The Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23) unit conducted a trilateral exercise “Noble Buffalo” with the U.S. Navy and the French Navy.

During 14-19 June, JS SAMIDARE from the First Surface Unit of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23) conducted a trilateral exercise “Noble Buffalo” with U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS RONALD REAGAN, cruiser USS ROBERT SMALLS, and French Navy frigate FS LORRAINE in the South China Sea.
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 JMSDF and the French Navy are deepening defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, including regular bilateral exercises (OGURI-VERNY), active participation in multilateral exercises led by our ally, the U.S. Navy, as well as enhancing cooperation and coordination in monitoring and surveillance activities against illicit maritime activities including ship-to-ship transfers with North Korean-flagged vessels.
The Commander of the First Surface Unit of the IPD23, Commander of Escort Flotilla 1, Rear Admiral NISHIYAMA Takahiro said, “The Royal Canadian Navy is our important like-minded partner to realize a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific.’ Through the exercise, we improved our tactical capabilities and strengthened cooperation with the participating navies. The exercise also demonstrated the will and the capability of Japan, allied and like-minded partners to maintain rules-based international order in order to realize 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 in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies, 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.