At the end of May, the Multi-Mission Frigate with Enhanced Air Defense Capability (FREMM-DA) Lorraine reached the Northwest Pacific, the center of gravity of its Long-Term Deployment (DLD). In parallel with its stopover in Tokyo, Lorraine conducted several exercises of increasing complexity with units of the maritime component of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF).
South of Tokyo Bay, the FREMM-DA performed aviation maneuvers, tactical evolutions and exchanges by data links with the destroyer Yamagiri. Its ASM SH-60J Seahawk helicopter participated in a cross-aviation maneuver, confirming the interoperability of aviation chains. These maneuvers allowed the staffs of the two units to work on their coordination.
In addition, the Japanese and French conducted their first underwater combat exercise. For this training south of the island of Shikoku, the Japanese Navy lined up alongside the Lorraine and the missile frigate Kumano. This building admitted to active service in 2022 has the versatility equivalent to that of a FREMM DA.
In addition, Japanese submarine forces opposed the surface ships to the attack submarine Taigei. For this submarine, the JMSDF have developed an extremely efficient conventional propulsion that combines remarkable acoustic discretion and the ability to occasionally reach peak speed in diving, close to that of an SNA.
Finally, Lorraine had the opportunity to practice its other area of expertise, air defense, against four F2 fighters of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force. The partners have shown great interest in this joint training to attack ships at sea. Cooperation between the two nations has enabled the sharing of know-how with high operational value.
Through these interactions between first-class vessels, the two navies continue to raise their level of interoperability and strengthen their strategic partnership. These exercises are also an opportunity for Lorraine to continue verifying the military characteristics of the building, a major objective of this DLD.