Richard Butler | Exclusive Report by YTS NEWS | 16TH APRIL, 2025
The Government of Japan has announced that Vanuatu is among more than 20 Indo-Pacific nations that will be visited as part of a major naval deployment by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) beginning April 21.
Five warships—including destroyers and landing ships—and a JMSDF maritime patrol aircraft will take part in the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2025 (IPD25), along with submarines and maritime security teams. These forces will participate in military exercises, joint drills, and goodwill visits across the region.
Countries scheduled for port calls include Vanuatu, Australia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Kiribati, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and the United States.
For Vanuatu, this rare visit by the Japanese fleet is seen as a strong gesture of strategic friendship and maritime cooperation between the two island nations. While specific dates and ship names for the Vanuatu leg have not been disclosed, it is expected to involve community outreach and diplomatic engagements.
Japan has been a long-term development partner for Vanuatu, supporting infrastructure, education, and disaster resilience. The visit marks a step forward in regional security collaboration, and a unique opportunity for local communities to engage with Japanese naval forces.
This will be the fourth consecutive Indo-Pacific Deployment since 2021. It aims to ensure a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” aligning with Japan’s vision for peace and stability in the region.
Further announcements from Port Vila regarding the official program and public engagements are expected in the coming days.
