The Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23) units conducted a bilateral exercise (Trident23) with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.

During 24-25 June, JS IZUMO and JS SAMIDARE from the First Surface Unit of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23) conducted a bilateral exercise (Trident23) with a Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS ANZAC and Royal Australian Air Force P-8A patrol aircraft in the South China Sea. Through the exercise, the unit improved its tactical capabilities and interoperability with the Royal Australian Navy and Air Force.
The Commander of the First Surface Unit of the IPD23, Commander of Escort Flotilla 1, Rear Admiral NISHIYAMA Takahiro said, “Like our country, Australia, an ally of the United States, is a ‘Special Strategic Partner’ in the Indo-Pacific region, sharing not only universal values but also strategic interests in security. The relationship between the JMSDF and the Royal Australian Forces has never been stronger and more important, and the JMSDF will promote further improvement of interoperability and mutual understanding with the Royal Australian Navy in order to improve the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region.”
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.