Report on Japanese Military Power 2012 (14)

C. Multinational maritime exercises between Japan and other countries.

From June 23rd to August 3rd, the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2012 was held in Hawaii. 46 warships, over 200 aircraft and 250,000 personnel from 22 countries took part in the exercise. JS Myoko (DDG-175), JS Shirane (DDH-143), JS Bungo (MST-464), SH-60J Seahawk, and P-3C Orion from the JSDF took part in the maritime exercise.

Japan was also involved in other multinational exercises. From June 4th to 8th, 2012, naval forces from Japan, the U.S., and Australia conducted a joint exercise off the coast of Kyushu. JS Shimakaze (DDG-172) joined the other two destroyers from U.S. and Australian navies in the exercise focusing on anti-submarine and combined tactical operations. From September 9th to 23rd, the three countries conducted another multinational maritime exercise off the coast of Guam. Two P-3C Orions from the 21st Tactical Fighter Squadron from the JASDF took part in the exercise.

On June 9th, 2012, maritime forces from Japan and India conducted their first ever joint exercise in Sagami Bay. JS Hatakaze (DDG-171) and JS Onami (DD-111) from the JMSDF and INS Rana (D 52) from the Indian Navy took part in the exercise which was considered a hallmark in defense cooperation and maritime strategic coordination between the two countries.

From June 21st to 22nd, 2012, naval forces from Japan, the ROK, and the U.S. conducted a joint maritime exercise off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula, involving JS Kurama (DDH-144), JS Kirishima (DDG-174), and JS Yuudachi (DD-103) from the JMSDF, and USS George Washington (CVN 73) and several cruisers from the U.S. Navy. The main training subjects include tactical operation, onboard inspection, and search and rescue operation, directly targeting the tense situation on the Korean Peninsula and the East China Sea.

From August 22nd to 24th, 2012, Japan, Australia, and Singapore conducted a joint exercise off the coast of Guam. JS Shimakaze (DDG-172) took part in the exercise. This is the second such trilateral exercise which began in 2010. The main training subjects include tactical maneuver and communications.

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