Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF

🇯🇵🇬🇧#JGSDF held the opening ceremony for Vigilant Isles 26, a bilateral field training exercise with the British Army, at Camp Kita-Chitose on 7 NOV 2026.
JGSDF’s 5th Brigade (27th Infantry Regiment), Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, 1st Helicopter Brigade and other units, together with the British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team (2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles), will conduct various training activities related to counter-landing operations at the Hokkaido Training Area through 22 NOV 2026.
The exercise will enhance operational capabilities and further strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the JGSDF and British Army.

🇯🇵🇬🇧GEN Arai, CS ,JGSDF, met Ms. Robertson, the Ambassador of the UK to Japan, who visited Camp Ichigaya on 28 OCT 2026.
Through the exchange of views with the Ambassador, #JGSDF and the British Army agreed to engage in multifaceted defense cooperation and exchanges to further strengthen relations between the JGSDF and British Army.

#JGSDF has been conducting live-fire air defense training at the Shizunai Range and the Rokkasho Range, employing Type-87 Short-range SAM, Type-93 Close-range SAM, and the Type-87 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun since JUL 2026.
In addition, JGSDF Chu-SAM units are conducting Annual Service Practice at McGregor Range in the United States, in conjunction with JASDF Patriot units.
JGSDF will continue to enhance its air defense capabilities through live-fire training both in Japan and overseas.

🇯🇵🇺🇸MG Tanaka, the Judge Advocate General of the Ground Staff Office, held a meeting with the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the US Marine Corps (MG Christopher G. Tolar) to discuss legal matters on 17 OCT 2026.
Through this meeting, both sides deepened their mutual understanding of contributing to the maintenance and strengthening of a free and open international order based on the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as to the creation of a peaceful and stable international environment. They also agreed to further enhance cooperation in the legal field between Japan and the US.

WO Watahiki, Sergeant Major of the #JGSDF, participated in the Association of the US Army Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. from 12 to 14 OCT 2026.
During discussions with the Sergeant Major of the Army, Command Sergeant Majors from major US Army commands, and Sergeant Major of the Army from partner nations, including those in Europe, they shared the recognition of the necessity and importance to continually adapt to changes in organizational structure and strategies. They also agreed to further strengthen cooperation among allied and like-minded countries at Senior Enlisted Leaders and NCOs.