Japanese naval vessels dock in Mombasa as part of Indo-Pacific deployment
The vessels departed from Japan on January 4 for their mission, which aims to enhance maritime security, strengthen cooperation with partner navies, and contribute to regional stability.
Two vessels from the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), the Mine Sweeper Tender JS BUNGO and Mine Sweeper JS ETAJIMA, arrived at the Port of Mombasa on Thursday as part of their Indo-Pacific and Middle East Deployment 2025 (IMED25).
The vessels departed from Japan on January 4 for their mission, which aims to enhance maritime security, strengthen cooperation with partner navies, and contribute to regional stability.
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Kenya is one of their scheduled stops, with the deployment also including visits to the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of India, Malaysia, the Sultanate of Oman, the Republic of the Philippines, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Seychelles, the Republic of Singapore, and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
CDR Koji Tanaka explaining about how the Mine Sweeper Tender JS BUNGO, a vessel from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) operates. The vessel together with Mine Sweeper JS ETAJIMA arrived at the Port of Mombasa on Thursday as part of their Indo-Pacific and Middle East Deployment 2025 (IMED25). (Farhiya Hussein)
Speaking upon arrival, Captain Amano Shinsuke, Commander of the JMSDF Deployment Unit, emphasised the importance of the mission in fostering international partnerships.
“We arrived here in Mombasa on Thursday with two vessels, JS BUNGO and JS ETAJIMA, after departing from Japan on January 4. As part of the Indo-Pacific and Middle East Deployment 2025, we have made several port calls in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the Middle East to enhance cooperation with allied and like-minded countries. Our participation in the International Maritime Exercise (IMX) in Bahrain was a key part of this mission.”
Captain Shinsuke Amano from the vessels of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) addressing the press. (Farhiya Hussein)
He added that the deployment aligns with Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision, which promotes maritime security, stability, and freedom of navigation.
The JMSDF crew will be in Kenya for three days, during which they will engage in diplomatic and cultural exchanges.
On Thursday, they met with Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa, the Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy, to discuss maritime security cooperation.
On Friday, the crew invited members of the press for a tour of the vessels, showcasing their operations, equipment, and contributions to global maritime security.
On Saturday, their final day in Kenya, they plan to explore different parts of Mombasa and experience the city’s cultural heritage.
One of the vessels from the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF). (Farhiya Hussein)
About the Vessels
JS BUNGO is a Minesweeper Tender (MST) that has been in service since March 23, 1998 as part of the Uraga-class vessels. It plays a crucial role in supporting minesweeping operations, assisting smaller minesweepers, and providing logistical and operational support.
It is equipped with a mine-laying system, automated damage control technology, and supply systems, making it a vital asset in maritime security missions.
Displacement: 5,700 tonnes
Length: 141 metres (463 feet)
Top Speed: 40 km/h (22 knots)
Crew: 129 personnel
One of the crews on vessels from the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF). (Farhiya Hussein)
JS ETAJIMA, commissioned in March 2021, is a third-generation minesweeper constructed using fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) to enhance its ability to detect and neutralise underwater mines. The ship is fitted with the OQQ-10 sonar system, an advanced mine-detection technology that allows for deep-sea operations.
Displacement: 690 tonnes
Length: 67 metres
Main Engine: 2 diesel engines
Crew: Standard for Awaji-class minesweepers
Both vessels play a crucial role in clearing sea lanes of underwater threats.
From left: LCDR Takayuki Oda, CDR Koji Tanaka, Captain Shinsuke Amano briefing the media inside the vessels. The two vessels from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) arrived at the Port of Mombasa on Thursday as part of their Indo-Pacific and Middle East Deployment 2025 (IMED25). (Farhiya Hussein)
Regional engagement
As part of IMED25, the JMSDF has been engaging in military exercises, hosting goodwill activities, and conducting port visits to build stronger relations with partner nations.
The ships participated in the International Maritime Exercise (IMX) in Bahrain for two weeks, a multinational naval drill focused on enhancing maritime security, anti-piracy efforts, and joint naval operations.
One of the vessels from the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF). (Farhiya Hussein)
The IMED deployment has been conducted annually since 2021, marking this as the third mission of its kind.
Following their departure from Mombasa, JS BUNGO and JS ETAJIMA will continue their scheduled deployments across the region before concluding their mission in Japan on 10 May 2025.
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