Japan, US, Canada holding exercises near Kuril Islands

The servicemen of Japan, the US and Canada are conducting joint exercises with warships in a vast area from the eastern coast of the Kuril Islands to the southern coast of the eastern part of the main Japanese Honshu island from August 21 to August 28.

Japan’s Hyuga destroyer, the US USS Benfold destroyer, Canada’s Ottawa and Vancouver frigates, as well as the Asterix supply vessel are being used.

The goal of the exercises is to improve Japan's tactical capabilities and strengthen its cooperation with the US and Canada, TASS informs citing a report published on the website of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.

According to the NHK TV channel, the Japanese servicemen for the first time organised exercises with warships off the coast of the Kuril Islands. Relevant events are being held taking into account Russia’s activity in the region, according to the TV channel.