Japan Defense Focus No.136

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7Visit the JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles. www.mod.go.jp/en/jdf/ Japan and the U.S. concurred on conducting high-end train-ing to bolster the alliance capabilities to deter and respond. This training, joined by the 5th generation fighter jets and the aerial tanker, embodies the above. The JSDF will continue such bilateral exercises.Japan-U.S. Bilateral ExerciseOn April 1, F-35A of the JASDF held tactical training with F-22, F-16 and KC-135 of the U.S, Air Force in the west-ern airspace of Misawa, in light of enhancing the alliance capabilities to deter and respond. The JSDF improves tactical skills and interoperability with U.S. forces.Japan-U.S. Bilateral ExerciseOn March 29, JS Kongo from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted tactical movement training with USS Blue Ridge in the East China Sea to improve tactical skills and strengthen Japan-U.S. cooperation, in light of enhancing the Alliance’s deterrence/response capabilities. Through this exercise, the MOD/JSDF improved tactical skills and interoperability with U.S. Navy. At the Ministerial Meeting on March 16, Minister Kishi and Secretary Austin concurred on the importance of enhancing readiness through high-end bilateral training. The MOD/JSDF and U.S. Forces will continue such training to bolster the deterrence and response capabilities of the Alliance.