Caution! The Scope of the US-Japan "Iron Fist" Joint Exercises Will Expand, US Media Hype "Targeting China"

Source: Global Times
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【环球时报综合报道】据美国《星条旗报》27日报道,日本陆上自卫队宣布,今年美日“铁拳”联合演习范围将进一步扩大,在“西南诸岛”等日本多地举行,并新增多项“首次”。

报道称,今年“铁拳”联合军演定于2月11日至3月9日举行,这也是2026年首场美日联合军演,目的是强化双方互操作性,应对区域潜在冲突,演习地点涵盖冲绳及周边岛屿。日本陆上自卫队称,这次演习将有800名美国海军陆战队队员、2100名美国海军水兵以及约2000名日本陆上自卫队和海上自卫队人员一同参加。

美日“铁拳”联合演习始于2006年,但此前主要是在美国加利福尼亚的彭德尔顿海军陆战队基地举行。从2023年开始,美日双方以“尽可能真实地模拟实战环境”“提高日本离岛防卫能力”的名义,将演习地点改到包括“西南诸岛”在内的日本境内举行,至今已连续举办4次。美国媒体甚至毫不掩饰地宣称,“铁拳”演习的目的就是针对中国,其中重点演练“夺岛”相关内容。

美国海军学会网站称,今年的“铁拳”演习分两阶段进行,第一阶段从2月11日至26日,主要聚焦联合指挥训练、地面作战、实弹射击、工程及后勤医疗等项目,演练场地位于冲绳的汉森营区、金蓝海滩等地,内容包含水域障碍清除及联合登陆演练。第二阶段从2月27日持续到3月9日,规模更大,加入双方作战舰艇的支持。美国海军将出动3艘大型登陆舰,日本也将动用驱逐舰、运输舰等装备,进行空中突击、近距离空中支持等综合训练。为强化日本自卫队的两栖作战能力,这次演习还将出动V-22“鱼鹰”倾转旋翼机、CH-47运输直升机、AH-64D武装直升机、AAV-7两栖突击车及无人机等装备。

日本陆上自卫队发言人表示,这次“铁拳”演习的演练地点增加到19处,比去年增加了3处,还将创造更多“首次”。例如2024年才新组建的“水陆机动团”第3作战联队将首次参加。“水陆机动团”是自卫队重点打造的“夺岛部队”,为旅团级编制,主要负责西南离岛方向的作战任务,声称“进一步提升日本在西南诸岛周边海域的快速反应能力”。

同时,在今年的“铁拳”演习中,还将有两架日本V-22“鱼鹰”倾转旋翼机首次与美国海军陆战队的同型倾转旋翼机一同从汉森营区和金蓝海滩起飞执行任务。美国海军陆战队表示,相关训练将进一步强化美日协同作战和互操作能力。此外,日本陆上自卫队的“扫描鹰-2”型侦察无人机也将首次参与此次演习,它的飞行范围将覆盖九州以南约25英里的种子岛。近年来陆上自卫队越来越倚重这种无人侦察机搜集信息,2023年在澳大利亚举行的“护身军刀”多国联合演习中,日本就使用该无人机首次在海外搜集情报。(谢昭)

Classification
Region
East Asia & Pacific
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category
Military Operations
Subcategory
Naval Engagement
SALUTE Report
Size
800 U.S. Marines, 2100 U.S. Navy personnel, approximately 2000 Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel
Activity
Joint military exercise 'Iron Fist' between the U.S. and Japan, focusing on enhancing interoperability and responding to potential regional conflicts
Location
Okinawa and surrounding islands, Japan
Unit
U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, Japan Self-Defense Forces
Time
February 11 to March 9, 2026
Equipment
V-22 OspreyCH-47 transport helicopterAH-64D Apache helicopterAAV-7 amphibious assault vehicledrones
Summary

The U.S. and Japan are set to conduct the 'Iron Fist' joint military exercise from February 11 to March 9, 2026, involving 800 U.S. Marines, 2100 U.S. Navy personnel, and approximately 2000 Japanese Self-Defense Forces. The exercise will take place in Okinawa and surrounding islands, focusing on enhancing interoperability and rapid response capabilities against potential regional conflicts. New equipment and units will participate for the first time, including V-22 Ospreys and a newly formed amphibious unit.

Key Facts
  • The 'Iron Fist' exercise will take place from February 11 to March 9, 2026.
  • Approximately 800 U.S. Marines and 2100 U.S. Navy personnel will participate alongside 2000 Japanese forces.
  • The exercise will occur in Okinawa and surrounding islands, marking a shift from previous locations in California.
  • New equipment and units, including V-22 Ospreys and a newly formed amphibious unit, will participate for the first time.
  • The exercise aims to enhance Japan's rapid response capabilities in the southwestern islands.