The Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024 (IPD24), 1st Surface Unit, JS KUNISAKI conducted a Japan-French bilateral exercise.

The First Surface Unit of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024 (IPD24), JS KUNISAKI departed from Tahiti, French Polynesia, and conducted a Japan-France bilateral exercise in the surrounding waters with the French Navy FS BOUGAINVILLE and on AS365 patrol helicopter.
Commanding officer of JS KUNISAKI, Commander SUZUKI Takahiro said, “France is a special partner that has overseas territories and a permanent military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Through this exercise, in addition to improving our tactical capabilities, we have strengthened our cooperation with the French Navy toward the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. We will continue to safely carry out our current missions and contribute to the creation of a desirable security environment.”
The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.

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