Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force will begin its annual JMSDF Indo-Pacific Deployment on April 21. This year’s deployment includes five ships forming four surface units, supported by submarines and a maritime patrol aircraft. The task force will also participate in several major military exercises throughout the region.
According to official statements, each unit will operate separately during JMSDF Indo-Pacific Deployment 2025. A P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and an undisclosed number of submarines will support exercises when needed.
The key events for this year’s JMSDF Indo-Pacific Deployment include multinational drills and regional defense exhibitions. Ships will appear at events in Malaysia and Singapore. They will also join major joint exercises like Balikatan 25, Talisman Sabre, Super Garuda Shield, and Pacific Vanguard.
Balikatan 25 runs from April 21 to May 9. This U.S.-Philippines drill also involves Australia and Japan. Frigate JS Yahagi represents Japan’s First Surface Unit for the exercise.
In July, Japan will join Talisman Sabre in Australia. Later, Super Garuda Shield will take place between August and September in Indonesia. Pacific Vanguard, Malabar, and Pacific Partnership will follow in the coming months. These exercises focus on joint naval operations and humanitarian missions across the Indo-Pacific.
The participating ships include JS Osumi, JS Ise, JS Suzunami, and JS Akebono. A single P-1 aircraft forms the Air Unit. The Submarine Unit includes an undisclosed number of submarines. Boarding teams from the Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure Unit will also join.
Port visits will include over 20 nations such as India, Fiji, Australia, Oman, Sri Lanka, and the United States. This extensive travel emphasizes the growing reach of the JMSDF Indo-Pacific Deployment.
Meanwhile, the IMED25 task group continues its return from the Middle East. JS Bungo and JS Etajima sailed over 7,000 nautical miles to Bahrain. They trained alongside Royal Navy units during IMX25.
Now, they are sailing back to Japan through Southeast Asia, covering another 11,000 nautical miles. Stops include Saudi Arabia, Oman, Seychelles, Malaysia, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani confirmed the task group will visit Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base from April 20 to 22. These ships will be the first foreign vessels to dock at the newly renovated facility.
Nakatani emphasized that the JMSDF Indo-Pacific Deployment and regional port visits show Japan’s commitment to international cooperation. He also noted that such visits help keep strategic bases open to all countries.
