TOKYO, September 30. /TASS/. Joint US-Japanese military exercises Keen Sword will take place from October 19 to 29 in Japan and adjacent waters with the participation of seven other countries, including Australia, Germany, and France, the Defense Ministry said.

On the Japanese side, about 45,000 soldiers and officers as well as about 40 warships and 250 aircraft will be involved, it said. The size and composition of the US contingent was not disclosed.

During the drills, the new Japanese Type-25 ground-based mobile missiles with a range of about 1,000 km will be demonstrated for the first time. The military forces of the two countries will practice coordination in targeting and using such weapons, but no actual missile launches will be carried out.

The Keen Sword maneuvers are held every two years, alternating with the US-Japan command and staff exercises Keen Edge.