The Ground Self-Defense Force will begin joint exercises with the National Police Agency to help prepare the GSDF for terrorist attacks that are beyond the capabilities of the police.

The joint exercise, scheduled for Nov. 18, will be the first of its kind conducted under a bilateral emergency-cooperation agreement on maintaining public order. The agreement was revised for the first time in 46 years in December 2000.

The revisions shift the target of the accord from domestic riots and radical demonstrations to terrorism and guerrilla attacks by armed agents.