Japan and Philippines hold first naval drills amid regional tensions

Japan, which has remained 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 official statements from both militaries (although Japan formally does not have an army but rather Self-Defense Forces), these are the first joint maneuvers resulting from a defense 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.

JS Sazanami is a Takanami-class destroyer that entered service in 2005. The Japanese ship is over 492 feet long and almost 36 feet high and can reach speeds of up to 35 mph. It is equipped with numerous sonars and radars, 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 often use SH-60J helicopters on this ship, which are 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 351 feet long, and its crew comprises about 110 people. It is also heavily armed and has space for a helicopter, such as the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat.

Disclosed information indicates that the maneuvers 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."