By Robina Asido

SUBIC, Zambales -- JS Noshiro, a multi-mission stealth frigate of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) equipped with naval mine warfare capability, visited the country for the first time on Wednesday.

During its arrival, the crew of JS Noshiro led by its Commander Hori Tetsunobu was welcomed by the Philippine Navy personnel headed by Commander Salvador Bunagan of the Philippine Naval Operating Base in Subic Bay.

The Japanese embassy said this is the 6th JMSDF vessel that visited the country this year. The ship will remain here until Friday.

It can be recalled that JS Ariake and JS Hamagiri also conducted a port of call in Manila in the previous month while Japan Defense Minister Nakatani Gen had his first official visit in the Philippines.

In his remarks, Hori noted that the partnership between the Philippine Navy and JMSDF "has been strengthened as JS Noshiro has berthed in Subic Naval Base for the first time as a Japanese warship."

"I am also convinced that keeping those activities will contribute to peace and stability in the area surrounding the Philippines and Japan and realize the free and open Indo- Pacific," he added.

Following their arrival, Hori and his crew are expected to visit the headquarters of the Philippine Fleet in Subic for a courtesy call in the afternoon of the same day.

Hori said the crew of JS Noshiro is looking forward to enjoying different outdoor activities specially the beautiful beaches in Subic during their stay.

''I heard that there are many outdoor activities such as in beautiful beaches, to which many of our crews are looking forward to,'' he said.

In his speech, Bunagan said the visit of JS Noshiro is important in "strengthening defense cooperation and deepening maritime ties between the Philippine Navy and the Japan Maritime Defense Force."

"It also offers opportunities for the proportional exchange, culture installations, and the continued development of stronger defense relationships between the two nations," he said.

Bunagan also noted that "the Philippine Navy values its partnership with the Japan Maritime Defense Force and will spearhead in enhancing maritime security incorporations in the region."

"It is an important milestone in reinforcing our commitment to rules-based international maritime order and maritime peace and stability," he added.

Bunagan said JS Nishiro will stay at the Naval Operating Base in Subic for three days as part of its inaugural port call.

The Japanese stealth frigate also opened its ship for a tour with the Philippine Navy officers and media on Wednesday.

Lt. Commander Takeshito Tanaka showcased the ship's modern weapons and equipment including its torpedoes, OZZ-5 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) and its SH-60K anti-submarine helicopter onboard the vessel.

Tanaka said JS Noshiro "is the first warship of JMSDF that has capability of minesweeping so this MMF combines the conventional stealth destroyers capability and then minesweepers capability all together."

JS Noshiro, which was named after a river in Japan, was commissioned as the third ship of the Mogami class frigate in December 2022.

The stealth frigate has a displacement of 3,900 tons, length of 132.5 meters and maximum speed of around 30 knots. DMS