Japan and U.S. conducted joint MD exercises five times in 10 months; Prime minister’s office took part

   It was revealed that the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. forces held joint missile defense exercises five times since last September and that in at least one drill, the information on the drill was sent in real-time to the Prime Minister’s Official Residence.

   This fact indicates that the two countries are jointly building up military power using the threat of North Korea as an excuse, while the Six-party talks on North Korea’s nuclear programs and ballistic missiles is to resume on July 18.

   The fifth exercise was held on July 6 in the sea and air areas surrounding Japan. A U.S. 7th Fleet Command official at the U.S. Yokosuka Naval Base (Kanagawa Pref.) said that in this exercise, the U.S. force “actually passed the tracking information all the way to Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe’s office” in order for them “to be able to share information quickly, so the leaders can make decisions in a timely manner.”

   On July 10, Japan’s Defense Ministry announced that Maritime SDF Aegis vessels and Air SDF AWACS (Airborne Early Warning and Control System aircraft) took part in the joint exercise on July 6, but did not provide detailed information.                                   - Akahata, July 18, 2007