JS Towada conducted a Japan-Australia bilateral exercise.

On 22 February, JS Towada conducted a Japan-Australia bilateral exercise with the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba in the East China Sea.

Not only is Australia a special strategic partner which shares fundamental values and strategic interests with Japan, but it usually conducts surveillance operations against illegal maritime activities including ship to ship transfer of goods by North Korea-related vessels in the vicinity of Japan. Through the exercise, the JMSDF enhanced its tactical capabilities and strengthened cooperation with the Royal Australian Navy.

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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