The Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force will begin joint naval drills with the US Navy warships in the East China Sea, west of Kyushu island today, the Japanese Defense Ministry has said.

The USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), a US Navy Nimitz Class supercarrier capable of carrying 90 fighter jets and helicopters, will accompany US destroyers and participate in the exercises, according to RIA Novosti.

The drills aim to deter possible naval operations by North Korea and China and is expected to include communications drills, helicopter take-offs and landings on each other’s vessels.