On Jan. 12, Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera observed the annual drill held by the Ground Self-Defense Force's elite 1st Airborne Brigade in Narashino, Chiba Prefecture.

Dozens of paratroopers jumped out of aircraft and helicopters flying 340 meters above and landed on the exercise area.

Some were wearing wet suits, implying that in an actual combat operation, they may have to jump into the sea. Overhead, Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C Orion anti-submarine aircraft flew by.