On 26 October, the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) and Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF) conducted the 2nd Professional Airmanship Program (PAP) online, one of the initiatives under the Vientiane Vision 2.0: the guiding principle for Japan-ASEAN defense cooperation. Air force officers from all ASEAN member states and officials from the ASEAN Secretariat participated in the program.
The 2nd PAP consisted of three sessions: (1) International Aviation Law and Norms, (2) Security in the Air, and (3) Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Officials and officers of Indo-Pacific Regional Policy Division of the Bureau of Defense Policy, 2nd Operations Division of the Operations Department (J-3) (Joint Staff), Defense Plans/Policies and Programs Division of the Defense Planning and Policy Department (Air Staff Office), Legal Affairs General (Air Staff Office), Operations Division of the Operations and Intelligence Department (Air Staff Office), Air Support Command etc. participated in the program and exchanged views.
In session 1, International Aviation Law and Norms, Japan delivered a presentation on international law concerning the freedom of overflight, as well as several recent events related to international law in the region. The participants exchanged views and promoted a shared understanding of international law and norms from the perspective of upholding and reinforcing a free and open Indo-Pacific, especially to ensure the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region.
In session 2, Security in the Air, Japan and participating countries provided presentations on challenges in security in the air and efforts made by air services. The participants exchanged views and deepened discussion on air defense cooperation and exchanges way forward.
In session 3, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Japan provided a presentation on international disaster relief activities and participating countries delivered presentations on challenges in cooperation in this field. The participants exchanged views and contributed to enhancing cooperation among air services in this field.
