SDF ship port call

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s training vessel Kashima has arrived in London on Thursday, making its first port call in two years. The vessel called at a quay on the River Thames and it hopes to further strengthen cooperation with Britain’s Royal Navy. 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.