Yoshihiro Inaba contributed to this report. Header picture by Tamotaro
「令和3年度国内における仏陸軍及び米海兵隊との実動訓練(ARC21)訓練開始式]
— 陸上総隊司令部 (@jgsdf_gcc_pao) May 11, 2021
本日5月11日、#陸上総隊 #水陸機動団 は相浦駐屯地において、「令和3年度国内における仏陸軍及び米海兵隊との実動訓練(ARC21)」の訓練開始式を実施しました。(1回目ツイート) pic.twitter.com/OZqeAgHUPt
According to a Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces (JMSDF) release, the following units will take part in the unprecedented combined exercise:
ARC21 Participating units
JMSDF units
- Hyūga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH-182),
- Atago-class guided missile destroyer JS Ashigara (DDG-178),
- Asahi-class destroyer JS Asahi (DD-119),
- Kongō-class guided missile destroyer JS Kongō (DDG-173)
- Ōsumi-class landing ship tank JS Ōsumi (LST 4001)
- Hayabusa-class patrol boats JS Ōtaka (PG-826) and JS Shirataka (PG-829),
- an unnamed submarine
In addition, JGSDF units (Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade and Western Air Defense Force CH-47JA, AH-64) and JASDF units (Western Air Defense Force F-2) will also take part in the training.
US Navy units
- San Antonio-class landing platform dock USS New Orleans (LPD-18),
- P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft,
- MV-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft,
French Navy units
- Mistral-class LHD Tonnerre (L9014)
- La Fayette-class Frigate Surcouf (F 711)
Royal Australian Navy unit
- Anzac-class frigate Parramatta (FFH 154)
The JMSDF contribution is significant with the participation of two top-of-the-line AEGIS destroyers (Atago and Kongo), the fleet’s most modern anti-submarine warfare (ASW) unit (Asahi), two amphibious vessels and a submarine. The participation of two (smaller) Hayabusa-class ships is noteworthy too because it marks the first time that this class participates in such a large exercise. Their role in ARC21 is so far unknown, but they could be used as opposing force (OPFOR), maybe to simulate PLAN Type 22 catamaran missile boats…
Goals of the exercise
According to the JMSDF, ARC21 will strengthen the defense cooperation between the four countries toward the realization of a “free and open Indo-Pacific”. The goal of the exercise is to Improve the tactical skills of the navies involved, in the field of island defense. The French Navy Commander of the Pacific zone (ALPACI) Admiral Rey said last week during a press conference that one of the objectives of the amphibious exercise will be to “retake an island”.
「令和3年度国内における仏陸軍及び米海兵隊との実動訓練(ARC21)訓練開始式」(2回目ツイート)
— 陸上総隊司令部 (@jgsdf_gcc_pao) May 11, 2021
ARC21は、日・仏・米・豪4ヶ国の部隊が、5月12日~16日の間、相浦駐屯地、九州近海及び霧島演習場において、ヘリボンによる着上陸訓練、市街地戦闘訓練等の共同訓練を実施します。 pic.twitter.com/nSmQxaTLOt