US defense secretary observes Japan, US, Australia joint drill at SDF base

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin who is visiting Japan, on Wednesday observed a trilateral command post drill involving Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force and the US and Australian militaries.

The joint drill began on December 2 at GSDF Camp Asaka. Austin has stressed the importance of joint efforts among Japan, the United States and Australia to upgrade the operational capabilities of their forces.

On Tuesday, Austin and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru agreed to continue efforts to enhance command and control of the Self-Defense Forces and US forces and promote technological cooperation on defense equipment, under the Japan-US alliance.