IPD23 unit, JS KUMANO conducted a Japan-France bilateral exercise “OGURI-VERNY 23” with FS PRAIRIAL.

During 20-21 April, The Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23) unit, JS KUMANO conducted a bilateral exercise OGURI-VERNY 23 with FS PRAIRIAL in southern waters of Kanto.
The Commanding Officer of JS KUMANO, Commander SAKURAI Atsushi said, “Through this exercise, we enhanced our tactical skills and cooperation with the French Navy. I felt very reassured conducting the first exercise in IPD23 with the French Navy, which is an important partner in realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
The Self-Defense Fleet maintains responsiveness, engages in the defense of Japan, and contributes to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies to uphold and reinforce a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

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