Japanese Osumi-class tank landing ship Kunisaki joins French drills in Pacific.

According to information published by the French MoD on May 31, 2024, the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Osumi-class tank landing ship JS Kunisaki has joind the French MARARA 2024 exercise taking place near Polynesia.
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Japanese Navy's Osumi class tank landing ship JS Kunisaki. (Picture source: French MoD)

Exercise MARARA is a French-led multinational military exercise that focuses on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, taking place in French Polynesia. The exercise, which is held biennially, aims to enhance interoperability among the participating countries, improve collective response capabilities, and strengthen regional stability.

In 2024, the MARARA exercise involves forces from 15 countries, including the United States, Japan, Peru, Singapore, and Thailand. The U.S. participation includes service members from the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard.

The exercise spans from May 27 to June 8 and includes a variety of training scenarios such as tactical combat casualty care, search and rescue missions, and disaster response operations. These activities are conducted on the islands of Tahiti and Huahine, simulating responses to cyclone-related disasters​​.

France-Japan

The military relationship between France and Japan have been strengthened through various strategic agreements and joint initiatives. Significant milestones include the signing of an information security agreement in 2011, a defense equipment and technology transfer agreement in 2015, and an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) in 2018. These agreements facilitate logistical support and joint military exercises.

France's strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific align closely with Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy. France, viewing itself as a resident power in the region, maintains a significant military presence in territories like New Caledonia and French Polynesia. This presence supports joint efforts to counterbalance China's assertive actions.