Japan and US Deploy Missile Systems Near Taiwan During Keen Sword 27
Joint military drills mobilize 56,000 personnel to secure Japan's southwestern islands near Taiwan.
1Keen Sword 27 Mobilization
The biennial Keen Sword 27 exercise commenced on October 19, involving 45,000 Japanese troops and 11,000 US personnel. Running until October 29, the drills focus on defending Japan's southwestern islands and northern coastal waters. This massive deployment represents a significant increase in joint operational capacity between the two nations within the Indo-Pacific region.
2Strategic Missile Positioning
Forces deployed advanced missile systems to Yonaguni, located just 110 kilometres from Taiwan. Japan positioned Type-25 land-to-ship missiles with a 1,000-kilometre range, while US forces installed the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System and the Marine Air Defense Integrated System. Additionally, a HIMARS rocket launcher was stationed on the nearby island of Ishigaki.
3Expanded International Participation
Beyond the core US-Japan alliance, seven other nations are participating in specific segments of the exercise. France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the Philippines are involved for the first time. This broader coalition underscores the growing international interest in regional stability and maritime security across the contested Indo-Pacific island chains.
4Operational Scope of Drills
The training curriculum extends well beyond missile deployment to include complex amphibious landings, air defense, and mine sweeping operations. Logistics, intelligence gathering, and casualty evacuation drills are scheduled across multiple remote islands, including Tanegashima. These activities aim to test the interoperability of allied forces in high-pressure, multi-domain combat scenarios during potential crises.
5Regional Geopolitical Tensions
These exercises occur amid heightened friction with China, North Korea, and Russia. Relations with Beijing soured following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November 2025 statement suggesting Japanese involvement if China acts against Taiwan. This diplomatic rift has expanded beyond military posturing, negatively impacting economic ties and increasing the urgency of regional defense preparations.
6Local Concerns in Okinawa
Increased military cooperation faces internal scrutiny, particularly regarding the US presence in Okinawa. The recent arrest of a US Marine for murder and robbery has reignited public criticism. Residents frequently protest against military-related crimes, aircraft noise, and environmental damage, creating a complex domestic political environment for the government’s ongoing defense expansion strategies.
7Yokosuka Base Oversight
Personnel conduct remains a sensitive issue, as evidenced by the arrival of the USS Theodore Roosevelt at Yokosuka. Local mayor Katsuaki Kamiji formally requested that the Foreign Ministry ensure US crew members strictly comply with Japanese regulations. This highlights the persistent friction between local administrative authorities and the operational requirements of foreign military bases.
8Strategic Defense Implications
The deployment of long-range interceptors and anti-ship systems reflects Japan's shift toward a more proactive southwestern defense posture. By integrating advanced US technology with local island geography, Tokyo aims to deter regional threats. The success of these drills will likely dictate future military infrastructure investments and the depth of ongoing security partnerships.