The JMSDF and the U.S. Navy conducted Information Warfare in the JMSDF Exercise 2021

The JMSDF Exercise (ANNUALEX-2021) also included the exercise's first-ever combined information warfare (IW) events during which the JMSDF and the U.S. Navy worked together on integrated command and control systems, collaborative threat and environmental assessments. The IW events kicked off with a pre-sail IW conference between JMSDF and U.S. IW leaders, conducted on JMSDF Izumo-class JS Izumo (DDH 183). “We have been conducting IW between the JMSDF and the U.S. Navy, but the exercise was the first time for Japan and the U.S. to conduct bilateral IW activities,” said Capt. TAKAHASHI Hiromasa, JMSDF IW commander (IWC). “The Japanese and U.S. IW teams were able to conduct a smooth bilateral operation. In the future, Japan and the U.S. will work even more closely together to enhance the effectiveness of IW.” Capt. Tony Butera, IWC for CSG 1, said that ANNUALEX 2021 would not be the last time the two navies will work so closely together on IW. “Our navies and nations are committed to sharing best IW practices, not just during exercises, but constantly,” said Butera. “We are more and more focused on enhancing a shared tactical operating picture and assured secure communications within a competitive battlespace. The U.S. Navy and JMSDF fully understand the growing importance of IW and its role in modern warfare.”