AFP joins Japan-US military drills to boost interoperability

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has joined military exercises in Japan alongside Japanese, American and other international forces to strengthen operational coordination and regional security cooperation.

In a statement Wednesday, the AFP said its personnel participated in the opening ceremony of Exercise Keen Sword 27 on 19 October at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Ishigaki Garrison in Okinawa Prefecture.

The exercise, scheduled from 19 to 29 October, brings together personnel from Japan, the United States, the Philippines, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands and New Zealand.

Training activities cover air and missile defense, facility protection and repair, logistics and resupply, casualty evacuation and maritime operations.

The AFP said the drills provide opportunities to exchange expertise, share operational practices and improve coordination among participating forces.

Philippine personnel are expected to gain experience in joint planning, information sharing and combined military operations to strengthen the military's operational readiness.

The AFP said its participation reflects the importance of international defense cooperation in addressing evolving security challenges.

It added that stronger interoperability with partner forces would support efforts to maintain peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.