Japan's top general inspects anti-ship missile ahead of historic Australian launch

Japan's top military officer is in Australia inspecting his country's most advanced anti-ship weapon as part of his country's largest ever participation in joint military exercises. Key points: General Yoshihide Yoshida has inspected an anti-ship weapon on the NSW south coast Japan has sent the largest ever deployment of military personnel to this year's Talisman Sabre It is part of Japan's strategy to strengthen ties with its allies amid mounting regional tensions in the Pacific Japan's Self Defence Force was scheduled to carry out a live test of its Type 12 Surface-to-Ship missile for just the second time outside of Japan at the Beecroft Weapons Range on the New South Wales south coast. "The exercise will host upwards of up to 1,500 Japanese defence force personnel which is the largest contribution they've made to Exercise Talisman Sabre." Japan 'leaning forward' The increased participation in the war games reflects recent changes to the Japanese military amid growing concerns about China's military ambitions in the region.