Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. Marine Corps began a joint drill called “Iron Fist” on Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture on Sunday. The exercise simulates defending and recapturing a remote island, involving about 1,800 personnel. It is the first time the drill is being held on Tanegashima Island.
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. Marine Corps started a joint live-fire drill on Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture on Sunday. Dubbed “Iron Fist,” the annual exercise was observed by the press on Monday.
Approximately 1,800 personnel are taking part in the training, which simulates the defense and recapture of a remote island. This marks the first time the drill has been conducted on Tanegashima Island.
In the landing exercise, two landing craft air cushion vessels (LCACs) from the tank landing ship Osumi approached landing points, allowing members of the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade to land mortar-equipped vehicles. U.S. Marines also performed rappelling training from an Osprey transport aircraft.
The on-island portion of the drill is set to continue through Wednesday. The exercise aims to strengthen coordination between the two allied forces.
