Sep 18 (NHK) - Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force says one of its submarines took part in a drill in the South China Sea.
The MSDF rarely carries out exercises in the sea.
The force said on Monday that the anti-submarine warfare drill held last Thursday involved its submersible Kuroshio and three other vessels, including the destroyer Kaga.
It says the Kuroshio joined the Kaga on the high seas. The destroyer is currently navigating between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean on a 2-month mission.
The drill involved tracking the Kuroshio without being noticed. Photos released by the MSDF show a helicopter that flew from the destroyer dropping equipment for searching for submarines into the water.
Anti-sub activities are seen as among the most crucial for the MSDF. Related drills of the force have mainly taken place in waters surrounding Japan.
The MSDF has made the unusual move making the drill known. The operation is likely aimed at keeping China's increasing maritime activities in check.
Source: ANNnewsCH
