Counterpiracy Exercise with CSG21

Exercise with HMS Queen Elizabeth

(Press Release)


July 13, 2021
Japan Ministry of Defense

From July 11th to 12th, MOD/SDF participated in a multilateral counterpiracy exercise among Japan, the U.K., the U.S. and the Netherlands in the Gulf of Aden. The assets involved DDH “Setogiri” from JMSDF and HMS “Queen Elizabeth,” USS “The Sullivans” and HMNLS “Evertsen” from the Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21).

The exercise this time is based on what was discussed at the Japan-UK “2+2” meeting this February and this was the first time JSDF engaged with the CSG21 after it left the U.K. in May this year. Through the exercise, MOD/SDF was able to: 1) improve tactical skills and strengthen collaboration among the U.K., the U.S. and the Netherlands; 2) tackle a global issue of piracy; and 3) demonstrate the will and the capacity to secure the maritime safety which is the foundation of world prosperity.

Going forward, MOD/SDF intends to strategically conduct exercises with CSG21. Through the exercises, MOD/SDF—together with the U.K. that shares fundamental values and strategic benefits—will uphold and reinforce a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” work to tackle global security issues, and continue to proactively contribute to the peace and stability of the region.

PressRelease.pdf