OREANDA-NEWS   The first-ever bilateral exercises of the Japanese and French Air Forces started on Thursday, Kyodo news agency reported, citing data from the Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces.

Three F-15 and two F-2 fighters from the Japanese Air Force and two Rafale fighters from the French side will take part in the exercises, which will last until Saturday.

The maneuvers are being conducted "as part of efforts to strengthen the security partnership against the backdrop of China's growing military power in the Indo-Pacific region," the agency notes.

"France and other NATO members are expanding their defense cooperation with Tokyo, and the transatlantic alliance is becoming more vigilant against Beijing's military buildup and provocative behavior in the East and South China Seas," the agency writes.

Kyodo reminds that since last year, the Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces have been conducting joint exercises with the German and Indian Air Forces, next week similar maneuvers will also be held with Italy, and at the end of August - with Australia.