zealand, with a total of 17,000 personnel. The area of the exercise covers the South China Sea and northern Philippines, near Taiwan.