Germany and Japan Join Forces to Save

When the wounded need to be treated and lives need to be saved, differences in language, culture, and procedures must not be an obstacle. The German-Japanese medical exercise during Keen Sword 27 in Japan demonstrated that cooperation can work even across such differences. Together with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and medical personnel from New Zealand, the United States, the Philippines, and the Netherlands, the Bundeswehr trained in multinational cooperation under conditions simulating real-world operations.

The exercise made it clear: Despite differing structures, communication channels, and doctrinal approaches, medical services can work together exceptionally well in multinational teams. Within just a few days, it became evident that when people get to know one another, reach out to each other, and practice common procedures, interoperable medical care can be successfully achieved. This was also the message conveyed to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who took time during his trip to Asia to meet with German service members who had participated in Keen Sword 27. The fact that, for the first time, so many German service members trained together with their Japanese partners on Japanese soil sends an important signal regarding bilateral cooperation.

The focus was on the deployment and operation of a Role 2 facility, air-based casualty evacuation (AirMedevac), and the Forward Light Decontamination, Disinfection, and Detoxification Station (VLEP). The exercise tested how the capabilities and procedures of the participating nations interlock.

Further Expanding Cooperation

Following numerous discussions with senior leaders of the Japanese Medical Service on site, there is a consensus to further develop cooperation beyond the exercise. A series of concrete joint projects will now be undertaken. The goal is to intensify professional exchange, learn from one another, and strengthen cooperation through further joint activities and exercises.

The significance of this extends beyond bilateral relations. The Indo-Pacific is an important strategic region. In light of the changing security situation, it is important that democracies and advocates of a rules-based order work more closely together, strengthen one another, and be able to act jointly when necessary. Through its on-site engagement, the Bundeswehr is making a concrete contribution to this effort.

The Commander of the Bundeswehr Central Medical Service, Colonel General Dr. Ralf Hoffmann, thanked all participating service members—and especially the Japanese hosts—for their professional cooperation, openness, and great dedication. The exercise demonstrated that differences can be overcome when everyone works toward a common goal. Germany and Japan intend to build on this experience and further deepen their partnership.

BUNDESWEHR online