The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s training vessel Kashima has arrived in London, making its first port call in two years. The JMSDF hopes to further strengthen cooperation with Britain’s Royal Navy.
The vessel called at a quay on the River Thames on Thursday.
Kashima, with about 350 crew members on board, began an overseas training cruise in May.
JMSDF Rear Admiral Nishiyama Takahiro, Commander of Training Squadron, noted that the latest port call will further deepen defense cooperation and exchanges between Japan and Britain.
He said he believes the two countries will contribute to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, and maintain and strengthen the rules-based international order.
Kashima conducted a joint communication drill with Britain’s Royal Navy when making the port call.
During the ship’s stay, the two sides plan to hold various programs, including a music performance by Japanese personnel and an exchange event between young officers.
The UK is to dispatch a carrier strike group to the Indo-Pacific next year. The group was sent to the region for the first time in 2021.