TBS reports that the large-scale joint military exercise between Japan and the United States, Resolute Dragon-26, has begun at 23 locations in southern Japan, in Okinawa and Kyushu.
9,600 personnel are participating in the exercise. Its purpose is to improve the tactical defense of the islands. Self-Defense Forces and US servicemen from three branches of the armed forces - land, sea and air - will take part in the exercise. This is the sixth time that military exercises have been held.
For the first time, the ships of the Sea Transport Group of the Self-Defense Forces will participate, as well as the personnel of the unit servicing the new Type 25 land-based anti-ship guided missile systems deployed in March of this year.
