The United States and Australia are holding their regular joint war exercise. And for the first time, Japanese troops are participating.
On Sunday the bi-annual "Talisman Sabre" drill started in the northern Australian territory of Darwin, with 40 troops from Japan's ground self-defense force. Previously, Japan had been an observer nation. Some 30,000 combined troops are involved in the training. This year's exercises comprises naval warfare, amphibious landing, special forces strategy and urban operations. 500 soldiers from New Zealand are also taking part. Talisman Sabre runs two weeks, through July 21st.