The Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23) units conducted a multilateral exercise with the United States Navy, the United States Air Force, and the French Navy with together the JASDF.

During 8-10 June, JS IZUMO and JS SAMIDARE from the First Surface Unit of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23) units conducted a multilateral exercise with the U.S. Navy USS RONALD REAGAN and USS NIMITZ Carrier Strike Groups, United States Air Force B-52 strategic bomber, French Navy frigate FS LORRAINE, and JASDF F-15 fighter in the eastern waters of Okinawa.
This exercise was conducted as a part of the U.S. Large Scale Global Exercise 2023 (LSGE23) to strengthen coordination with its allies and partner nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Commander of the First Surface Unit of the IPD23 units, Commander of Escort Flotilla 1, Rear Admiral NISHIYAMA Takahiro said, “Through this multilateral exercise, we improved our joint maritime and air operational capabilities and strengthened cooperation with the participating navies. It was our first multilateral exercise as part of IPD23 and I am very pleased we got the opportunity to strengthen cooperation with strongly tied U.S. Navy and an important partner, the French Navy, which shares common sense of values with us. This exercise demonstrates the will, commitment of Japan and like-minded partners to maintain a“Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
The Self-Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region and the international community, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and a security environment that does not tolerate any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.