Japan deploys troops to Philippine drills for first time since WWII

Japanese military personnel are actively participating in joint exercises with the Philippines and the United States, marking a significant milestone in Tokyo’s growing defense engagement since World War II. For the first time, Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force has deployed combat-ready troops to the Philippines as part of the Salaknib military drills, which began this week on Luzon island. The exercises involve more than 7,000 troops and are aimed at enhancing combat interoperability across a r