Japan: Japan has for the first time conducted "military asset protection" for British forces under a 2016 security law earlier this month, marking a new step in bilateral defense cooperation. Japan's Defense Ministry announced that the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) helicopter carrier Kaga and destroyer Teruzuki provided escort to the Royal Navy's aircraft carrier Prince of Wales and its accompanying vessels during Western Pacific drills from August 4 to 12.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the defense ministry emphasized that this escort service highlighted the improved interoperability between Japanese and British units, allowing for even closer coordination between Japan and the UK. The ministry described the UK as one of Japan's closest security partners in both Asia and Europe. The development is seen as significantly advancing Japan-UK defense cooperation to maintain peace and stability in Japan and the broader region.
The Japanese security legislation enacted in 2016 authorizes the Self-Defense Forces to guard foreign military vessels, aircraft, and equipment that contribute to Japan's defense. The recent drills included forces from Japan, Britain, the US, Australia, Canada, and Norway. The Prince of Wales carrier strike group is scheduled to make a port call in Yokosuka, located southwest of Tokyo, this week.