Japan ground forces chief visits Philippine Army, eyes stronger defense ties
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Ground Component Command chief Lt. Gen. Kobayashi Hiroki pays inaugural courtesy call on Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, highlighting stronger Japan-Philippines defense cooperation, Balikatan 2026 maritime strike exercises, and joint efforts to bolster Indo-Pacific security.
Lt. Gen. Kobayashi Hiroki, commanding general of the Ground Component Command (GCC) of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), rendered an inaugural courtesy call to Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete at the Headquarters Philippine Army on 4 May.
Kobayashi is in the country to observe the Maritime Strike Exercises in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, as part of the annual Exercise Balikatan.
The JGSDF is a reliable defense partner of the Philippine Army, with bilateral engagements intensifying from 2025 to 2026. The two forces further strengthened ties during the Land Forces Summit in December last year.
Established in March 2018, the GCC of the JGSDF consolidates control of all regional armies and subordinate units under a single authority. It is also the main JGSDF unit tasked with multinational training and exercises, making it a key partner in the Philippines’ bilateral defense cooperation.
The Philippine Army remains resolute in advancing defense cooperation with international military forces to help strengthen security in the Indo-Pacific region and contribute to the broader global security landscape.