UK, US, and Japan to conduct trilateral military exercises in Indo-Pacific

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the United Kingdom announced on Thursday that the UK, US, and Japan will hold regular trilateral military exercises in the Indo-Pacific from 2025. The aim is to bolster security in the region and enhance the interoperability of each country’s armed forces.

The Indo-Pacific region holds significant importance for the UK, particularly due to the expanding economic ties with countries in the area, including India. The UK already engages in various exercises in the region, with vessels like HMS Spey and HMS Tamar continuously deployed.

These trilateral exercises will build upon previous operations between the three countries, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific.

UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps stated the importance of standing united with allies and partners in defense of democracy and freedom in an increasingly volatile world. He stated, “Conducting joint exercises sends a strong message to anyone who would seek to undermine the rules-based international order.”

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Shapps highlighted that defense relationships are not limited by distance, and the UK stands ready to respond to any threat globally. A safe and stable Indo-Pacific is crucial for collective security, enabling free trade and travel. The partnerships with Japan and the US underscore the UK’s dedication to the region.

The latest announcement follows British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signing the Atlantic Declaration with US President Joe Biden last year. He also agreed the Hiroshima Accord with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Both these pacts committed the UK to further increase defence activity with each country, with a particular focus on bolstering collective security and mutual prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Next year, the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales will be deployed to the region at the head of a Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which will conduct a series of operations and exercises with partners and allies - including a port visit in Japan. It follows the successful deployment of her sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, to the region in 2021.

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With inputs from PTI