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| File photo by Adam Garlington |
According to a JGSDF statement, the drills are designed to improve tactical proficiency in air defense operations and bolster the combat readiness of the participating units. The exercises, part of the fiscal year 2025 training plan, will involve a series of test launches to validate the operational performance of the missile systems under realistic conditions.
The JGSDF stated that the primary goal is to confirm the force's ability to execute the complete sequence of actions required for a surface-to-air missile launch, from detection and tracking to final engagement. "By training in the United States, our units can conduct practical tests of their equipment, refine operational procedures, and strengthen crew confidence in their systems," the Ministry of Defense noted.
The exercises will feature two key components of Japan’s multi-layered air defense architecture:
The MIM-23 Hawk, a U.S.-developed system that has long been a foundational part of Japan's air defense network.
The Chu-SAM (Type 03), a modern, domestically-developed, truck-mounted system capable of engaging multiple aerial targets at medium range, providing high mobility and precision against modern threats.
A key reason for conducting the training in the United States is the availability of vast, open firing ranges. The JGSDF explained that live-fire drills of this scale and complexity are not feasible within Japan's restricted airspace. The U.S. facilities allow Japanese troops to practice detection, tracking, and engagement procedures in a live-fire environment that cannot be replicated at home.
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| File photo of a Chu-SAM missile by Adam Holguin |
The Japanese Ministry of Defense described the exercise as a crucial element of Japan’s broader air defense strategy and a vital step toward maintaining combat readiness in the face of evolving regional threats. The live-fire environment allows troops to "gain greater confidence in their weapon systems," the JGSDF said.
While Japan has conducted similar live-fire exercises in the U.S. in previous years, often in coordination with American forces, this year's training will reportedly focus on the self-validation of Japanese air defense units' performance in realistic scenarios.
The JGSDF noted that such exercises are essential for adapting to the changing security environment in the Indo-Pacific and for maintaining the credibility of Japan's national deterrence posture.
