Japan-U.S. Bilateral Exercise.

On 18 February, JMSDF JS Harusame, OP-3C, EP-3 and UP-3D conducted a Japan-U.S. bilateral exercise with US Navy EA-18G, E-2D and F-18 in the south of Shikoku. Among other things, for the first time we were joined by U.S. Navy F-18 and E-2D during the exercise. The JMSDF enhanced its tactical capabilities and interoperability with the U.S. Navy.

The JMSDF and the U.S. Navy are closely cooperating with each other to improve our response capabilities for any possible situations. For years, we have strengthened collaboration in information warfare (IW) domain as well to develop electromagnetic maneuver warfare (EMW) capability. Amidst the severe security environment surrounding us, the Japanese and U.S. naval forces will cooperate more closely with each other to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance and contribute to maintaining “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

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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