The UK, US and Japan will hold regular trilateral military
exercises in the Indo-Pacific from 2025 to boost security in the
region and further develop the ability of each country's armed
forces to operate together.
The Indo-Pacific is particularly important for the UK due to
growing economic ties with countries in the region, and the UK
already conducts various exercises in the area – with HMS Spey
and HMS Tamar continuously deployed.
The trilateral exercises will build on previous operations
between the three countries – underlining the UK's commitment to
the Indo-Pacific.
Last year, the Prime Minister signed the Atlantic Declaration
with US President Joe Biden, and agreed the Hiroshima Accord with
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, both of which 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.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:
In an increasingly volatile world where we can no longer take
peace for granted, it's critical to stand united with our allies
and partners in defence of democracy and freedom.
Conducting joint exercises sends a strong message to anyone who
would seek to undermine the rules-based international order – our
defence relationships are not limited by distance and we stand
ready to respond to any threat around the globe.
A safe and stable Indo-Pacific is vital to our collective
security, allowing free and unhindered trade and travel, and our
world-leading partnerships with Japan and the US further
emphasise our commitment to the region.
Next year, Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales will
be deployed to the region at the head of a Carrier Strike Group,
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.
Further work to boost regional security is taking place between
the UK and US via the AUKUS programme, which will see the
construction of conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines
to be delivered to Australia's navy. The programme is providing a
massive boost to the UK's defence industry, with the Defence
Secretary having visited Australia last month where it was
confirmed a British business will partner with an Australian
company to build the submarines.
An announcement on Monday confirmed for Pillar Two of the AUKUS
programme, which focuses on collaboration around the development
of advanced new military technologies, that Australia, the UK,
and US will consult with other countries, including Japan, to
potentially contribute to the programme.
The UK also works closely with Japan as part of the Global Combat
Air Programme (GCAP), which, along with Italy, will deliver a
next-generation fighter jet to enter service from 2035 in a
significant capability boost for all countries involved.
