According to a story published in July 2020 by the Japanese Ministry of Defence, the Japanese Navy is participating in the EU anti-piracy operation in the Gulf of Aden.
On June 12th and 21st, JS Onami conducted an anti-piracy joint exercise (including communications training, firearms exercises, etc.) with the Spanish Navy Frigates “Numancia” and “Santa Maria” as the EU Naval Force.
JS Onami is currently dispatched as a surface force conducting anti-piracy operations.
To strengthen cooperation in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) has been participating in joint Japan-EU anti-piracy exercises with the EU Naval Force Somalia (Operation ATALANTA) since October 2014, through which the EU conducts anti-piracy operations in accordance with the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
In the past, Japan has conducted joint anti-piracy exercises with other member states of the EU Naval Force-Somalia Operation ATALANTA such as the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Italian Navy, the German Navy, and the Spanish Navy.
Given the increasingly severe security environment, it is extremely important to deepen Japan-EU defense cooperation and exchanges.
MOD/JSDF will continue to strengthen cooperation on shared issues for peace and stability in the international community and the region.
