Japan Air Self-Defense Force to hold joint drills with Germany, France, Spain

Japan's Defense Ministry has announced that the Air Self-Defense Force will conduct a series of joint drills with Germany, France and Spain in Japan in July. The ministry said this is a part of the "Pacific Skies" exercises currently underway between the air forces of the three European countries for about two months from mid-June in areas including Hawaii and Australia.

More than 30 aircraft, consisting of fighters, transport planes and refueling tankers from the three European countries, will be deployed in Japan from July 19 to 25. This is the first time air force planes from the three countries will be deployed to Japan at the same time.