‘Valiant Shield’ drill expands with Japanese participation

Japanese forces are set to join one of the Pacific’s most significant drills, Valiant Shield, marking a pivotal expansion in regional defense collaboration.

According to a spokesperson from Japan’s Joint Staff, troops from both nations will partake in Valiant Shield in June, with training now extending to Japan for the first time. Approximately 4,000 Japanese troops, eight vessels, and 60 aircraft are slated to participate in the exercise from June 7 to 18.

Japan is seeking to increase its military coordination in the face of China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific and North Korea’s threatening missile tests.

In a statement, Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru announced that his country will participate in the U.S.-organized “Valiant Shield” exercise for the first time.

“In the face of an increasingly serious security environment, it is extremely meaningful to enhance the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-US alliance,” Kihara said.

While details of the exercise are yet to be officially confirmed by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Lt. Cmdr. Marissa Huhmann, a Pacific Fleet spokeswoman, emphasized the importance of joint training in enhancing operational efficiency, bolstering response capabilities, and ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

In the previous iteration of Valiant Shield in 2022, held off Guam, American forces comprised 13,000 troops, including aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, Marine Expeditionary Forces, surface ships, and numerous aircraft.

The forthcoming drill aims to fortify the deterrence and response covering Guam, the Philippines and Hawaii. More than 10,000 U.S. personnel will participate in the drill.