Naval Technology

Daily Newsletter

07 August 2023

Daily Newsletter

Japan-Sri Lanka goodwill exercise strengthens Indo-Pacific cooperation

Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23) unit enhances maritime collaboration through a successful goodwill exercise with the Sri Lanka Navy.

In a demonstration of commitment to fostering regional cooperation and advancing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 unit, under the Maritime Staff Office for Japan, recently concluded a successful goodwill exercise with the Sri Lanka Navy.

Japan's proactive defence approach includes reinforcing strategic alliances and collaborations with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defence ministers of Japan, the United States, Australia and the Philippines agreed to step up security cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific amid China's growing maritime assertiveness, according to GlobalData's "Japan Defense Market 2023-2028" report.

Japan's objectives aligned with progress

The goodwill exercise on 29 July marked a stride towards achieving two crucial objectives. Firstly, it aimed to enhance the tactical capabilities of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, solidifying its strength in maritime operations.

Secondly, the exercise was a testament to the friendship and mutual understanding fostered between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Sri Lanka Navy.

According to GlobalData's report "Sri Lankan Defense Market - Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2024", Japan and Sri Lanka are strengthening their bilateral cooperation regarding maritime security to fight against piracy and other concerns, along with efforts to establish an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

Cooperation at sea - off Colombo

The exercise, conducted off the coast of Colombo, witnessed the collaboration of two naval units. Representing the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force was the JS Samidare (IPD23 First Surface Unit), while the Sri Lankan Navy's Gajabahu represented the Sri Lanka Navy.

The exercise encompassed a range of activities, including tactical manoeuvring exercises and a photographic exercise, among others.

A diplomatic voyage

The JS Samidare, as part of its engagement with Sri Lanka, embarked on a port visit to Colombo, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, from July 20 to 29. During this time, the vessel underwent a thorough hull inspection and maintenance at the Colombo Dockyard, underscoring the commitment to maritime operational readiness.

The culmination of this collaborative endeavour was punctuated by the sight of JS Samidare and SLNS Gajabahu standing side by side, showing cooperation. The exercise served as a testament to the shared goals of enhancing tactical acumen while nurturing mutual camaraderie.

In the weeks prior, South Korea, the US, & Japan also conducted joint naval missile defence drills to address regional security challenges.

As the maritime landscape continues to evolve, such exercises reaffirm nations' determination to stand shoulder to shoulder, reinforcing the pillars of co-operation and security.

Growing global demand for autonomous UMV capabilities

The proliferation of unmanned systems in the global defense market continues to have a growing impact on the future of naval warfare. Navies around the globe are increasingly investing in the development and integration of unmanned surface vehicles (USV) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) to create ‘hybrid’ fleet structures in the interest of enhancing survivability, increasing efficiency, and reducing the long-term costs of naval operations. USVs are a new and fast-growing segment of the naval defense market, with steady investment and interest from around the globe due to the multitude of applications for this emerging technology. GlobalData forecasts expenditures in the global UUV market to rise from $379 million in 2023 to $965 million by 2033 as the market continues to surpass its previous records. Demand for military UUVs continues to be driven by the development of autonomous MCM capabilities and the implementation of hybridized fleet initiatives by several nations including China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US. However, the market for USVs continues to far outpace that of UUVs. Demand for military USVs is driven by many of the same factors as for UUVs, with autonomous MCM capabilities and hybrid fleet structures driving demand for USV platforms around the globe.