The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday welcomed a goodwill visit by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) with a view to continuing efforts to bolster defense cooperation and enhance maritime ties between the two countries.
The delegation came aboard Japanese warship JS Noshiro (FFM-3), skippered by Cdr. Tetsunobu Hori, which dropped anchor at the Naval Operating Base-Subic (NOBS).
On hand to greet the visitors were Philippine Navy officials led by Cdr. Salvador Bunagan. The NOBS commander honored the Japanese delegation with an arrival ceremony.
Media representatives also had the opportunity to board the ship for a guided tour, gaining insights into its capabilities and technology.
Hori, joined by assistant defense attaché Cdr. Kawahata Noriyuki and FFM-3 mine sweeping officer Lt. Cdr. Tanaka Takehiro, later met with acting Philippine Fleet chief Commo. Ireneo Battung.
The courtesy call facilitated constructive discussions, focusing on strengthening maritime collaboration and exploring avenues for future joint activities.
A significant highlight of the visit was a shipboard tour conducted for Philippine Navy personnel. This exchange allowed both navies to share knowledge and deeper mutual understanding of each other's maritime assets, equipment, and operational procedures, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and cooperation.
“This significant visit serves as a testament to the increasingly robust maritime partnership between Japan and the Philippines,” the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines said in a social media post.
“It reaffirms both nations’ unwavering commitment to upholding peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region,” it added.
Prior to visiting the Philippines, the Noshiro vessel completed a training cruise in Australia.
One of the new Mogami-class stealth frigates, the 3,900-ton Noshiro is armed with a combination of missile and gun systems for anti-ship, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare hidden inside its hull. It is also equipped a Seahawk helicopter and an unmanned underwater vehicles for mine countermeasures.