Our thanks to allied and partner nations

Recently we took part in an international effort to test interoperability, working with teams from many nations. For operational security, we cannot describe where it took place, who took part, or which systems were involved. What we can do here is say thank you. To every nation and every team that worked with us, and gave their time, patience, and trust, we are sincerely grateful. Cooperation of this kind is not easy, and we are grateful that so many nations were willing to take it on with us.

This was the first time the Alayasiki team took part in an effort of this kind, and we had prepared for it over a long period. We were glad that it produced concrete results, with real progress on Multi-Domain Situational Awareness (MDSA) and Coalition ISR (CISR). Working alongside other nations, and seeing at first hand how they operate, left a strong impression on us. We came to understand, directly, that cooperation of this kind is a foundation of peace.

For us, the meaning is simple. Japan can now contribute more to allied and partner operations, without asking anyone to give up control of what is theirs. We know how much work still remains, and we intend to do it carefully and honestly. Together with the Ministry of Defense, Japan and the Self-Defense Forces, and with our partners abroad, the Alayasiki team will keep working, step by step, toward a region kept peaceful and secure under the rule of law. We are grateful for the cooperation we have received, and we will continue to earn it.