The ANZAC-class Guided Missile Frigate, HMAS Ballarat, has arrived in Japan on the final stage of its North East Asian deployment after completing a successful series of exercises with the maritime forces of both China and Korea. Ballarat will be joined by a Royal Australian Air Force AP3-C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and the Japanese Guided Missile Destroyer, JS Shimakaze from the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). A JMSDF submarine will also participate in this year’s exercise for the first time, demonstrating the strong commitment of both countries towards improving maritime security in the region. The combined maritime exercise will take place in waters southeast of Japan's Kyushu Island.