The Royal Navy has stepped up its role in enforcing international sanctions against North Korea, as HMS Spey joined forces with Japanese naval units in the Sea of Japan to crack down on illegal maritime activity linked to the Pyongyang regime.
According to a Royal Navy update, the patrol ship conducted surveillance operations aimed at identifying vessels suspected of breaching United Nations Security Council Resolutions, which target North Korea’s illicit revenue generation and weapons proliferation efforts. These resolutions, enforced at sea through monitoring and interdiction, are central to limiting the regime’s ability to fund its weapons programmes.
Working alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), HMS Spey passed real-time intelligence to the United Nations Command, focusing on ships believed to be involved in sanction evasion. The Royal Navy described the mission as part of its broader commitment to regional stability and upholding the rules-based international order.
Following the operation, HMS Spey docked at Sasebo Naval Base in southwestern Japan, where her crew hosted senior officials including Group Captain Andrew Johnson, Director of United Nations Command, Rear; Rear Admiral Yasutaka Ebata of the JMSDF; and Captain Mike Fontaine, Commanding Officer of US Navy Fleet Activities Sasebo.
The visit served as both a diplomatic and operational engagement, with senior leaders from the UK, Japan, and the United States discussing ways to deepen cooperation and enhance interoperability in response to shared security challenges.
Beyond the briefing rooms, the visit also offered a lighter moment of friendly competition: a football match between the Spey’s crew and sailors from JMSDF Escort Flotilla 2. The Japanese team narrowly edged out the Royal Navy 4–3. Crew members also enjoyed time ashore exploring Sasebo and nearby Nagasaki, taking part in local cultural exchanges.
HMS Spey’s presence in the region is part of the UK’s enduring Indo-Pacific deployment, which has included disaster relief, joint exercises, and maritime security missions. Most recently, personnel from 148 Battery were deployed ashore for Exercise Bersama Shield 2025, continuing the vessel’s broad operational remit.
Commander Paul Caddy, HMS Spey’s Commanding Officer, said supporting the United Nations Command was a “privilege”, and credited the JMSDF and US Navy for their close collaboration. “The strength of our partnerships is what enables meaningful operations like this,” he added.
