NATO and Japan conduct joint maritime defense exercises in Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Asia-Pacific, Europe, News August 16, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Three NATO ships conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) with two vessels from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in the Eastern Mediterranean on August 14, 2024. The joint maritime exercise marks a significant step in the ongoing collaboration between NATO and Japan, highlighting the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region to Euro-Atlantic security.

The exercise involved ships from the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) and the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2). The Canadian frigate HMCS Charlottetown and the Turkish frigate TCG Gaziantep represented SNMG2, while the Romanian minesweeper ROS Vice Admiral Constantin Balescu represented SNMCMG2.

The Japanese side was represented by the JMSDF’s training vessels JS Kashima and JS Shimakaze. The PASSEX included a wide array of activities designed to enhance maritime operational skills and improve interoperability between the participating navies.

A passing exercise allows naval forces to develop and maintain mariner skills, ensuring that they can work together effectively in various maritime operations. The drill included maneuvering exercises, communication drills, and cross-deck visits, where sailors from different ships had the opportunity to visit each other’s vessels and exchange knowledge.

“The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has a longstanding relationship with NATO when it comes to Maritime Security. We are seeing more and more that the Indo-Pacific is important for NATO, given that developments in that region can directly affect Euro-Atlantic security,” remarked Royal Canadian Navy Commodore Matthew Coates, Commander of SNMG2.

NATO and Japan maritime exercise — ^{Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 flagship HMCS Charlottetown and TCG Gaziantep, along with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 flagship ROS Vice Admiral Constantin Balescu, conducting a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Training Squadron JS Kashima and JS Shimakaze in Eastern Mediterranean. (Image Credit: NATO MARCOM)}

NATO-Japan cooperation

Japan’s involvement in this exercise is part of a broader strategy to deepen its security ties with NATO, reflecting its concerns over regional security in East Asia and its commitment to maintaining the stability of global maritime routes. For NATO, these exercises are an opportunity to strengthen ties with partners beyond the Euro-Atlantic area, enhancing its ability to respond to global challenges.

“Exercising with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Eastern Mediterranean is a fantastic representation of the interconnectedness between NATO and Japan. These exercises allow us to improve interoperability not only with Alliance members but also our international partners,” Commodore Coates added, emphasizing the importance of such interactions for building cohesive maritime strategies that transcend regional boundaries.

The NATO-Japan PASSEX also involved critical training in mine countermeasures, a domain in which SNMCMG2 specializes. Romanian Navy Captain Sebastian Barote, Commander of SNMCMG2, highlighted the importance of these operations in his statement: “The successful conduct of the PASSEX with our esteemed Japanese counterparts and Alliance members epitomizes our unwavering commitment to maritime security and operational excellence.”

Captain Barote further elaborated on the significance of international maritime cooperation, stating, “This exercise highlights the critical importance of keeping cooperation with our Partners at the highest level. We have to benefit from any training opportunities with our Partners and enhance our ability to operate together effectively and ensure we are always ready to protect global maritime routes.”

SNMG2 and SNMCMG2, the NATO groups involved in the exercise, are integral parts of NATO’s maritime strategy. SNMG2, composed of vessels from various Allied nations, operates to maintain a visible and credible presence in international waters, performing tasks ranging from high-intensity combat training to diplomatic engagements. SNMCMG2, on the other hand, is dedicated to mine countermeasures, employing state-of-the-art technology and expertise to neutralize threats to maritime safety.