Japan may cancel naval exercises because of high fuel prices
The Japanese government has announced it will pay 690 million dollars in fuel subsidies to fishermen, but it seems that national defense is less of a priority:
The Maritime Self-Defense Force’s annual naval maneuvers, the largest navy drill that involves about 90 warships and 170 jets, has never been canceled since it started in 1954, even during the “oil shock” during the 1970s.
This year’s drill was planned for November, although official dates have not been announced.
“In order to secure enough fuel for emergency relief activities, we’ve cut down on the scope of our exercises, but there is a limit,” a Maritime Self-Defense Force official said on condition of anonymity, citing department policy.
“Now we are considering canceling the upcoming large-scale naval drill, which would consume large amounts of fuel.”
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