Patrol vessel HMS Spey arrives in Japan as part of her deployment to the Indo-Pacific
The Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Spey has arrived in Japan as part of the ship's deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.
In a post on X, the British Embassy in Tokyo said the ship had arrived in Yokosuka and it was the first time the Japan-UK defence agreement has been applied to naval port visits and training.
The Japan-UK RAA (Reciprocal Access Agreement) is a deal that has looked to build defence procedures between the two countries when the defence force of one country is visiting the other.
The post also said the visit to Yokosuka is looking to improve interoperability and deepen ties between the Royal Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Last year, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signed the Atlantic Declaration with US President Joe Biden, and agreed the Hiroshima Accord with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
It comes after the UK, US and Japan announced they would hold regular military exercises together – in the Indo-Pacific region – from next year.
Japan is also being considered by the Aukus alliance, consisting of Australia, the UK and the US, as it looks to expand its collaborative efforts by initiating consultations with other nations.
The Royal Navy is also set to visit Japan in 2025, with a Carrier Strike Group heading to the country as part of its Indo-Pacific deployment next year.
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