The Maritime Self-Defense Force's escort vessels have performed for the first time the mission of "protecting weapons, etc." made possible by security-related laws for the vessels of the Royal Australian Navy that are conducting joint training.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the mission was the escort ship "Inazuma", which guarded the frigate during the three-day joint training held until the 12th at the request of the Australian side.
The addition of the Australian Army to this mission was confirmed in June at a ministerial consultation on foreign affairs and defense between the two countries.
This is to strengthen the defense cooperation between the two countries, with China in mind as it strengthens its marine expansion.
This is the first time that the Self-Defense Forces have "protected weapons, etc." based on the security-related law that came into effect five years ago, except for the US military, and it is expected that such missions will increase in the future.