Participation in the multilateral exercise “SAMASAMA 2025” hosted by the U.S. and Philippine Navy.

From 13 through 14 October, JS Onami, being forward deployed under counter piracy enforcement in the Middle East, participated in the multilateral exercise “SAMASAMA 2025” hosted by the U.S. Navy and the Philippine Navy in the vicinity of Palawan Island.

The exercise “SAMASAMA,” meaning “together” in Tagalog, has been hosted by the U.S. Navy and the Philippine Navy for the purpose of strengthening cooperation among the participating countries and ensuring stability in the region. Through the exercise, the JMSDF improved its tactical capabilities and strengthened cooperation with the participating navies and other military forces. Bolstering the so-called mini-lateral relationship between Japan, the U.S. and the Philippines is as important as the Japan-U.S. bilateral relationship in order to maintain and strengthen rules-based international maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. The JMSDF will further enhance cooperation with the allied and like-minded navies through defense cooperation and exchanges, above all multi-lateral exercises.

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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