TOKYO -- A Maritime Self-Defense Force ship escorted an Australian vessel during this week's bilateral naval drill, Japan's Defense Ministry said Friday, marking the first time Japanese forces protected warships other than U.S. vessels.
The escort took place during a joint exercise conducted Wednesday through Friday south of Shikoku, one of Japan's four main islands. The Japanese destroyer Inazuma protected the frigate Warramunga in response to a request from the Australian side.
