Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF

🇯🇵🇫🇯Two instructors from the JSDF Central Hospital and the JGSDF Medical School participated in a Capacity Building Assistance (Medical) program in the Republic of Fiji from 28 FEB to 18 MAR 2026. Through this program, the JGSDF helped Republic of Fiji Military Forces (#RFMF) enhance field medical and casualty care capabilities required for PKO deployment, as well as deepening individual cooperation between JGSDF and RFMF personnel. Our contribution through this program, which has been conducted since 2024, is highly appreciated by Commander of RFMF as this program leads to enhancement of its capabilities. #JGSDF will continue to promote defense cooperation and exchanges with the Republic of Fiji.

#JGSDF participated in an Explosive Hazard Awareness Training (EHAT) Training of Trainer Course conducted by the United Nations (UNTPP) at the JGSDF Engineer School, (with the cooperation of the United Nations Mine Action Service and the Commonwealth of Australia) from 16 to 27 MAR 2026. JGSDF participants will acquire essential skills to recognize and avoid explosive hazards, for enhancing peacekeepers safety. After UN certification as EHAT instructors, they will deliver EHAT to peacekeepers from various countries. JGSDF will continue to contribute to improving the international security environment through the contribution to peacekeepers’ capacity building.

🇯🇵🇮🇳During Exercise Dharma Guardian 25 ( #DG25), a field training exercise between #JGSDF and the Indian Army, Major General Yanagida, Deputy Commander of the JGSDF 1st Division, and Major General Sharma, Chief of Staff of the Indian Army’s XIV Corps, jointly attended the closing ceremony. Through this training, wereaffirmed that Japan and India share fundamental values and we are partners with common interests in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world.

🇯🇵🇺🇸#JGSDF completed the bilateral exercise “Iron Fist 26” on 9 MAR 2026. Through this exercise, we have confirmed that the Ground Component Command and the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) maintain high joint operational capabilities and interoperability in an amphibious operation. JGSDF will continue to strengthen our bilateral deterrence and response capabilities and contribute to the stability of the Indo-Pacific region including Japan.

🇯🇵🇺🇸GEN Arai, Chief of Staff, JGSDF, held a regular dialogue by VTC with Gen Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps on 5 MAR 2026. During this meeting, he agreed on the direction of cooperation between JGSDF and USMC, and on jointly strengthening the Land Power Network with JGSDF and USMC. #JGSDF will further strengthen the relationships built with USMC.

🇯🇵🇮🇳#JGSDF conducted a comprehensive training for counter-terrorism operations during the FY2025 field training exercise with the Indian Army “Dharma Guardian 25 #DG25.” In anenvironment where terrorist drone operations are anticipated, both units bilaterally carried out counter-drone measures, heliborne mobility, and clearing operations against terrorists enhancing operational capabilities and tactical proficiency while promoting mutual understanding between Japan and India.

🇯🇵🇺🇸#JGSDF conducted a comprehensive training of the Exercise “Iron Fist 26” between 27 FEB and 7 MAR 2026. Japan and the U.S. jointly rehearsed a series of amphibious operations, including maneuvering by bilateral naval vessels, preassault insertion, rehearsal landings, amphibious landings and subsequent ground combat operations, with the participation of maritime forces from both nations, under continuous situations over eight days and nine nights. Through the comprehensive training, we mutually confirmed that Japan–U.S. interoperability has reached a high level. JGSDF will continue to conduct effective exercises and strive to further enhance our jointoperational capabilities.

🇯🇵🇮🇳#JGSDF is conducting drone training and counter‑drone training under a counter‑terrorism scenario during the field training exercise with the Indian Army “Dharma Guardian 25 #DG25.” Through the mutual sharing of expertise on supporting deployed units via real‑time video transmission and on procedures for neutralizing hostile drones, the JGSDF aims to enhance operational capabilities and tactical proficiency aligned with the modern operational environment.

#JGSDF is conducting bilateral training onnecessary actions for amphibious operations, including air mobility using the V‑22 (MV‑22) Osprey and the Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization, during the bilateral exercise “Iron Fist 26.” Through these cross-domain training isinvolving both nations’ Navies, we are enhancing bilateral interoperability. Furthermore, by inviting observers from various countries to the exercise, we promoted their understanding of the efforts of bilateral forces toward peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

🇯🇵🇮🇳#JGSDF is conducting mop-up training for counter-terrorism operations during the field training exercise with the Indian Army “Dharma Guardian 25 #DG25.” Through joint training with India on air infiltration and indoor storming procedures, including live-fire exercises, they are sharing their respective know-how, thereby enhancing operational capabilities and tactical skills related to counter-terrorism operations.

🇯🇵🇩🇪#JGSDF held the 8th Staff Talks with the German Army in Magdeburg, Germany from 24 to 26 FEB 2026. During this staff talks, JGSDF and German Army discussed security environment and engaged in discussions on the future direction of defense cooperation and exchanges. In addition, participantsvisited the German Army Combat Training Centre, observing the methods of competitive exercises based on the latest lessons learned as well as various facilities. JGSDF will continue to promote cooperation and exchanges with the German Army toward preservation of a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

🇯🇵🇺🇸🇰🇷WO Watahiki, Sargent Major of the #JGSDF, visited the Republic of Korea from 9 to 14 FEB 2026 and engaged with senior enlisted leaders of the Republic of Korea Army and U.S. Forces Korea. He visited ROK Army Headquarters, the Noncommissioned Officer Academy and various branch schools as well as U.S. 8th Army and the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea, and deepened mutual understanding through discussions on the significance and importance of JPN-U.S.-ROK NCO exchanges, personnel development, and leadership education. At the Joint Security Area (JSA), he conducted on-site observations and exchanged views on frontline unit missions and soldier development. All parties agreed to continue strengthening cooperation at the NCO level. JGSDF remains committed to contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

🇯🇵🇺🇸#JGSDF conducted live-fire exercise of the Type 88 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM) by SSM units at the Point Mugu Range in the United States from 6 to 25 FEB 2026. Through live-fire exercises both in Japan and overseas, JGSDF remains committed to further enhance operational capabilities of its SSM units, thereby contributing to regional peace and stability.

🇯🇵🇫🇯Two personnel #JGSDF Medical School and SDF Central Hospital reported their departure to GEN ARAI, Chief of Staff, JGSDF, to participate in the Capacity Building Program (Medical) in the Republic of #Fiji from 28 FEB to 18 MAR 2026. Through the development of instructors in first-aid procedures aimed at improving the survival rate of the wounded, the participating members will support the enhancement of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ (RFMF) field medical capabilities. JGSDF will continue to advance defense cooperation and exchanges with the Republic of Fiji.

🇯🇵🇮🇳#JGSDF held the opening ceremony of the bilateral exercise “Dharma Guardian 25” with Indian Army in Republic of India on 24 FEB 2026. This year, the 32nd Infantry Regiment, Eastern Army, will conduct a variety of counterterrorism training in collaboration with the 14th Ladahk Scout Regiment, Northern Command, Indian Army. Through this exercise, JGSDF will improve operational capabilities and tactical skills in counterterrorism, further strengthen Japan‐India cooperation and contribute to maintaining and strengthening a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

🇯🇵🇫🇷GEN Arai, Chief of Staff, #JGSDF, held his first dialogue by VTC with GEN Pierre SCHILL, Chief of the French Army. They exchanged views on the security environment surrounding two nations, and shared that JPN-FRA relationship was important for peace and stability of the international community. They agreed to continue developing cooperation between JPN-FRA land forces to strengthen bilateral relation. #FreeandOpenIndoPacific

🇯🇵🇺🇸#JGSDF held the opening ceremony of the bilateral exercise “Iron Fist 26” with III MEF on 23 FEB 2026. Through this exercise, we will practice bilateral actions necessary for amphibious operations including joint operations, and further improve interoperability primarily between the Ground Component Command and III MEF.

#JGSDF hosted the Multilateral Logistics Staff Talk 2025 (MLST25) at Camp Ichigaya, etc in Tokyo, inviting 41 logistics and medical specialists from 14 allied and like-minded countries from 16 to 19 FEB 2026.🇺🇸🇬🇧🇹🇭🇸🇬🇰🇷🇮🇩🇦🇺🇲🇾🇯🇵🇹🇴🇩🇪🇫🇷🇨🇦🇰🇭🇳🇿 At this conference, Participant from various countries shared the situational awareness through the high level speeches including the Parliamentary Vice Minister Yoshida and deepened mutual understanding and trust in the field of logistics and medical support through multilateral discussions and exhibition of equipment. JGSDF will continue to further strengthen for multilateral cooperation and deepen trust with allied and like-minded countries, and share the significance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

🇺🇳🇯🇵MAJ Kita and MAJ Niyama, who had been dispatched as staff officers to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) headquarters, conducted a debriefing with GEN Arai, CS, JGSDF on 19FEB 2026. GEN Arai congratulated them for their achievement, stating: “ I recognize your performance of duties within UNMISS has been directly contributing to peace and stability in the international community. I am proud of your accomplishments as CS.” #JGSDF will continue to contribute to improving the international security environment through dispatching personnel to UN Peacekeeping Operations and related activities.

🇯🇵🇸🇧#JGSDF four instructors from Ordnance school have successfully completed the Capacity Building Project( #EOD) in the Solomon Islands and returned Japan. To enhance the Royal Solomon Islands State Police Force’s (RSIPF) capabilities in disposal, the JGSDF instructors, in collaboration with the non-profit organization Japan Mine Action Service(#JMAS), conducted risk avoidance education, contributing to the safety and security of the Solomon Islands people through public-private partnership. In addition, at Guadalcanal, a site of fierce historical battles, they paid their deepest respects to the predecessors who gave their precious lives for our country and reaffirmed the lessons of history and the importance of peace. JGSDF will continue to contribute to regional peace and stability while further promoting defense cooperation and exchanges with the Solomon Islands.