Japan to deploy more patrol ships at Diaoyus
Japan will deploy two more patrol ships to boost its defence of islands at the centre of a territorial row with China and has conducted its first drill simulating the recapture of an isle seized by enemy forces.
Japan will deploy two more patrol ships to boost its defence of islands at the centre of a territorial row with China and has conducted its first drill simulating the recapture of an isle seized by enemy forces.
The vessels will be stationed at the regional coastguard headquarters which covers the Japanese-controlled Diaoyu, or Senkaku, islands in the East China Sea, Japanese public broadcaster NHK said today.
The 335-tonne Kurose and the 3,100-tonne Chikuzen, which is equipped with a helicopter, will be deployed in August and October, respectively, NHK reported.
On Sunday, Japan’s Ground Self-Defence Force carried out the nation’s first military exercise designed to recapture “a remote island invaded by an enemy force”, officials said.
We will strengthen the deployment of the Self-Defence Force in response to the tougher security environment surrounding our country
Some 300 troops took part in the 40-minute drill with 20 warplanes and more than 30 military vehicles at the Narashino garrison in Chiba, southeast of Tokyo.