Japanese helicopters undergo training to fend off potential invaders, part of nationwide military exercises
A Japanese Apache helicopter conducted on Wednesday a low-altitude flight over Irisuna, an uninhabited island in Okinawa, as part of simulated exercises aimed at preparing Japan's air, sea, and land forces for potential conflicts in East Asia.
These exercises are part of the 11-day nationwide 05JX initiative, which also includes air defense exercises in Japan's north and simulated attacks on five nuclear reactors, including the Fukushima plant.
According to a report from Reuters, these military drills are anticipated to expand in scope and frequency following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's December announcement of a military buildup, doubling defense spending over the next five years to strengthen Japan's Self Defense Forces against potential adversaries, notably China.
Commander Shingo Nashinoki of Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB), speaking on Irisuna, emphasized the challenging national security environment around Japan, particularly with increased military activities by China and Russia in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Western Pacific. Established in 2018, the ARDB is trained for operations from the sea and plays a crucial role in defending the Okinawa islands, extending from the main Japanese islands to near Taiwan.
Nashinoki mentioned that the augmented defense budget would enable the ARDB to add a third regiment, enhancing its capabilities.
