JMSDF JS Bungo & JS Etajima participate in Japan-Philippine Goodwill Exercise

On 2 May 2025, the Indo-Pacific Middle East Deployment 2025 (IMED25) unit, comprised of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) JS Bungo and JS Etajima, participated in a goodwill exercise with the Philippine Navy’s (PN) BRP Apolinario Mabini.  The exercise aims to improve the JMSDF’s tactical capabilities and promote friendship and mutual understanding between JMSDF and PN. The participating vessels also engaged in COMMEX (communications exercise) and maneuvering exercises in the vicinity of Manila.

JS Bungo and JS Etajima made a port visit at Manila from April 29 to May 2.