British and Japanese troops kick-start military drills as Ex Vigilant Isles gets underway

More than 100 UK troops have been deployed to Japan as planned military drills begin, as Defence Secretary John Healey met his Japanese counterpart in London to discuss strengthening ties between the two nations.

Personnel from 16 Air Assault Brigade and the British Army's global response force are taking part in Exercise Vigilant Isles – an annual joint military training event between the British Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF).

The UK is the only European nation conducting bilateral military training on Japanese soil, with the exercise taking place on the island of Kyushu.

• British troops train on Japanese soil for first time
• Royal Navy takes part in first joint exercise with Australia and Japan in Indo-Pacific
• Armed Forces perform an impeccable welcome for Japan's Emperor and Empress

This is the third year of the annual exercise and will increase interoperability between the forces.

In a meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani, Mr Healey welcomed the exercise, saying: "With increasing instability across the world, it is more important than ever that we strengthen co-operation with our international partners like Japan."

Reading was also confirmed as the base for the new HQ of the joint UK, Japan, and Italian future fighter jet programme.

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a joint initiative to develop a next-generation combat aircraft by 2035.

"Minister Nakatani and I have highlighted the positive progress being made on our important next-generation fighter jet programme, to strengthen our security co-operation," Mr Healey continued.

"There are many miles between our two nations, but the UK and Japan stand closer together than ever in support of peace and security across the globe."

The UK Carrier Strike Group's visit to Japan, as part of the flagship 2025 Indo-Pacific deployment later this year, was also on the agenda.

The group, consisting of the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, her escorts, and her aircraft, will collaborate with the Japanese Self-Defence Forces and other partners to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

They will conduct a series of operations and exercises, including a port visit in Japan.    

This follows the successful deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth to the region in 2021 and the offshore patrol vessels HMS Tamar and HMS Spey regularly operating closely with Japan and regional partners to promote maritime security.