TOKYO, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Japan and the United States will conduct large-scale joint military exercises at multiple locations across Japan from Oct. 19 to 29, involving nearly 60,000 personnel and drawing widespread concern and opposition in Japan, Kyodo News reported Saturday.
The drills, dubbed "Keen Sword 27," will involve comprehensive training by ground, maritime and air forces. The Japan Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military will deploy about 45,000 and 12,000 personnel, respectively. Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the Philippines will also participate, with the latter five countries taking part for the first time, the report said.
Notably, the Type-25 surface-to-ship missile system, deployed in Kumamoto Prefecture in March despite local opposition, will take part in the exercises. The system will be moved to the Ohnobaru training area from its base in Kumamoto. The missile has a range of about 1,000 km, extending well beyond Japan's territory.
The U.S. military will also deploy advanced military equipment, including the Naval and Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System and the Marine Air Defense Integrated System, to Yonaguni Island in Okinawa Prefecture for the first time, according to the report.
The two militaries will conduct drills to counter ballistic missiles and military aircraft in waters off Hokkaido and northeastern Japan. Other exercises across the country will include parachute drops, amphibious vehicle landings, and casualty care and evacuation. Training will also cover support for ground, maritime and air operations in space and cyberspace.
The exercises have triggered widespread concern and opposition across Japan. Japanese media have reported protests in Okinawa, Nagasaki and Oita prefectures since the beginning of October, with demonstrators calling for the cancellation of the drills and an end to military training at civilian facilities.
Civic groups have warned that the joint exercises will only heighten regional tensions and put local residents at risk. ■
