MANILA — Filipino troops are training alongside forces from Japan, the United States and other partner nations in Exercise Keen Sword at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Ishigaki Garrison in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said in a press release dated October 27.
The exercise is scheduled from October 19 to 29. The AFP joined the Japan Self-Defense Forces and United States forces at its opening ceremony on October 19.
Besides the Philippines, Japan and the United States, the participating forces come from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands and New Zealand. The AFP described the exercise as a chance for the participating nations to exchange knowledge, share best practices and build professional relationships.
The joint training includes air and missile defense, facility protection and repair, logistics and resupply, casualty evacuation, and maritime operations. In photos from the AFP, Filipino personnel and their foreign counterparts carry out first aid on simulated casualties during the exercise.
The AFP said its participation is meant to give it valuable insights into joint planning, coordination, information sharing and combined military operations, which can contribute to developing its capabilities and operational readiness.
According to the AFP Public Affairs Office, headed by Col. Xerxes A. Trinidad, the participation underscores the importance of cooperation, mutual understanding and shared responsibility in addressing evolving security challenges. The AFP added that by strengthening partnerships and interoperability with allied and partner forces, it contributes to collective efforts toward a peaceful, stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.
Source: AFP Public Affairs Office. Photos: AFP.