JS IKAZUCHI conducted a Japan-Djibouti cruising exercise.

On November 12, the 45th Deployment Surface Force Counter Piracy Enforcement (DSPE) Unit, JS IKAZUCHI conducted a cruising exercise with a Djiboutian Navy’s patrol ship DBNS ADJUDANT ALI M. HOUMED to improve its tactical capabilities and strengthen cooperation with the Djiboutian Navy.
The Commanding Officer of JS IKAZUCHI, Commander TANAKA Hiroaki said, “Djibouti is an important country as it is the only country where the Self-Defense Forces has an overseas facility that is used for counter-piracy operations. Strengthening cooperation with the Djiboutian Navy is critical for maritime security in the region. We will continue to work with the Djiboutian Navy to maintain the maritime order in the region and promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.