Japan- France joint drill

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and the French air force are conducting their first joint exercises in Japan. The four-day drill began at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Wednesday.

Some 10 aircraft from both sides, including fighter jets and transport planes are taking part. The aircraft are expected to fly in formation as part of tactical training before the drill ends on Saturday.

At a news conference on Thursday, the head of the JASDF, said that he believes the joint exercise will lead to France's ongoing involvement in a free and open Indo-Pacific. The chief of staff of the French air force expressed the hope that it will be an opportunity to build better relations between the two forces. The JASDF recently held its first joint drills with both the German and Indian air forces in Japan.