American and Japanese military forces have launched joint exercise named Iron Fist.
- The 13th annual Iron Fist exercises kicked off in the U.S. western state of California.
- More than 500 U.S. Marines and sailors are partnering with about 350 members of the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force to train in fire support operations and amphibious assaults.
- It is a realistic and challenging training to prepare both USA and Japan from anything that might happen in the Pacific so that they are ready to respond.
- Iron Fist training will take place at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Naval Amphibious Base Coronado and Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island.
- The main training event will be a scenario-based amphibious assault launched from the USS Rushmore amphibious landing ship, in coordination with an inland helicopter assault.
- This will be the last joint exercise before Japan establishes its Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade in March. It could be used to defend contested territories.
- The Iron Fist military drill comes amidst the tensions that North Korea has put on South Korea, Japan and USA.
- North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in November that is capable of hitting anywhere in the continental United States.
