Japan and Philippines hold first joint naval drills amid regional tensions
Japan, which has been at war with Russia over the Kuril Islands for years, has conducted its first naval exercises with the Philippine fleet. What ships participated?
According to the official statements of both militaries (although Japan formally does not have an army, Self-Defence Forces), these are the first joint manoeuvres resulting from the defence cooperation treaty signed at the beginning of July this year. Japanese and Philippine ships appeared in the West Philippine Sea. Among them were the Japanese destroyer JS Sazanami and the Philippine missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal.
Japanese and Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea
JS Sazanami is a Takanami-class destroyer that entered service in 2005. The Japanese ship is over 150 metres long and almost 11 metres high. It can reach speeds of up to 56 km/h. It is equipped not only with numerous sonars and radars but also with electronic warfare systems and decoys. It also has a considerable arsenal.
On board JS Sazanami are 20 mm guns, naval guns, torpedo launchers, and missile launchers. Additionally, JS Sazanami has a built-in hangar and helipad. The Japanese most often use SH-60J helicopters on this ship, which is designed for anti-submarine warfare.
The Philippine missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal is one of the leading vessels in this country's fleet. It was built in South Korea and entered service in 2019. It is 107 metres long and has a crew of about 110 people. It is also heavily armed and has space for a helicopter, the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat.
Disclosed information indicates that the manoeuvres included communication and tactical exercises. They were intended to express the tightening cooperation between the two countries and respond to China's actions in the region.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines stated, "This activity was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation towards realising a free and open Indo-Pacific."
