(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I would like to speak about the joint exercises with the German Air Force, French Air and Space Force, and Spanish Air and Space Force. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) will conduct joint exercises with the air forces of Germany, France, and Spain from July 19 to 25, taking advantage of the opportunity of their visit to the Indo-Pacific region. Specifically, in terms of the exercises by German, French, and Spanish fighter aircraft and ASDF fighter aircraft, we have planned to conduct a Japan-France bilateral exercise around Hyakuri Air Base, and a Japan-Germany-Spain trilateral exercise and a Japan-Germany bilateral exercise around Chitose Air Base. This month, we also conducted bilateral exercises with the Turkish Navy, the Royal Netherlands Navy, and the Indian Navy in the waters around Japan. The successive visits to the Indo-Pacific region by the armed forces of these countries are proof of the countries’ willingness and ability to engage in the region. In addition, joint exercises in the vicinity of Japan with the armed forces of various countries not only improve the tactical skills of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), but also deepen cooperation with these countries toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” Japan shares with many countries universal values such as freedom, democracy, respect for fundamental human rights, and the rule of law, including the intention of never tolerating unilateral change to the status quo by force and such attempts thereof. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the SDF will continue to promote defense cooperation, including joint exercises with these countries, in the Indo-Pacific region where many security challenges exist.