Naval exercise of 7 countries to conclude

The three day maritime exercise in Pacific bringing together ships and aircraft from seven countries involving the mock interception of weapons of mass destruction will conclude today.

Japan plays host to the massive navy drill which commenced in the Pacific on Saturday. The Pacific Shield 07 exercises are being conducted as part of the U.S.-originated Proliferation Security Initiative, Japan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. This mark the second time Japan hosting such drills, the first being in 2004. The current exercises involve 10 ships, six aircraft and personnel from Australia, France, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Britain and the United States. Forty countries sent observers, the Japanese ministry said. The drills involve the mock interception of vessels in Pacific Ocean waters southwest of Tokyo, as well as ship boarding and inspection exercises at the ports of Yokosuka and Yokohama, also southwest of Tokyo.

Read More