Asia’s Largest Military Exercise: Japan’s Elite Ground Forces Shine in Super Garuda Shield
Tense and Close-up Filming! The exercise was held in Indonesia, and 22 countries, including the Ground Self-Defense Force, participated. The "Hymers," the main weapon that dealt a heavy blow to the Russian army on the Ukrainian front, also made an appearance!
Australia, India, and South Korea are also concerned about a Taiwan contingency
The operation is focused on reclaiming islands from enemy forces. The goal is to enhance joint operational capabilities and tactical skills through multilateral cooperation, while building military partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The Ground Self-Defense Forces (GSDF) have had few opportunities to train or engage with nations other than the U.S. military. With the rising risk of a Taiwan crisis, the GSDF has started joint training with countries like Indonesia and Australia, which feel threatened by China’s expansionist policies” (GSDF officer).
The GSDF’s elite 1st Airborne Brigade participated in the exercise, successfully carrying out airborne operations. Next time, South Korea and India are also expected to send troops.
The creation of new cooperation frameworks seems urgent.
From the October 11, 2024 issue of FRIDAY
Photography and text by： Masayuki Kikuchi
Military photojournalist
