The Self-Defense Forces conducted weapons protection missions 11 times in 2025 to safeguard foreign military ships and aircraft, the Defense Ministry has said.
The foreign military asset protection activities were carried out under national security-related laws for the U.S. and British militaries, according to the announcement Friday. The SDF protected British military assets for the first time.
Of the 11 cases, four involved U.S. warships during information-gathering and surveillance activities related to ballistic missiles and other risks, five were related to U.S. warships and aircraft during joint training and two were linked to British warships, also during joint training.
?
?
?
?
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.