The Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23) units participated in a multilateral exercise “Exercise Talisman Sabre 23” hosted by the Australian Defense Force and the U.S. Forces.

From July 20 to August 4, JS IZUMO and JS SHIMOKITA from the 1st and 2nd Surface Units of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23), along with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, 1st Helicopter Brigade, Assault Amphibious Vehicle 7 (AAV-7), and heavy-lift helicopter CH-47, participated in multilateral exercise “Exercise Talisman Sabre 23” hosted by Australia and U.S.. The units, in cooperation with Australian and U.S. Forces, demonstrated a series of actions related to amphibious operations such as landing to improve the Self-Defense Force’s tactical capabilities in the operations and interoperability with Australian and U.S. Forces, and to strengthen cooperation with participating countries.
The exercise is the largest one among joint exercises hosted by the Australian Defense Force. In addition to Japan, Australia, and U.S., the exercise was participated by Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Korea, Tonga, and the U.K. this year. Also, India, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand took part as observers.
The Commanding Officer of the 2nd Surface Unit of the IPD23, Commander of Mine Warfare Force, Rear Admiral KANEZASHI Motoyuki said, “With tremendous support from our allied and like-minded nations, we could successfully complete Talisman Sabre 23. One of the most impressive aspects of this exercise was that the members of the Ground and Maritime Self-Defense Forces as well as U.S. and Australian Forces jointly operated as friends and comrades. I am very encouraged by their teamwork and am convinced that this was a major step toward the realization of a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific.’ We, the Mine Warfare Force, who pride ourselves as a leading force of joint operation unit will not be satisfied with this success and continue to work hard to achieve higher goals. ”
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.