TOKYO: Japan and France conducted their inaugural joint fighter jet exercise on Thursday, signifying a strengthening of military cooperation between the two nations. France dispatched two Rafale fighters from the French Air and Space Force, while Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) contributed three F-15 and two F-2 fighter jets for the joint drill conducted over southwestern Japan.
The exercise, scheduled to last until Saturday, comes in the backdrop of reports suggesting that France is opposed to NATO’s plans of establishing an office in Tokyo. In addition to the fighter jets, aerial refueling planes and transport aircraft from both countries are participating in the training. The French fighter jets arrived at the Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki province on Wednesday, marking the commencement of the exercise.
Japan’s Joint Fighter Jet Exercises with Other Nations
Japan has previously conducted joint fighter jet exercises with Germany and India in the past year, further highlighting its commitment to fostering military cooperation with other nations. Additionally, similar joint drills with Italy and Australia are planned for August.
Recently, reports surfaced indicating that French President Emmanuel Macron expressed reservations about NATO’s intention to set up an office in Japan, which would be the first of its kind in Asia. He argued that such a move would be a “big mistake.”
In contrast, in January, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reached an agreement to enhance their partnership. Both leaders recognized the evolving security environment, emphasizing the challenges posed by Russia’s actions in Ukraine and its military cooperation with China, which have contributed to the most severe and complex security landscape since the end of World War II.
