Japan Conducts First Joint Submarine Exercise with the United Kingdom

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force disclosed on the 28th that it conducted anti-submarine warfare training with the British Navy in the waters surrounding Japan from the 14th to the 15th. This marks the first time Japan and the United Kingdom have conducted submarine training together.

Each country deployed one submarine. However, the names of the submarines were not disclosed.

Kyodo News reported that it is unusual for the Self-Defense Forces to conduct joint training with submarines other than those of the U.S. military, viewing this as an example of rapidly deepening military cooperation between Japan and the United Kingdom.

The Japanese government announced that the first round of negotiations to conclude the "Facilitation Agreement" (RAA) on the joint operation, exercises, and activities of the two countries' forces will begin on July 7.

The RAA includes provisions to simplify the procedures for bringing in weapons and other items when entering the territory of the other country for joint training.

The Japanese government emphasized, "As global strategic partners sharing fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and as the closest security partners in the region to which both countries belong, this agreement will serve as a legal framework to elevate security and defense cooperation between the two countries to a higher level."