Naoki Otake 
The Japanese destroyer Kaga (center) with American and French aircraft carriers saili alongside each other in the waters east of the Philippines on February 12. (©Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)
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The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), United States Navy, and French Navy are conducting a joint exercise, "Pacific Stellar," in the Philippine Sea. Pacific Stellar aims to enhance interoperability among the three nations while also serving as a countermeasure against China's increasing maritime expansion.
Drills include anti-submarine warfare exercises and sharing information among the three nations. Pacific Stellar will continue in the waters east of the Philippines until February 18.
Japan is participating with the JMSDF's escort ship JS Kaga, which is undergoing modifications to function as a de facto aircraft carrier. Carl Vinson, the US Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and the French Navy's flagship, Charles de Gaulle, are also being used in the exercise. This is the first joint exercise involving aircraft carriers from the JMSDF, US, and French navies.
Despite the Donald Trump administration's America First policy, this exercise reaffirms the US commitment to multilateral cooperation.
At a press conference on February 7, former Defense Minister Gen Nakatani stated, "To realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, we will deepen cooperation with various countries."
Two Vessels at Once
On February 13, a French Navy frigate and supply ship docked at the US military's White Beach in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture. There, the French Navy granted the press exclusive access to their respective interiors.
Jacques Chevallier, the docked supply ship, is a newly advanced vessel capable of replenishing fuel and ammunition at sea. Spanning 194 meters in length, it consists of ten decks. From the ship's bridge — accessed via a large elevator — the open windows provide a panoramic view of the horizon. Its deck is equipped with a helipad capable of accommodating all French Navy helicopters and can supply two ships simultaneously.
According to the French Navy, Jacques Chevallier supplied fuel to JS Kaga on February 10 during the joint exercise in the Philippine Sea.
Captain Christophe Gaume pointed out that the Pacific region is far from ports, making resupply difficult. Led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, the strike group has been deployed to the Pacific. Its mission is to ensure safe navigation and protect national interests.
Maintaining Maritime Superiority
Although the French Navy has not disclosed the name of the frigate due to operational reasons, it also opened the vessel that docked at White Beach to the media. It has a vertical launch system for anti-air missiles and a 76mm main gun.
The helicopter pad at the stern can accommodate an anti-submarine helicopter equipped with a dipping sonar capable of detecting submarines. According to the French Navy, this frigate plays a crucial role in defending the aircraft carrier strike group.
China has been increasing its maritime presence in the East and South China Seas, regularly deploying China Coast Guard vessels around Japan's Senkaku Islands.
Frigate Captain Guillaume Henry stated the French Navy was conducting exercises to ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region. Henry emphasized that their deployment aims to maintain maritime superiority and operational capabilities.
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Author: Naoki Otake, The Sankei Shimbun
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