Japan's SDF, coast guard plan first field drill against direct attack

Tokyo lays groundwork to bolster maritime defenses with eye on China

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Japan Coast Guard have never conducted a joint field drill simulating an attack on the country before. (Japan Coast Guard handout via Kyodo)

YUSUKE TAKEUCHI, Nikkei staff writer

June 14, 2023 01:38 JST

TOKYO -- Japan's Self-Defense Forces and coast guard will rehearse their joint response to an armed attack for the first time as early as this month, with an eye on potential threats against the country's outer islands.

The Maritime SDF and the Japan Coast Guard will deploy vessels and aircraft as part of the field drill. The coast guard could also share data gathered by U.S.-made SeaGuardian drones with the maritime force in real time.