Japan eyes Indian live firing ranges for missile and drone training as defence cooperation deepens

New Delhi: Japan is looking to India to conduct anti-ship missile firing and drone operations training, with teams being dispatched to inspect test facilities. Reports from Tokyo have stated that the Japanese Self-Defence Forces are looking to conduct live firing training in India, as defence cooperation between the two nations is deepening.

As per a report by public broadcaster NHK, the Japanese defence ministry dispatched officials to India to coordinate efforts for training for surface-to-ship missile firing. Japan has been bolstering its defence forces' capabilities in the face of increased aggression by China that disputes control over several islands in the region.

According to the report, Japanese officials came to India in mid-May to inspect testing facilities and live firing ranges. It is unclear which particular missiles will be test fired once the proposal is finalised.


Japan has conducted surface-to-ship missile launch practice in the Philippines and has conducted drills with the US and Australia in the past as well. India has extensive live firing ranges for the Navy, with the biggest one in Odisha's Chandipur. The Indian Navy also has simulators and training facilities at Kochi for naval gunnery.

In the past, India has extended its training facilities for foreign friendly nations such as Singapore, which has used ground firing ranges to train its troops. India is also increasing military training activities with Japan, both in the naval and air domains.