Royal Navy: HMS Spey arrives in Japan after training with Korean Navy in back drop to Malaysia mission

A Royal Navy patrol vessel has arrived in Japan after training in the East China Sea.
By Freddie Webb
Published 17th Apr 2024, 13:32 BST
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The Portsmouth-based offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey is alongside Yokosuka after visiting other nations in the Indo-Pacific. Great Britain and Japan are currently in a co-operation agreement and have planned military exercises in 2025.

HMS Spey is currently in Japan after training with the Korean Navy. She is pictured in Colombo, Sri Lanka, earlier this year. Picture: Royal Navy/MoD Crown Copyright.HMS Spey is currently in Japan after training with the Korean Navy. She is pictured in Colombo, Sri Lanka, earlier this year. Picture: Royal Navy/MoD Crown Copyright.
HMS Spey is currently in Japan after training with the Korean Navy. She is pictured in Colombo, Sri Lanka, earlier this year. Picture: Royal Navy/MoD Crown Copyright.

Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is scheduled to be deployed and is expected to lead a UK Carrier Strike Group. The countries are aligned under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), where alongside Italy, the nations will deliver a next-generation fighter jet. The aircraft is expected to enter service in 2035.

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Sailors aboard HMS Spey, a River-class patrol vessel, are currently working alongside the Republic of Korea Navy in the East China Sea. Tests were carried out Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), a first for the ship’s company.

Previous missions were undertaken in Malaysia, with sailors testing country’s navy while honouring the Five Powers Defence Arrangements - an agreement between Commonwealth nations Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK to protect the region. They also trained alongside Gurkha units in the Philippines in February.

Related topics:Royal NavyJapanSailorsCarrier Strike GroupNew ZealandGreat Britain

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