Agreement to Restart Joint SAR Drills Signed on Jan 30 On 30 January 2026, South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu‑back and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met at the Maritime Self‑Defense Force base in Yokosuka and announced the resumption of naval search‑and‑rescue exercises, the first such drill since 2017 [1][2][3]. The joint press release pledged activation of personnel and unit exchanges to improve coordination during future humanitarian missions [1][3]. Both ministers framed the agreement as a confidence‑building measure amid a “stern security environment” [2].

Broader Defense Cooperation Discussed Beyond SAR The Yokosuka talks also covered joint projects in artificial intelligence, space, and other future‑oriented defense fields, with both sides describing the collaboration as mutually beneficial [2][3]. Regular ministerial visits, strengthened communication channels, and continued personnel exchanges were pledged to sustain trust [2][3]. The ministers reiterated a shared commitment to regional peace and the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula [2][3].

First South Korean Defense Chief Visit in 1½ Years Ahn’s Jan 30 visit marked the first time a South Korean defense minister traveled to Japan since Shin Won‑sik’s July 2024 trip, signaling a gradual thaw after the 2018 flag controversy [1][5][3]. A photo released by the ministries showed the two officials walking together, underscoring the symbolic nature of the renewed cooperation [1]. During the visit Ahn boarded the U.S. carrier USS George Washington and met Vice Adm. Patrick Hannifin, highlighting the enduring South Korea‑U.S. alliance [3].

Japanese Refueling of South Korean Black Eagles Demonstrates New Era The South Korean Air Force’s Black Eagles aerobatic team refueled at Naha air base in Okinawa, the first instance of Japan’s air self‑defence forces providing fuel to South Korean jets, occurring just before the defense ministers’ talks [5][6]. Both ministries cited the refueling as a concrete step in humanitarian logistics cooperation [5][6]. The event was highlighted by Koizumi as evidence of a “new door” for defense collaboration [5].

Historical Context of Drill Suspension Joint SAR drills were halted after a 2018 dispute over Japan’s Rising Sun Flag during a fleet review in South Korea, leading to a nine‑year hiatus [2][4]. The Jan 30 decision to restart the exercises reflects a shift toward reconciliation and deeper security ties [2][4].