Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF

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[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

🇯🇵🇬🇧#JGSDF held the opening ceremony for Vigilant Isles 26, a bilateral field training exercise with the British Army, at Camp Kita-Chitose on 7 NOV 2026.
JGSDF’s 5th Brigade (27th Infantry Regiment), Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, 1st Helicopter Brigade and other units, together with the British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team (2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles), will conduct various training activities related to counter-landing operations at the Hokkaido Training Area through 22 NOV 2026.
The exercise will enhance operational capabilities and further strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the JGSDF and British Army.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

🇯🇵🇬🇧GEN Arai, CS ,JGSDF, met Ms. Robertson, the Ambassador of the UK to Japan, who visited Camp Ichigaya on 28 OCT 2026.
Through the exchange of views with the Ambassador, #JGSDF and the British Army agreed to engage in multifaceted defense cooperation and exchanges to further strengthen relations between the JGSDF and British Army.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

#JGSDF has been conducting live-fire air defense training at the Shizunai Range and the Rokkasho Range, employing Type-87 Short-range SAM, Type-93 Close-range SAM, and the Type-87 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun since JUL 2026.
In addition, JGSDF Chu-SAM units are conducting Annual Service Practice at McGregor Range in the United States, in conjunction with JASDF Patriot units.
JGSDF will continue to enhance its air defense capabilities through live-fire training both in Japan and overseas.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

🇯🇵🇺🇸MG Tanaka, the Judge Advocate General of the Ground Staff Office, held a meeting with the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the US Marine Corps (MG Christopher G. Tolar) to discuss legal matters on 17 OCT 2026.
Through this meeting, both sides deepened their mutual understanding of contributing to the maintenance and strengthening of a free and open international order based on the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as to the creation of a peaceful and stable international environment. They also agreed to further enhance cooperation in the legal field between Japan and the US.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

WO Watahiki, Sergeant Major of the #JGSDF, participated in the Association of the US Army Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. from 12 to 14 OCT 2026.
During discussions with the Sergeant Major of the Army, Command Sergeant Majors from major US Army commands, and Sergeant Major of the Army from partner nations, including those in Europe, they shared the recognition of the necessity and importance to continually adapt to changes in organizational structure and strategies. They also agreed to further strengthen cooperation among allied and like-minded countries at Senior Enlisted Leaders and NCOs.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

🇯🇵🇰🇷🇫🇮🇺🇸LTG Tokunaga, VCS, JGSDF, visited the United States to participate in the Association of the US Army Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. from 12 to 14 OCT 2026.
On the final day, 14 OCT, he conducted office call and bilateral meeting with GEN Gering, Assistant of the US Marine Corps. The meeting helped enhance mutual understanding between the JGSDF and the U.S. Marine Corps, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the relationship of trust in the future. He also held bilateral meetings with GEN Kim, Deputy Commander of the ROK/U.S. Combined Forces Command, and LTG Nisula, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Finnish Army, further strengthening the relationships of trust with like-minded partners.
#JGSDF will make full use of the Land Power Network established through this visit to further enhance peace of Japan and regional security.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

🇯🇵🇺🇸LTG Tokunaga, VCS, JGSDF, is visiting the United States to participate in the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. from 12 to 14 OCT 2026.
On 13 OCTko, he attended Acting Chief of Staff of the Army General LaNeve’s remarks at the Eisenhower Luncheon and held bilateral meetings with LTG Eifler, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, US Army; LTG Harter, Chief of the Army Reserve; and MG Cornelia, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific. Through these engagements, he gained insights into the US Army’s latest initiatives and exchanged views on the future direction of bilateral cooperation. He also visited defense industry exhibits from various countries, gaining insight into the latest technologies and capabilities on display.
#JGSDF remains committed to advancing international partnerships and technological innovation to enhance its readiness and resilience.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

🇯🇵🇺🇸🇬🇧🇫🇷🇨🇦🇳🇱LTG Tokunaga, VCS, JGSDF, is visiting the United States to participate in the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. from 12 to 14 OCT 2026.
On OCT 12, he exchanged greetings with Acting Secretary of the Army Telle and Acting Chief of Staff of the Army General LaNeve, further strengthening cooperation between Japan and US. He also held bilateral meetings with LTG Stenning, Commander Land Forces of the British Army; LTG Desmeulles, Commander of the 1st French Army Corps; LTG Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army; and MG Duckers, Deputy Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army. During these engagements, they shared perspectives on the security environment and exchanged views on the future direction of bilateral cooperation.
#JGSDF remains committed to sustaining and further strengthening the relationships it has built with its allies and like-minded partners.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

🇯🇵🇵🇭MG TANAKA, Judge Advocate General, Ground Staff Office, JGSDF, paid a courtesy call on MGEN EFREN F. MORADOS, Vice Commander, Philippine Army on 7 OCT 2026. During the meeting, both sides shared the recognition of the importance of cooperation in the legal field.
MG TANAKA also held a Legal Staff Talk with COL ALLAN L. TIU, JAGS (GSC), Judge Advocate, Philippine Army.
During the talks, we the participants exchanged views on legal organization, legal education and training, and the professional development of legal personnel.
#JGSDF will continue to strengthen its relationship of trust with the Philippine Army and share a common understanding of the importance of cooperation for peace and stability in the international community.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

🇯🇵🇦🇺🇵🇭🇳🇿🇸🇬🇲🇳WO Watahiki, Sergeant Major of the JGSDF, participated in the Chief of Army Symposium (CAS) hosted by Australian Army in Pearth, Australia, from 6 to 8 OCT 2026.
Through the Senior Enlisted Leaders Conference (SELC) and bilateral meetings, we agreed to further strengthen cooperation among senior enlisted leaders and NCO across the Indo-Pacific region.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

🇯🇵🇮🇳🇮🇩🇻🇳GEN Arai, CS, JGSDF, held bilateral talks with Commander of XII Corps of the Indian Army, LTGEN Rathi, Coordinating Expert Staff Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, MAJGEN Zamroni, and Vice Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, LTGEN LUC on 8 OCT 2026 at the Chief of Army Symposium (CAS) in Australia, sharing views on the security environment and the future direction of cooperation.
#JGSDF will continue to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region through engagements with Army leaders from allied and like-minded countries at Chief of Army Symposium.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

🇯🇵🇦🇺🇳🇿🇸🇬GEN Arai, CS, JGSDF, delivered a keynote address and participated in a panel discussion at the Chief of Army Symposium (CAS) hosted by Australian Army on 7 OCT, highlighting the importance of continuous adaptation in response to the changing character of warfare. He also held bilateral talks with, BRIG Gibbons, Deputy Chief of Army of the New Zealand Army and MG Cai, Chief of Army of the Singapore Army, sharing views on the security environment and the future direction of cooperation.
#JGSDF will continue to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region through engagements with Army leaders from allied and like-minded countries at Chief of Army Symposium.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

🇯🇵🇦🇺🇲🇳🇵🇭🇺🇸GEN Arai, CS, JGSDF, is visiting Australia from 6 to 8 OCT 2026 to participate in the Chief of Army Symposium (CAS) hosted by Australian Army. On 6 OCT, prior to the symposium, he held bilateral talks with LTGEN Coyle, Australian Chief of Army, MG Tsogtjargal, Commander, Mongolian Ground Force, LTGEN Gumiran, Commanding General of Philippine Army, and LTGEN Vowell, Deputy Commanding General USARPAC, sharing views on the security environment and the future direction of cooperation.
#JGSDF will continue to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region through engagements with Army leaders from allied and like-minded countries at Chief of Army Symposium.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

🇯🇵🇵🇬#JGSDF three members of the Engineer School reported their upcoming overseas deployment to GEN Arai, CS, JGSDF as part of a Capacity Building Project for the development of the Papua New Guinea DefenceForce, focusing on facility machinery maintenance on 18 SEP 2026.
This program aims to enhance the Papua New Guinea DefenceForce’s capacity to train personnel in engineering equipment maintenance. Through this initiative, JGSDF will continue to promotedefense cooperation and exchanges with Papua New Guinea.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

【#IPAMS】#JGSDF represented by MG, Suenaga, Director General, Policy & Programs Department, participated in the Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS) held in New Zealand from 21 to 24 SEP 2026.
During the seminar, MG Suenaga took part in panel discussions, bilateral meetings with senior army leaders from Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, the UK, and the US, as well as various discussions.
Through these engagements, participants exchanged views and shared perspectives on the regional security environment and future directions for cooperation.
JGSDF will continue to strengthen cooperation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and strategically promote multilayered defense cooperation and exchanges.

[Japan Ministry of Defense/JGSDF @Japan_GSDF]

🇯🇵🇰🇷GEN Arai, CS, JGSDF conducted an official visit to Republic of Korea from 29 to 30 SEP 2026. This marked the first visit by a JGSDF Chief of Staff to ROK in approximately 17 years, since 2009.
During talks with General Kim, ROK Army Chief of Staff, both sides shared views on the current strategic environment and exchanged candid opinions on the future direction of JapanｰROK Defense Cooperation.
GEN. Arai also visited ROK Army units, where he received briefings and viewed defense equipment displays, deepening his understanding of the ROK Army.
JGSDF will continue to strengthen cooperation with the ROK Land Forces and contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the international community.