US Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships sail in formation to kick off exercise Keen Sword on 26 October. Credit: US Navy/Lt.j.g Samuel Hardgrove.

The US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) units and the Japan Self-Defense Force completed exercise Keen Sword 21 (KS21) on 5 November.

The exercise was carried out on military installations in mainland Japan, Okinawa prefecture, and the surrounding waters.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

KS21, which is a joint-bilateral field training exercise (FTX), saw participation from the US Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps.

It included maritime operations, amphibious landings, air operations, resupply efforts, integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) exercises, cyber and space operations, and base security events.

US Forces Japan commander Lt Gen Kevin Schneider said: “Keen Sword was a tremendous success with respect to operating and integrating with our allies.

“By learning from and working alongside each other, not only did we improve our joint and bilateral capabilities, we once again demonstrated our unwavering resolve to the US-Japan Alliance, which has been the foundation of peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region for the past 60 years.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

During the 11 day exercise, around 9,000 US and 37,000 JSDF forces carried out the training.

The US assets that took part included the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and Commander Task Force 73 ships, USS Ashland (LSD 48) and HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338).

Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 5, Commander Task Force 72, 5th Air Force, as well as ground forces from US Army Japan and air and ground forces from III Marine Expeditionary Force also participated.

Last month, the UK-led multinational exercise Joint Warrior (JW) 20-2, involving military personnel from 13 countries, concluded in the Atlantic Ocean.