Japan Defense Forces Vessels Dock at Port of Mombasa
One of the two Japanese maritime self-defense forces (JMSDF) ships docked at the Port of Mombasa (Photo by Mwakwaya Raymond)
By Harrison Kivisu and Mwakwaya Raymond
Two Japanese maritime self-defence forces (JMSDF) ships have docked at the Port of Mombasa as the two nations amplify their collaboration through strengthening bilateral ties.
The two ships are mine sweeper tender JS BUNGO and mine sweeper JS ETAJIMA with about 120 crew onboard docked at the port on March 13, 2025 for a three days stay in the country.
The visit, according to commanding officer of (JMSDF) unit, Captain Amano Shinsuke seeks to improve and strengthen (JMSDF) cooperation with Kenya as they embark on the Indo-Pacific and Middle East deployment 2025(IMED25) deployment.
The visit is also aimed at opening new opportunities for maritime collaboration and strengthening of ties between JMSDF and Kenya Navy (KN).
Speaking at the Port of Mombasa, onboard JS BUNGO, Captain Shinsuke reiterated that the deployment would contribute to peace and stability of the region and to enhance mutual understanding and relationship with partner countries.
“The visit seeks to contribute to peace and stability of the region and enhance mutual understanding and relationship with partner countries,” he said during a media briefing in Mombasa.
JMSDF has been conducting a similar deployment since 2021, and this year’s 2025 exercise being its third time.
“In each port, we have three nights and we make onboard reception, ship tour office calls, sports activity or goodwill exercise with the navy of each country. I believe our activity deepen our relationship with countries visited.”
In this tour, they have visited Bahrain, Kingdom of Cambodia, Republic of India, Republic of Kenya, Malaysia, Sultanate of Oman, Republic of Philippines, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Seychelles, Republic of Singapore, and democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
