Air Self-Defense Force
Asia Pacific: With drills and fighter jets, German defense minister seeks stronger Indo-Pacific ties
Building on the monthslong dispatch of a frigate to the Indo-Pacific last year, Germany will on Wednesday deploy three fighter jets to Japan. But that is just the start, according to German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht, with more military exchanges in the planning for next year and beyond as Berlin seeks a continuous and long-term security commitment to the region.
“Security concerns everyone, no country can afford to just watch from the sidelines,” Lambrecht said in an interview with The Japan Times, pointing to how the rules-based international order is increasingly being challenged in the Indo-Pacific.
“The military buildup in the region is picking up speed, geopolitical tensions are exacerbating territorial conflicts and the risk of escalation is increasing,” she said. “We are aware that Euro-Atlantic security and Indo-Pacific security are connected. That is why we want to help maintain peace and stability in this important region.”
Three German Air Force Eurofighter jets are set to arrive in Japan on Wednesday for three days of training exercises and other exchanges with the Air Self-Defense Force, according to the Defense Ministry in Tokyo.
Led by the chief of the German Air Force, the multirole fighters will be in the country until Friday to “improve tactical skills, promote mutual understanding, and further deepen cooperation” with the ASDF, according to the ministry.
TANIKO Madagascar 