20 planes and 33 Japanese armored vehicles practice retaking the island

300 troops, 20 aircraft and 33 armored vehicles of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) conducted exercises to retake the island.

The exercise took place today, January 13, in Narashino, Chiba.

The exercise was conducted under the assumption that a Japanese island was occupied by foreign forces. Japan's air force and navy would launch a combined attack to retake the island.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces conduct an island recapture exercise on January 13 in Narashino, Chiba - Photo: News.cn

“Japan’s security situation has never been worse than it is now,” said Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, referring to the context of neighboring countries accelerating military modernization, especially North Korea, which has conducted two controversial satellite launches.

Minister Onodera declared that the SDF must resolutely defend Japanese territory to ensure the safety and lives of its people.

The SDF had planned to hold joint exercises with the US military on an island in Okinawa but had to cancel them due to opposition from local residents.

According to Tuoi Tre - DT