The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the US military are conducting joint drills in Japan on the scenario of defending its remote islands.

The GSDF and the US Marines are engaged in the exercise named "Resolute Dragon," one of the largest-scale joint drills in Japan. The drills are being conducted in the southern prefecture of Okinawa, the western region of Kyushu and the northern prefecture of Hokkaido, from October 14 through 31.

On Tuesday, the commanding general of the GSDF Western Army, Yamane Toshikazu, and Marine Forces Japan Commander James Bierman held a news conference at Okinawa's Camp Ishigaki.

It is the first time joint drills of this kind have been conducted in Okinawa.

Yamane said the two sides have been able to build mutual trust and improve each other's response capabilities. He expressed the hope for a deepening partnership with the Marines.

Bierman described the joint exercise as crucial for maintaining adaptability to fulfill obligations under the Japan-US alliance, and stressed the need to strengthen the alliance.

The media watched drills on operating the Marines' air search radar and the deployment of the GSDF's surface-to-ship missiles at the camp.

Meanwhile, about 20 local residents protested outside the camp, carrying banners and signs opposing the joint drills.