Japan to conduct joint fighter drill with Germany in Japan

 The Defense Ministry said Tuesday that Japan and Germany will carry out a joint drill with their fighter jets in Japan on Sept. 28 with the aim of strengthening defense cooperation between the two nations.

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force will conduct joint training with the German Air Force next week in Japanese airspace for the first time.

The ASDF says three German Eurofighter jets will arrive at the Hyakuri Air Base in Ibaraki Prefecture, near Tokyo, on September 28.

Three Japanese F-2 fighter jets will take part in the formation and navigation training.

The ASDF says the goal is to promote mutual understanding, strengthen defense cooperation and improve the ASDF's tactical skills.

Germany upheld "multilateralism" in its diplomatic and national security guidelines in 2020, and made clear its intention to step up involvement in the Indo-Pacific region.

The German Air Force earlier took part in a multilateral military exercise that was held in Australia.

 

 According to the Air Self-Defense Force, three Eurofighter jets of the German Air Force and three F-2 fighter jets of the ASDF will participate in the joint exercise. This is the first time that German Air Force Eurofighters will fly to Japan.

At a press conference after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said, “[The joint drill] symbolizes Germany’s unwavering involvement in the Indo-Pacific region and the deepening defense cooperation between Japan and Germany.”