Yakima: The Japanese army is conducting its inaugural live-fire training exercise in the United States focused on drone interception. This milestone event is part of the Rising Thunder joint exercise involving the US Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF).

According to Anadolu Agency, the training includes the participation of 440 GSDF members alongside 500 US Army personnel. The exercise is taking place from October 27 to November 12 at the Yakima Training Center in Washington State, an area notably larger than the combined 23 wards of central Tokyo.

This event signifies the GSDF's first attempt at a live-fire drone interception exercise. Gen. Arai Masayoshi, the GSDF chief of staff, noted that conducting a similar exercise within Japan would be challenging to execute fully.

During the exercise, GSDF personnel are employing portable equipment to shoot down practice drones provided by the US. Additionally, the interception of drones can be achieved through the use of electromagnetic waves designed to disrupt their circuitry.

In 2022, the Japanese government announced plans to acquire and swiftly implement technologies to effectively counteract drone swarms. The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency, a division under Japan's Defense Ministry, is intensifying research into high-power lasers and microwaves as part of its anti-drone initiatives.