Japan drill to test response to theoretical attack

Jan. 14, 2013- For the first time, the First Airborne Brigade of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force has conducted a drill, simulating the retaking of an outlying Japanese islands under attack.

For the first time, the First Airborne Brigade of Japan’s Ground
Self-Defense Force has conducted a drill, simulating the retaking
of an outlying Japanese islands under attack.

The drill was held at a training ground in Chiba prefecture, on the outskirts of Tokyo. Japan’s Defence Minister has called on the military to improve security to defend Japan. Around 20 aircraft and 33 vehicles took part in the drill.

The Japanese government plans to request an increase of 1.1 billion US dollars in military spending, the first such increase in a decade.

A move by the Japanese government to buy China’s Diaoyu Islands from private Japanese owners in September sparked protests in China that led to the damage of Japanese-owned factories around the country.