Keen Sword 27: Japan–US Joint Military Exercise

Why in News?

Japan and the United States are conducting Keen Sword 27, described in the supplied report as the largest joint military exercise in their history. The drills involve at least 45,000 Japanese military personnel and 11,000 US troops, along with ships, aircraft, ground forces and partner nations from Europe and the Indo-Pacific. The exercise runs through 29 October 2026.

Key Features

• Participating countries: Japan and the United States, with involvement from partner nations.
• Scale: At least 45,000 Japanese personnel and 11,000 US troops.
• Duration: Through 29 October 2026.
• Area of focus: Japan’s south-western island chain, extending towards Taiwan.
• Military assets: Naval vessels, aircraft, ground forces and advanced anti-ship missile systems.
• Key locations: Yonaguni Island and Ishigaki Island, where US and Japanese forces have reportedly deployed advanced anti-ship missile systems during the exercise for the first time.

Strategic Importance of the South-Western Islands

• Proximity to Taiwan: Yonaguni Island lies approximately 110 km east of Taiwan.
• Geographical significance: The islands occupy a strategic position near the Taiwan Strait and important maritime routes in the western Pacific.
• Maritime security: The exercise trains forces to protect sea lanes and respond to potential threats to Japan’s remote islands.
• Defence preparedness: Deployment and operation of anti-ship missile systems can strengthen the ability to deter or counter maritime threats.

China’s Response

• Chinese warships, including vessels reportedly capable of supporting aircraft-carrier operations, have been observed in the region.
• Their reported activities include surveillance, monitoring and shadowing the military drills.
• The exercise takes place amid strategic competition in the western Pacific and concerns over security around the Taiwan Strait.

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