# Japan-US Keen Sword 27 military exercise continues > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-us-keen-sword-27-military-exercise > Updated: 2026-10-25T11:51:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 6. The joint Japan-U.S. military exercise ‘Keen Sword 27’ is currently underway, running from October 19 through October 29. This largest-ever iteration involves approximately 57,000 personnel, including 45,000 members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and 12,000 U.S. service members, with participation from nine nations, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the Philippines. Prior to the start of the drills, the Ministry of Defense designated at least six airports and 14 ports across Japan—including facilities in Kitakyushu, Nagasaki, and the Amami islands—as ‘specific use airports and ports’ for ammunition and supply transport. In Akita Prefecture, the local government decided not to hold public briefings on these designations, a move facing opposition from some assembly members. In the days leading up to the commencement, a U.S. military Osprey aircraft made its first landing at Miyako Airport on October 15, while a KC-130 transport aircraft delivered HIMARS vehicles to Ishigaki Airport. While Okinawa Governor Genta Koja indicated a policy to “tolerate” Osprey deployments, Miyako Island City authorities requested that aircraft avoid densely populated areas and that U.S. personnel remain restricted from going out during training. As the exercise progresses, participating personnel are subject to a total ban on alcohol consumption and a midnight to 5 a.m. curfew, following recent tensions regarding American troop conduct in Japan. Training now includes joint chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) drills at Iruma Air Base involving U.S., Japanese, and German forces. ## Claims - Approximately 57,000 military personnel are participating in the Keen Sword 27 exercise. (disputed by 6 sources) - Military personnel from France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the Philippines are participating for the first time. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The exercise includes the first deployment of the Japanese Type 25 anti-ship missile. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The U.S. will deploy the NMESIS anti-ship system on Yonaguni Island in Okinawa Prefecture. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The exercise runs from October 19 to October 29. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Keen Sword 27 is a biennial joint military exercise between the U.S. and Japan. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Approximately 50 citizens held a protest at the Hijidai training area to demand the cancellation of the exercises. (single source) - Protesters requested that nighttime curfews for U.S. forces in Okinawa be applied to Oita Prefecture. (single source) - The drills include training for air and missile defense, maritime operations, and casualty evacuation. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: Multilateral Keen Sword 27 exercise begins in Japan Over 50,000 troops from the U.S., Japan, and partner nations are participating in the Keen Sword 27 exercise, featuring maritime and air defense drills alongside strict alcohol and curfew restrictions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/multilateral-keen-sword-27-exercise-begins-in-japan ### 2026-10-23: US-Japan Keen Sword 27 military exercise begins The largest-ever Keen Sword joint military exercise is underway, involving 56,000 US and Japanese personnel and several international allies to enhance regional deterrence and interoperability. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-and-us-conduct-large-scale-keen-sword-military-exercises ### 2026-10-20: Japan and US launch largest Keen Sword military exercise The record-scale Keen Sword 27 military exercise has begun with 57,000 personnel, while US troops face unusual alcohol and outing restrictions following a robbery and murder incident. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-and-us-launch-largest-keen-sword-military-exercise ### 2026-10-18: Japan and U.S. launch Keen Sword 27 military exercises Japan and the U.S. have begun Keen Sword 27, a large-scale military exercise involving 57,000 personnel focused on defending southwestern islands and showcasing advanced missile systems. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-us-joint-military-exercise-keen-sword-begins ### 2026-10-16: US military Osprey aircraft lands at Miyako Airport A US military Osprey landed at Miyako Airport ahead of the Keen Sword joint US-Japan exercise, amid local discussions regarding aircraft deployment and safety in Okinawa. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-military-osprey-aircraft-lands-at-miyako-airport ### 2026-10-04: Japan-US joint exercise ‘Keen Sword 27’ to utilize multiple airports and ports Japan and the US will use multiple airports and ports for the ‘Keen Sword 27’ exercise. Some prefectures, including Akita, face local debate over designating civilian facilities for military use. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-us-joint-exercise-keen-sword-27-to-utilize-multiple-airports-and-ports --- Cite as: Japan-US Keen Sword 27 military exercise continues. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-us-keen-sword-27-military-exercise