U.S., Japan, and Italy Join Forces for Military Training

As China and North Korea enhance their military presence in the Indo-Pacific, Japan and Italy are bolstering their defense collaboration through a joint exercise named Rising Sun 24. Currently in its second day, this three-day exercise aims to improve the defensive capabilities of both nations in response to the evolving security landscape. The exercises are taking place at Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan, strategically located near the borders of China and North Korea. The Rising Sun 24 exercise features a robust lineup of military assets, including four F-35A fighters from each country and four Eurofighters. Additionally, U.S. Air Force aircraft stationed at Misawa, along with three KC-767 tankers, are set to participate, highlighting the multinational nature of the operation. This joint effort follows a similar exercise, Pitch Black 24, conducted in Australia three weeks prior, which involved Italian and Australian military forces. Italian military officials emphasized that Rising Sun 24 reflects a "longstanding strong relationship" between Italy and Japan, now extending into military cooperation. This partnership is part of a broader strategy to counteract China's growing influence in the region. Earlier this year, the United States and Japan announced significant steps to modernize their military alliance, addressing threats from China, North Korea, and Russia, and enhancing operational cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.