British soldiers train in Japan for first time to strengthen ties
British soldiers have joined forces with their Japanese counterparts for the first time on their soil as part of a fortnight-long exercise.
Fifty soldiers from the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) have been deployed to the slopes of Mount Fuji where they met with the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Defence, the aim of Exercise Vigilant Isles is to strengthen the relationship between the two forces and share tactics and surveillance techniques.
Soldiers from the Honourable Artillery Company @HACRegiment conduct joint helicopter drills alongside the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) at Fuji training base in #Japan
This is the first time British troops have exercised in Japan. pic.twitter.com/4lJcPFfpD7
— British Army (@BritishArmy) October 2, 2018
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Lt General Patrick Sanders said: “Japan remains one of our most important strategic partners in the Asia-Pacific region and we welcome the opportunity to develop strong bi-lateral ties as well as demonstrate the UK’s approach to joint exercises.
“No nation operates alone and we want to assure Japan that they will not have to fight alone either.
“Stability in Asia is essential to stability around the world and the UK is opposed to any change in the status quo by force. This exercise is designed to promote peace and stability in the region with our natural partners whose values of respect and democracy we share.”
The HAC have been practicing helo drills and safety procedures on JGSDF CH-47 (Chinook) Helicopters prior to deploying on the ground. The UK and JGSDF HQs have also conducted a joint planning exercise on Ex VIGILANT ISLES 18. #findwhereyoubelong@BritishArmy@ArmyInLondonpic.twitter.com/pvZo9Xa7LX
— HAC Regiment (@HACRegiment) October 2, 2018
Prime Minister Theresa May spoke of a need to form closer defence ties between Britain and Japan during a visit to Tokyo last August, telling her Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe that his country can count on the UK as a “dependable” partner in the face of an increasingly aggressive Pyongyang.
