US and Japan to Hold Joint Drill Near Taiwan Later This Month, Deploying New Missile Systems

The Japan Self-Defense Forces and the US military will conduct large-scale joint exercises later this month in Japan's westernmost region close to Taiwan, NHK reported on October 2.

According to the report, the Self-Defense Forces and the US military will hold "Keen Sword," a live-action maneuver exercise, starting from October 19 for an 11-day period in Yonaguni Island, Okinawa Prefecture, with the defense of Japan in mind.

Yonaguni Island is located just 107 kilometers away from Taiwan.

As Japan places high security importance on the island, a Ground Self-Defense Force garrison has been stationed there since 2016.

The Keen Sword exercise is held regularly once every two years, and this year's drills are characterized by the deployment of the two countries' latest surface-to-ship missiles, including the US military's new anti-ship missile system, NMESIS.

NMESIS is a missile system capable of carrying anti-ship missiles with a range of over 180 kilometers mounted on a remotely operated unmanned vehicle.

It is a key equipment of the US 12th Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR), and this marks its first deployment on Yonaguni Island.

The Ground Self-Defense Force also plans to deploy surface-to-ship missiles with a range of several hundred kilometers for the first time in an exercise held on the island.

NHK reported, "Deploying these surface-to-ship missiles at Japan's westernmost point is intended to strengthen deterrence with China in mind," adding, "However, the continued deployment of missiles is expected to draw opposition from residents in the surrounding area."

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※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.