Introduction

The Chief of the SME, Gen.C.A. Carmine Masiello, met his Japanese counterpart, Gen. Masayoshi Arai, Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).

Detailed Overview

The two-day meeting unfolded in an atmosphere of utmost cooperation, with an open and constructive dialogue on the challenges that ground forces must face – from emerging technologies to new doctrines, to increasingly integrated future structures and operational capabilities.

The Japanese delegation visited the “Lancieri di Montebello” Regiment (8th) and the 9th Cyber Security Regiment “Rombo”, which represent two sides of the same coin: one rooted in the historical tradition of the Armed Force, the other looking towards the future with the challenges linked to technological innovation.

Significant Moments

Among the most significant moments was their visit to exercise Mangusta2025, led by the “Folgore” Parachute Brigade Command, which this year saw the first-ever participation of a Japanese platoon, operating side-by-side with parachutists, special forces and units of the Italian Army Aviation, along with units from five Allied Countries (France, Germany, Great Britain, Poland, and Spain).

Conclusion

This visit represents a further step in the path of cooperation between the two armies, relaunched last January, with the shared goal of strengthening interoperability through joint training programs and projects in the field of innovation and training.

Source and photo credit @Italian Army – Army General Staff