CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has joined the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and United States forces in Exercise Keen Sword, a multinational exercise running from October 19 to 29 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Ishigaki Garrison in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, the AFP said on October 27.
AFP personnel took part in the opening ceremony of the exercise — Exercise Keen Sword 27, as the AFP calls it — on October 19, which the military said reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation and regional peace and security.
Alongside the AFP, the exercise includes forces from Japan, the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands and New Zealand. According to the AFP, it gives participating nations an opportunity to exchange knowledge, share best practices and strengthen professional relationships.
Joint training covers air and missile defense, facility protection and repair, logistics and resupply, casualty evacuation, and maritime operations. Photos released by the AFP show its personnel working with foreign counterparts on first aid and simulated-casualty drills at the garrison.
Through these activities, the AFP said it aims to gain insights into joint planning, coordination, information sharing and combined military operations that can help develop its capabilities and operational readiness.
"The AFP's participation underscores the importance of cooperation, mutual understanding, and shared responsibility in addressing evolving security challenges," the AFP Public Affairs Office said, adding that by strengthening partnerships and interoperability with allied and partner forces, the AFP contributes to collective efforts to promote a peaceful, stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.
The statement was released by Col. Xerxes A. Trinidad, Chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office.
Source: AFP Public Affairs Office. Photos: AFP.