The Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Italian air force have demonstrated their first joint exercise to the media.

The exercise began Monday at Komatsu Air Base in Ishikawa Prefecture on the coast of the Sea of Japan.

Japan's F-15 fighter jets and Italy's F-35 fighters and other military aircraft demonstrated takeoffs for the media from the base on Tuesday.

Japanese Commander, Air Defense Command, Suzuki Yasuhiko, and Italian Commander of the Air Fleet Command Alberto Biavati later held a news conference.

Suzuki said the joint drills involving Japanese and Italian fighter jets have taken their first step. He said he wants to enrich the exercise programs further in the future.

Biavati said he thinks the exercises have become a good strategic step for the two countries to make their cooperation more fruitful. He expressed his hope to come to Japan again to share technologies.

The ASDF has, since autumn last year, carried out its first joint drills with Germany, India and France.

Observers say the ASDF wants to strengthen ties with those countries with the Chinese military in mind, which has been stepping up its activities.

The Japan-Italy exercises run through Thursday.