South Korea and Japan are set to restart their joint maritime search and rescue exercises (SAREX) early next month, as confirmed by Seoul’s defense chief. The decision, announced during bilateral talks at the Asia Security Summit, signifies a positive step in their relationship. The drills, scheduled for June 7, will involve both countries’ naval forces in international waters southeast of Jeju Island.
The exercise, which was last held nine years ago, aims to enhance coordinated responses between naval ships from South Korea and Japan in case of maritime incidents near the Korean Peninsula. The upcoming SAREX will include South Korea’s ROKS Cheon Ja Bong landing ship, Japan’s Aegis-equipped Kongo destroyer, and a Japanese maritime patrol helicopter. The drills were suspended in 2017 due to strained relations following a maritime dispute.
The defense ministers of South Korea and Japan agreed to resume the exercises during their recent meeting in Tokyo. They emphasized the necessity of such engagements in light of shared security challenges. Both countries also highlighted the importance of their bilateral cooperation and trilateral partnership involving the United States to maintain peace and stability in the region. Plans are underway for a visit by the Japanese Defense Minister to South Korea in late June.
