Japan and Philippine forces conduct first exercise under logistics pact

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met in Makati City on Sept 29 for talks on expanding defense cooperation, including a new working group on equipment and technology transfer. - Courtesy of Department of National Defense

MANILA: Japan’s Self-Defence Forces and the Philippines’ military will conduct a joint humanitarian exercise marking the first implementation of a pact enabling the exchange of defence supplies and logistical support, Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Friday (Oct 2).

The six-day exercise starting Sunday in the country will see the Philippine Air Force supply fuel to an Air Self-Defence Force aircraft, cooperation enabled by the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement that took effect in August, Koizumi told reporters.

“The first application of the ACSA represents an important step and symbolizes that defense cooperation between the two countries has entered a new stage,” Koizumi said.

Japan and the Philippines, both allies of the United States, have been ramping up their security collaboration in recent years in the face of China’s maritime assertiveness in the East and South China seas. -Kyodo/Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN