The Philippine Navy officers participated in a multilateral exercise “Annual Exercise 2023.”

From November 6 to 23, the Self Defense Fleet invited Philippine Navy officers, Captain MORATA and Lieutenant Commander LUMACTOD, to participate as observers in a multilateral exercise “Annual Exercise 2023.”
Through the exercise, they participated in some exercise events such as anti-submarine warfare on JS HYUGA, P-1 surveillance flight, and emergency steering and damage control on JS AMAGIRI.
On the occasion of a Japan-Philippines-U.S. Fleet Commander’s meeting in August this year, VADM SAITO Akira, Commander in Chief of the Self Defense Fleet met with VADM Toribio Adachi Jr., Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy and invited the Philippine Navy to participate in “Annual Exercise 2023.” The Philippine Navy decided to send them to the exercise as observers.
As both Japan and the Philippines are allies of the U.S., the Philippine not only shares universal value such as freedom, democracy, and rules-based order, but also is a like-minded country for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”The Self Defense Fleet will continue to deepen the cooperation with the Philippine Navy by increasing opportunities for exercises and defense cooperation.
The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to 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.