UK, US and Japan to hold joint military exercises

The UK is to hold trilateral exercises with the US and Japan in an effort to boost security and strengthen defence ties.

This will begin in 2025 and will build on previous operations between the three countries.

Last year, the Prime Minister signed the Atlantic Declaration with US President Joe Biden, and agreed the Hiroshima Accord with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Both of the agreements committed the UK to further increase defence activity with each country.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "In an increasingly volatile world where we can no longer take peace for granted, it’s critical to stand united with our allies and partners in defence of democracy and freedom.

"Conducting joint exercises sends a strong message to anyone who would seek to undermine the rules-based international order – our defence relationships are not limited by distance and we stand ready to respond to any threat around the globe.

"A safe and stable Indo-Pacific is vital to our collective security, allowing free and unhindered trade and travel, and our world-leading partnerships with Japan and the US further emphasise our commitment to the region."