P-3C conducted a bilateral exercise (Trident23-3) with the Royal Australian Navy.

On November 22, patrol aircraft P-3C from Air Patrol Squadron 5 conducted a bilateral exercise (Trident23-3) with the Royal Australian Navy’s frigate HMAS TOOWOOMBA in the East China Sea to improve its tactical capabilities and strengthen cooperation with the Royal Australian Navy.
As both Japan and Australia are allies of the U.S, Australia shares not only universal value such as freedom, democracy, and rules-based order, but also strategic interests on security. It is also a “Strategic Partner” opposing attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force together for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” The ever stronger and more important relationship between the JMSDF and the Australian Defense Force contributes to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and is a cornerstone that will raise our security and defense cooperation to the new level.
The Commanding Officer of Air Patrol Squadron 5, Captain HAMANO Hiromi, who led the Japanese side in the exercise, said, “As both Japan and Australia are allies of the U.S, Australia is a ‘Special Partner’ in the Indo-Pacific. The relationship between the JMSDF and the Australian Defense Force has never been stronger and much more important. We will further promote joint exercise and defense cooperation/exchanges with the Australian Defense Force in order to establish more unwavering cooperation posture and contribute to improving 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.