The Southern Expeditionary Fleet (南遣艦隊, Nanken Kantai) was a fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy, their roles were invasion and maintenance of the public order in southwestern area the French Indochina, Philippines, British Malaya and Dutch East Indies.
The Southern Expeditionary Fleet was organized for Invasion of French Indochina on 31 July 1941.
Describe the 1st Southern Expeditionary Fleet (第一南遣艦隊, Dai-Ichi Nanken Kantai) also.
The 3rd Southern Expeditionary Fleet (第三南遣艦隊, Dai-San Nanken Kantai) was organized on 3 January 1942 for invasion of the Philippines.
The 4th Southern Expeditionary Fleet (第四南遣艦隊, Dai-Yon Nanken Kantai) was independent from 2nd Southern Expeditionary Fleet for maintenance of the public order in western New Guinea on 30 November 1943.