P-1 participated in a multilateral exercise SEA DRAGON 2024 hosted by the U.S. Navy.

From 8 to 24 January, P-1 patrol aircraft from Air Patrol Squadron 3 (VP-3), Fleet Air Wing 4 (AW-4) participated in a multilateral exercise SEA DRAGON 2024 hosted by the U.S. Navy around Guam with Navy and Air Force of Canada, India, and the Republic of Korea. Through the exercise, they competed anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, and the JMSDF won the championship for the second year in a row.
The Chief of Flight Division 31, VP-3, Commander KATAGIRI Naoki, who led the Japanese side, said, “SEA DRAGON is an annual multilateral joint anti-submarine exercise. While in general multilateral exercises, participating countries cooperate with each other to strengthen and improve interoperability. A unique feature of SEA DRAGON is that participants not only cooperate together but also compete for their countries over their tactical skills. Through this competition, we could deepen mutual understanding and paid our respect to participating Navies and Air Forces. Additionally, the JMSDF demonstrated strength in this ASW competition, earned the champion belt, and took pride in its accomplishment.”
The Self Defense Fleet maintains maximum readiness and contributes to peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan, but also to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.