Joint Japan-EU Naval Force Anti-Piracy Exercise with Spanish Navy

On June 12th and 21st, JS Onami conducted an anti-piracy joint exercise (including communications training, firearms exercises, etc.) with the Spanish Navy Frigates “Numancia” and “Santa Maria” as the EU Naval Force. JS Onami is currently dispatched as a surface force conducting anti-piracy operations.

To strengthen cooperation in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) has been participating in joint Japan-EU anti-piracy exercises with the EU Naval Force Somalia (Operation ATALANTA) since October 2014, through which the EU conducts anti-piracy operations in accordance with the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

In the past, Japan has conducted joint anti-piracy exercises with other member states of the EU Naval Force-Somalia Operation ATALANTA such as the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Italian Navy, the German Navy, and the Spanish Navy.

Given the increasingly severe security environment, it is extremely important to deepen Japan-EU defense cooperation and exchanges. MOD/JSDF will continue to strengthen cooperation on shared issues for peace and stability in the international community and the region.

Elephant Walk

Misawa Air Base is the Koku-Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force)`s only air base operated jointly with the United States. The joint use started in 1958. Currently, there are 15 Koku-Jieitai (JASDF) air units stationed at the base, which is the home of Koku-Jieitai (JASDF) F-35A fighters and U.S. Air Force (USAF) F-16 fighters.

Taking advantage of the fact that it is a base for joint use with the U.S. Forces, the Koku-Jieitai (JASDF) makes constant efforts to improve interoperability, maintain and improve Japan-U.S. joint response capabilities, and promote mutual understanding and communication with the U.S. forces through various exercises and activities.

On June 22nd, 12 F-35A fighters of the 302nd Squadron, 3rd Air Wing, Northern Air Defense Force, Koku-Jieitai (JASDF) participated in an “Elephant Walk” conducted by the USAF’s 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base.

The “Elephant Walk” is a multiple military aircraft taxiing in close formation intended to check and demonstrate the capability for large scale aircraft employment.

Through this “Elephant Walk”, the two countries confirmed the strength of the Japan-U.S. Alliance and the positive relationship between the Koku-Jieitai (JASDF) and the USAF at Misawa Base.