Prime Minister Ishiba boards British Navy aircraft carrier; Self-Defense Forces also provide protection for British vessels
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (second from right) and Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani (far right) inspect the Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer Kaga and receive an explanation on the SeaRAM (anti-ship missile defense system, top left) from Captain Shusaku Takeuchi (center) on the flight deck. (Photo taken at 10:17 a.m. on August 23, 2025, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture)\
PM Ishiba Boards British Aircraft Carrier as Japan’s SDF Ensures Security
August 23, 2025 – Tokyo/London:
In a symbolic show of growing defense cooperation between Japan and the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday boarded a British Navy aircraft carrier currently operating in the Indo-Pacific region. This marks a significant diplomatic and military gesture, highlighting Japan’s deepening role in international maritime security.
Accompanied by senior officials from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Prime Minister Ishiba was given a full tour of the British vessel, believed to be the HMS Queen Elizabeth, one of the Royal Navy’s most advanced aircraft carriers.
August 23, 2025 – Tokyo/London:
In a symbolic show of growing defense cooperation between Japan and the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday boarded a British Navy aircraft carrier currently operating in the Indo-Pacific region. This marks a significant diplomatic and military gesture, highlighting Japan’s deepening role in international maritime security.
Accompanied by senior officials from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Prime Minister Ishiba was given a full tour of the British vessel, believed to be the HMS Queen Elizabeth, one of the Royal Navy’s most advanced aircraft carriers.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
During his visit, Ishiba emphasized Japan’s commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific”, reiterating shared democratic values and mutual security goals with the United Kingdom.
“This visit reflects our strong alliance and mutual resolve to protect the rule of law at sea,” Ishiba said, addressing both Japanese and British military personnel on board.
Defense analysts suggest the visit also signals Japan’s readiness to play a more proactive role in multilateral defense collaborations, particularly in light of regional tensions and maritime disputes.
During his visit, Ishiba emphasized Japan’s commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific”, reiterating shared democratic values and mutual security goals with the United Kingdom.
“This visit reflects our strong alliance and mutual resolve to protect the rule of law at sea,” Ishiba said, addressing both Japanese and British military personnel on board.
Defense analysts suggest the visit also signals Japan’s readiness to play a more proactive role in multilateral defense collaborations, particularly in light of regional tensions and maritime disputes.
Japanese SDF Provides Naval Escort
Simultaneously, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) provided security escort to British naval vessels as they navigated Japanese waters. JMSDF ships reportedly coordinated with the British fleet to ensure safe passage, marking a rare and highly symbolic instance of joint operational cooperation in peacetime.
Officials from both governments stated that such actions are in accordance with international maritime law and serve to reinforce collective security against any potential threats in the region.
Simultaneously, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) provided security escort to British naval vessels as they navigated Japanese waters. JMSDF ships reportedly coordinated with the British fleet to ensure safe passage, marking a rare and highly symbolic instance of joint operational cooperation in peacetime.
Officials from both governments stated that such actions are in accordance with international maritime law and serve to reinforce collective security against any potential threats in the region.
Growing UK–Japan Defense Cooperation
This visit is seen as part of the broader UK–Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed in recent years, allowing for closer military collaboration and joint exercises between the two nations.
Earlier this year, joint naval drills were conducted off the coast of Okinawa involving British, Japanese, and U.S. forces. Defense officials confirmed that more joint activities are planned in the coming months, including cyber defense coordination and humanitarian response planning.
This visit is seen as part of the broader UK–Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed in recent years, allowing for closer military collaboration and joint exercises between the two nations.
Earlier this year, joint naval drills were conducted off the coast of Okinawa involving British, Japanese, and U.S. forces. Defense officials confirmed that more joint activities are planned in the coming months, including cyber defense coordination and humanitarian response planning.
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اگست 23, 2025
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