The Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024 (IPD24), 2nd Surface Unit, JS HAGURO conducted a Japan-France bilateral exercise “OGURI-VERNY 24-2”.

The Second Surface Unit of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024 (IPD24), JS HAGURO conducted a Japan-France bilateral exercise “OGURI-VERNY 24-2” in the Pacific Ocean with the French Navy FNS BRETAGNE.
Commanding officer of JS HAGURO, Commander TOMIMATSU Tomohiro said, “The Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) was held in Kenya in summer 2016, when Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific in his key note address. I listened to the address in person as I was a Defense Attaché to Kenya. Eight years later, I am so impressed to be part of this Japan-France exercise to ensure the effectiveness of the vision. I directly realize how much Japan-France defense exchanges have been deepening in the past few years and believe that we succeeded in increasing Japan-France bilateral tactical skills and enhancing cooperation by conducting high-end events such as anti-submarine warfare and live firing during this exercise.
” 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.