JS Ise and JS Suzunami arrive in Manila for Japan's Indo-Pacific Deployment

JS Ise and JS Suzunami from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) arrived at Port Area in Manila on Saturday as part of Japan's Indo-Pacific Deployment 2025.

The visit aims to promote regional security and cooperation, with Rear Admiral Natsui Takashi emphasizing the importance of realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific during his speech upon arrival.

Twenty naval officers from Southeast Asian and Pacific Island countries participated in the Ship Rider Cooperation Program en route to Manila as part of their three-month deployment.

The Philippine Navy hosted a disembarkation ceremony for the visiting naval officers, underscoring bilateral cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.

Japan's continued commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific was highlighted by joint training exercises with navies across the region, reflecting heightened defense cooperation following the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) last year.