Japan Defense Focus Japan Defense Focus

The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces
No.
21
MARCH 2011
Ministry of Defense
Japan
Defens e
Focus
Cover photograph : The Great East Japan Earthquake /
Visit our Website for more pictures : http://www.mod.go.jp/e/index.html
Japan–Korea Defense Ministerial Meeting
On January 10, Defense Minister Kitazawa
visited Republic of Korea and had a ministerial
meeting with ROK Minister of National Defense
Kim Kwan-Jin.
Defense Minister and Minister of National
Defense exchanged views on the security situation in the region, raising cases such as the sinking of the patrol vessel and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island. The two Ministers reaffirmed the
close cooperation between Japan and ROK with
the common recognition that provocative actions
by North Korea such as the unveiling of its
uranium enrichment facility and the Yeonpyeong
Island shelling were unacceptable and threaten
peace and stability in Northeast Asia.
The two Ministers also agreed that they would
expect China to play a more constructive role in
North Korea issues.
In addition, the two ministers agreed to hold
regular meetings at the defense ministerial and
vice-ministerial levels between Japan and
ROK, and Minister Kitazawa extended an invitation to Minister Kim to visit Japan within
this year, 2011.
Defense Minister Kitazawa in Seoul
Defense Minister Kitazawa meeting with the ROK Minister of National Defense Kim
The two ministers shared their view, highly
appreciating that Japan–ROK defense cooperation and exchanges has been continuously developed in many diverse fields, and agreed to
broaden increase and deepen the cooperation and
exchanges with the spirit of working their way to
a new era of defense cooperation.
The two ministers agreed, as a first step
toward enhancing cooperation, on the exchange
of views in the fields such as an Acquisition and
Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between
their defense ministries, aimed at providing
mutual support of water, food, and fuel in activities such as the United Nations’ PKO, humanitarian support, disaster relief activities, and searchand-rescue training.
In addition to enhancing defense cooperation
and exchanges between Japan and ROK, the two
ministers also reaffirmed that it was important for
enhancing defense cooperation and exchanges
between Japan and ROK to share information,
and agreed to develop the exchange of opinions
between the two defense authorities on the contents of an agreement on information security.
Furthermore, the two ministers evaluated the
progress of the Japan–ROK defense cooperation
in recent international peace cooperation activities, such as UN PKO and anti-piracy operations
off the Coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden,
and agreed that such cooperation should be
further enhanced.
Minister Kitazawa also explained the concept
of the “Dynamic Defense Force” in the newly
formulated National Defense Program Guidelines, as well as the matter of international cooperation, in particular, on deepening of the cooperation with both ROK and Australia which are
also allies of the U.S.
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NEWS FLASH
Japan–US Defense Ministerial Meeting
Ministerial meeting between Defense Minister Kitazawa and US Defense Secretary Gates
Defense Minister Kitazawa and U.S. Defense
Secretary Gates had a ministerial meeting at the
Ministry of Defense on January 13.
Minister Kitazawa explained that his meeting
with ROK Minister of National Defense Kim
Kwan-jin during his visit to the Republic of
Korea. Minister Kitazawa stated that enhancing
Japan-ROK and Japan–U.S.–ROK defense cooperation was important to secure stability in the
Korean Peninsula in light of issues on the peninsula such as shelling of Yeonoyeng Island.
Secretary Gates explained his visit to China,
and with regard to North Korea, stated that it was
necessary for North Korea to hold serious negotiations without taking further provocative action.
Defense Minister Kitazawa and US Defense Secretary
Gates holding a meeting at the Ministry of Defense
In addition, Minister Kitazawa said that it was
important for the whole international community to encourage China to act in a cooperative
manner as a responsible power in the international community.
Regarding the deepening of the Japan–U.S.
Alliance, Minister Kitazawa and the Secretary
Gates agreed to accelerate consultation to review
the common strategic objectives and to show the
basic concept on the future direction of the
Japan–U.S. defense cooperation during the Prime
Minister’s visit to the U.S.
On the Host Nation Support (HNS) for the
cost sharing for the stationing of US forces in
Japan, on Host Nation Support (HNS) the
Defense Minister welcomed the conclusion of an
agreement for its comprehensive review.
Regarding the realignment of US forces in
Japan, Minister Kitazawa explained the
government’ s efforts to explain to Okinawa the
issues related to the relocation of the Futenma Air
Station, and measures to reduce burden on the
local communities. Secretary Gates expressed his
understanding on the complexity of the internal
situation in Japan, and concurred that the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps and return of facilities to Okinawa by the implementation of the roadmap, would bring significant merits to the people
of Okinawa.
On the training relocation of aircraft, Minister
Kitazawa said that MOD would like to promote
the current negotiations to add Guam as a relocation site, expanding the scale of training relocation.
Minister Kitazawa also explained the way
ahead of SM-3 Block II A described in the new
Mid-Term Defense Program. Minister stated that
the transition to the production and deployment
phase would be decided based on the development progress in the future, but Japan and U.S.
would consider the issues such as transfer of
SM-3 Block II A to a third country, and that he
hoped to come to a conclusion within this year.
Secretary Gates stated that transfer to a third
country would be a meaningful issue.
Defense Minister Kitazawa and US Defense Secretary
Gates at a joint press conference after their meeting
MEETINGS WITH FOREIGN LEADERS
Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Hirota attends regional security summit
“Manama Dialogue”
On December 4, 2010, Parliamentary ViceMinister of Defense Hirota attended the regional
security summit “Manama Dialogue” hosted by
the International Institute for Strategic Studies
(IISS) in Bahrain, and held meetings with
defense authorities of each country.
In the meeting, he and the Under Secretary of
State and Lords of Spokesman on Defence, U.K.,
Lord Astor, exchanged views on the situation of
the Korean Peninsula and China, as well as antipiracy operations off the coast of Somalia and in
the Gulf of Aden, and agreed to promote closer
cooperation in future between the two countries.
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Parliamentary Vice-Minister Hirota also
exchanged opinions with German Parliamentary
State Secretary to the Federal Minister of
Defence Schmidt on the Korean Peninsula situation and the Japan’ s review of the National
Defense Program Guidelines. They shared the
view on the need for defense capabilities that
was suitable for the demands of the time.
He and Bahrain’ s Minister of State for
Defense Affairs Muhammad exchanged the
views on defense exchange and cooperation
between the two countries, anti-piracy operations
off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden,
and other issues. They agreed to develop defense
exchanges and cooperation between the two
countries in various fields.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister Hirota and Vice
Admiral Fox, the Commander of the U.S. 5th
Fleet exchanged views on anti-piracy operations
off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden,
the importance of securing stability on the Straits
of Hormuz, and other issues. They agreed that it
is important to secure the stability of sea-lanes
through anti-piracy operations and so on.
MEETINGS WITH FOREIGN LEADERS
Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Matsumoto visits four Southeast Asian
countries and Nepal
From January 5 to 11, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense
Matsumoto visited four Southeast Asian countries and Nepal.
In the Philippines, he exchanged views with Secretary of
National Defense Gazmin on Japan-Philippines defense cooperation and other topics.
In Thailand, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Matsumoto
exchanged the views on Japan-Thailand defense cooperation
and exchanges, the regional situation, and other issues with
Defence Minister General Prawit. Defence Minister General
Prawit expressed his anticipation for a Japan’s international role
in such a field as the ADMM-Plus.
In Nepal, Parliamentary Vice-Minister encouraged the SDF’ s
personnel engaging in UNMIN as military observers, and
exchanged views with officials of UNMIN. He also paid courtesy
calls on the Prime Minister of Nepal and Home Minister.
In Malaysia, he paid a courtesy call on Defence Minister
Zahidi, and exchanged opinions on assistance to Afghanistan,
Encouraging SDF personnel engaging in UNMIN as military observers
(Nepal)
and other issues, and visited the Peacekeeping Training Center.
In Indonesia, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Matsumoto and Deputy Defence Minister
Sjafrie, exchanged views on Japan-Indonesia defense cooperation and exchanges.
Deputy Defence Minister Sjafrie expressed his gratitude for acceptance of students from
Indonesia at National Defense Academy.
Opinion exchanging with Secretary of National
Defense Gazmin (Philippines)
Meeting with Defence Minister General Prawit
(Thailand)
Paying courtesy call on Defence Minister Zahidi
(Malaysia)
Paying courtesy call on Vice Defence Minister
Sjafrie (Indonesia)
Administrative Vice-Minister of Defense Nakae visits Thailand and Singapore
Meeting with Defence Minister General Prawit (Thailand)
On January 20 and 21, Administrative ViceMinister of Defense Nakae visited Thailand
and Singapore.
In Thailand, he held meetings with Defence
Minister General Prawit and Permanent Secre-
tary for Defence General Kittipong. In the meetings, Vice-Minister, they reaffirmed steady
development of bilateral defense cooperation and
exchanges, and concurred on strengthening the
relationship in the future.
In Singapore, he paid a courtesy call on
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence
Teo, and exchanged views on defense cooperation and exchanges, the expanding ASEAN
Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus(ADMM-Plus),
and other issues. He explained the new National
Defense Program Guideline.
Administrative Vice-Minister Nakae and Permanent Secretary for Defence Chiang exchanged
opinions on the ADMM-Plus’ s Defense Medical
Working Group Meeting on Military Medicine
which Japan and Singapore would co-chair , and
agreed on the evaluation of the 1st ADMM-Plus
and its future direction.
Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Defence Teo (Singapore)
Visit from Minister of Defense of Indonesia
On January 14, Defense Minister Kitazawa held
a defense ministerial meeting with Minister of
Defense Dr. Purnomo who visited Tokyo.
Before the meeting, an unveiling ceremony of a
bronze statue of General Sudirman, which was
presented by Indonesia, was held. General Sudirman was a national hero in Indonesia’s in dependence who had been educated and trained by Japan.
At the meeting, Defense Minister Kitazawa
said that Indonesia is a major power in the
region and the Chair of ASEAN, and stated that
M O D / SDF hoped to fu rther develop and
enhance cooperation with Indonesia on the
basis of that newly formulated National
Defense Program Guidelines had specified the
strengthening of security cooperation with
ASEAN countries. Regarding the ARF Disaster
Relief Exercise to be held by the two countries in
March, Defense Minister said that it was a valuable opportunity to deepen defense cooperation
and exchange between the two countries, and
that the SDF would participate actively in the
exercise. Minister of Defense expressed that the
SDF’s participation would be welcomed.
On the matter of maritime security, with both
Japan and Indonesia in a similar situation regarding their relationship with China, the two ministers concurred to build closer cooperation in
bilateral and multilateral relations.
Unveiling ceremony for a statue of General Sudirman
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TOPICS
International peace cooperation activities in Haiti
The 3rd Unit of International Relief Team to
Haiti (Commander, Colonel Sasaki, approximately 330 personnel) engaged in the United
Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti
(MINUSTAH), the United Nations’ PKO, has
performed their mission, in activities such as
clearing rubble from streets in the capital city,
Port-au-Prince. The unit built “Malpasset
Orphanage” through the United Nations’
Quick Impact Projects (QIPs). “Malpasset
Orphanage” was handed over to the authorities on January 25 (local time).
In addition, the 3rd unit cooperated with the engineering unit of the Republic of Korea on river
dredging work in the city of Leogane.
On February 18 (local time), the command was transferred from the 3rd Unit to the 4th Unit.
The 4th Unit is the first Japanese PKO unit in that dispatching six female SDF personnel to Haiti.
It has been working and currently involved in activities such as the demolition of the police
school facility and the removal of rubble.
River dredging work in Leogane
Construction “Malpasset Orphanage”
Anti-piracy operations off the Coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden
The 7th surface unit (Commander: Captain Hiroshi Ito, about 390 members including 8 Japan
Coast Guard offices), departed from Sasebo on
December 1, 2010, which was composed of two
destroyers “Kirisame” (Commanding Officer:
Commander Munekazu Mizutani) and “Yuudachi” (Commanding Officer: Commander Yoshinobu Hayashida) in order to engage in the antipiracy operations off the Coast of Somalia and in
the Gulf of Aden.
Destroyer “Makinami” (Commanding Officer: Commander Tatsuo Akimoto) and destroyer
“Setogiri” (Commanding Officer: Commander
Masafumi Nishiwaki) in the 6th surface unit
(Commander: Captain Shinobu Mifune about
420 members) completed the mission and
returned to Sasebo on January 18 and Oominato
on January 21, respectively.
The 6th surface unit conducted 28 convoy
escorts between September and December 2010,
escorting a total of 259 civilian vessels, 28400
kilometers through the waters.
Operational activity conducted
by the surface unit in the region
● Operation activity in January and
February 2011
1. Number of escort operations: 19 (The 206th to
224th escort operations) (The 165th to 183rd
escort operations under Japan’s Anti-Piracy
Measures Law)
2. Number of escorted vessels: 161 (Accumulated
total of 1,555 since the commencement of
escort operations)
[Breakdown]
Japanese-registered ships: 1 (Accumulated total
of 10) Foreign ships operated by Japanese shipping companies: 41 (Accumulated total of 367)
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(Out of the 41 foreign ships, Japanese citizens
were on board 1 ships) Foreign ships other than
the above: 119 (Accumulated total of 1,178) (Out
of 119 foreign ships, Japanese citizens were on
board 0 ships)
* The above record does not include the 1st41st escort operation performed as Maritime
Security Activities, which were performed
before the establishment of the Anti-Piracy
Measures Law.
* If the Anti-Piracy Measures Law had not
come into force, Japan Maritime Self-Defense
Force destroyers would not have been able to
legally escort 181 of the 161 escorted vessels
(the 118 foreign ships not operated by Japanese shipping companies.)
Two P-3C Patrol Aircraft of the 6th air unit
(commanded by Captain Masaaki Moritake, consisted of about 170 personnel), departed from
Naha Airbase MSDF for Djibouti. The 5th air
unit (commanded by Captain Toshiaki Ono, consisted of about 150 personnel) finished its mission and returned to Atsugi Airbase MSDF on
February 3. The 5th air unit conducted 80 flights,
about 640 flight hours, and confirmed visually
about 6700 commercial ships and provided information approx. 860 times.
Operational activity of P-3C Patrol
Aircraft in the region
● Operational activity in January and
February 2011
Number of flights: 37 (Accumulated total of 418)
Flight hours: Approximately 290 hours
(Accumulated total of approximately 3,220 hours)
Number of visually confirmed commercial ships:
Approximately 2,910 (Accumulated total of
approximately 30,620)
Crew on duty
Number of times information was provided to
Japanese destroyers, foreign warships, and/or
c o m m e r c i a l s h i p s : A p p r o x i m a t e l y 350
(Accumulated total of approximately 3,780 times)
(Example of information provided)
On January 2, a MSDF P-3C which was engaged
in patrol operations detected a suspicious boat
with a ladder, and carrying seven people. The
information was provided to a nearby U.S. warship, and it dispatched ship-based helicopter.
Later-on, U.S. conducted an on-board inspection
and found AK-47’ s magazine filled with bullet
and knives.
On January 12, requested by CMF
(Combined Maritime Force), a MSDF P-3C
which had been engaged in patrol operations
went to verify the commercial ship which came
to be out of contact after claiming that it had
been attacked by pirates. P-3C visually confirmed that a ladder-like item was leaned and
provided this information to a Turkish warship,
and dispatched her ship-based helicopter to
handle the situation and the P-3C returned to
its normal surveillance activities.
TOPICS
International disaster relief activities for New Zealand earthquake victims
In response to the earthquake that hit the Southern Island of New Zealand on February 22, Minister of Defense Kitazawa issued an order to
implement international disaster relief activities
on February 23, after the consultation by the
Minister for Foreign Affairs, and based on the
order, the Self-Defense Force organized the New
Zealand International Disaster Relief Air Trans-
port Unit. This Unit transported members and
equipment of the Disaster Relief Rescue Team
etc., by a special government aircraft (B-747)
from Japan to the devastated area, Christchurch,
on the same day.
After this mission, the special government
aircraft was on stand-by in Auckland in New
Zealand, for further activities about a week.
However, on a request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the aircraft left Christchurch for
Japan on March 2 with members of the Disaster
Relief Rescue Team and its equipment. On
March 3, it arrived in Japan, and the activity of
the Air Support Unit came to an end.
New fighter IPT holds first meeting
On January 7, 2011, the Ministry of Defense established an Integrated Project Team (IPT) for the acquisition of new fighters, and the first meeting
was held.
The meeting was attended by about 20 people, including Defense Minister Kitazawa, Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister of Defense Azumi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Hirota, Administrative Vice-Minister of
Defense Nakae, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, General Oriki, Chief of Staff
A.S.D.F., General Iwasaki, Director General, Minister’s Secretariat,
Kanazawa, Director General, Bureau of Defense Policy, Takamizawa, and
Director General, Bureau of Finance and Equipment Nishi.
The IPT is comprised of directors of divisions from the Internal Bureau,
Joint Staff, Air Staff Office, and Equipment Procurement and Construction
Office. This project team is a working team to carry out an inter-organ-study
for the acquisition of new fighters.
Defense Minister Kitazawa at IPT meeting
Drop Drill of 1st Airborne Brigade, Ground Self-Defense Force
On January 9, the 1st Airborne Brigade, Ground
Self-Defense Force held a drop drill at the Narashino Training Ground.
A total of 11,000 people including Defense
Minister Kitazawa, Administrative Vice-Minister
of Defense Nakae, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff,
General Oriki, Chief of Staff, GSDF General
Hibako, as well as other dignitaries including
National Diet members, representatives of the
U.S. Forces, and visitors observed the drill.
The drop drill was performed by 400 personnel from the 1st Airborne Brigade and the 1st
Helicopter Brigade, as well as the Air Support
Command, ASDF and 19 aircraft and 38
vehicles. Led by commander, Major General
Yamanoue, the other commanders and youngest
personnel in the brigade personnel made parachute jump from a CH-47 transport helicopter.
Then, 10 members of reconnaissance members
made a 1,400 meters parachute jump, forming a
circle during their falling. The pathfinders
jumped from UH-1 multi-purpose helicopters
and CH-47 helicopters, and entered the front
lines, then, about 80 members of the main force
jumped from the ASDF C-1 and C-130H transport aircraft in a height of about 340m and
landed successively onto the training grounds.
Personnel jumping from transport aircraft
Defense Minister Kitazawa observing the drill
Combat training started immediately after support equipment had been dropped off. The
AH-1S antitank helicopter controlled the drop
point, while the UH-1 supported the main force
by scattering landmines and firing, keeping the
enemy’s armored unit back. Then, air and vehicle
units came to the front.
After the drill, Defense Minister Kitazawa
encouraged the participating personnel, saying,
“Based on the concept of dynamic defense force
outlined in the new National Defense Program
Guideline, a high level of mobility, rapid deployment, and readiness are required of the defense
forces. In this sense, the airborne brigade plays
an important role. I hope that the Airborne
Brigade should become defense capability in a
new era.”
Personnel descending from CH-47 helicopter
Personnel descending from UH-1 helicopter
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DEFENSE POLICY
National Defense Program Guidelines
On 17 December 2010, the Government of Japan
held a meeting of the Security Council and Cabinet to decide the new National Defense Program
Guidelines and the Mid-Term Defense Program.
The new Guidelines indicate a new policy for the
modality of Japan’s security and defense forces
in the current security environment surrounding
Japan. And they decided that Japan should no
longer base on the traditional “Basic Defense
Force Concept,” but aim to develop defense
forces that emphasize readiness, mobility and
other factors to a greater degree than ever before.
Principally, the vision of defense forces in the
Guidelines is for approximately the next decade,
but the Guidelines will be reviewed and, if necessary, revised in case that there will be major
changes in the circumstances. The following is
an overview of the Guidelines.
Basic Principles of Japan’s
Security
1. Japan’ s security objectives are: 1) to prevent
and eliminate external threat from reaching
Japan, 2) to prevent threats from emerging, by
improving international security environment
and 3) to create global peace and stability and to
secure human security.
2. Japan will achieve these objectives by promoting “Japan’s own efforts,” “cooperation with its
ally,” and “multi-layered security cooperation
with the international community” in a consolidated manner.
3. Japan will continue to uphold the basic principles of defence policy including the exclusively defence-oriented policy, not to become a
military power that poses a threat to other countries, civilian control, and the three non-nuclear
principles.
4. Japan will participate more actively in international peace cooperation activities.
5. To address the threat of nuclear weapons,
Japan will play active role in international
nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation
efforts, and will continue to maintain and
improve the credibility of U.S. extended deterrence, with nuclear deterrent as a vital element,
through close cooperation with the U.S. and
will also appropriately implement its own
effort, including ballistic missile defense.
Security Environment
Surrounding Japan
1. The number of so-called “gray zone” disputes
(confrontations over territory, sovereignty, economic interest that do not to escalate into wars)
is on the increase.
2. A global shift in the balance of power has been
brought about by the rise of emerging powers
and the relative change of the U.S. influence.
3. Issues such as risks related to space and cyberspace, in addition to international terrorism and
piracy, have become global security challenges.
4. It is important that countries that share common
interests regularly cooperate with each other.
5. Specific cooperative measures are being
undertaken to resolve challenges particularly in
the non-traditional security field in the AsiaPacific region.
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6. North Korea’s military activities, including
those related to nuclear and missile issues, are
immediate and grave destabilizing factors to
regional security.
7. Military modernization by China and its
expanding and intensifying maritime activities
in surrounding waters are, together with insufficient transparency, concerns for the regional
and global community.
8. Russia’s military activities are increasingly
robust.
9. A full-scale invasion against Japan is unlikely
to occur today, but the security challenges and
destabilizing factors Japan faces are diverse,
complex, and intertwined.
Basic Policies to Ensure
Japan’s Security
1. Japan’s Own Efforts
1. Japan will constantly utilize all means to
ensure its security, and will seamlessly deal
with various contingencies as it unfolds.
2. Japan will improve its capability to collect and
analyze information, while strengthening the
information security system. Japan will promote
the use and development of outer space development and strengthen its capability in dealing
with cyber attacks.
3. Japan will make coordinated and integrated
response to contingencies by making rapid and
appropriate decisions. In order to do this Government will implement regular simulations,
trainings, and exercises.
4. After examining the current organization,
functions, and structure of the Cabinet related to
security issues, Japan will establish a body in
the Prime Minister ’s Office dedicated to
national security policy coordination among
relevant ministers and for providing advice to
the Prime Minister.
5. Japan will participate in international peace
cooperation activities in a more efficient and
effective manner. Taking into consideration the
actual situations of UN peacekeeping operations,
Japan will consider how it will participate in
future peacekeeping operations, by examining
current policies such as the five principles for
participation in peacekeeping operations.
6. Japan will build a “Dynamic Defense Force”
that emphasizes carrying out the role of defense
force through actual activities of the SelfDefense Forces without basing on the “Basic
Defense Force Concept,” which is a concept that
places priority on ensuring deterrence through
the existence of defense forces perse.
7. “Dynamic Defense Forces” is a defense force
that improves credibility of deterrent through
improving when and how forces are used. “Dynamic Defense Force” plays proactive roles in a
variety of efforts, including international peace
cooperation activities.
2. Cooperation with the Ally
1. The Japan–U.S. Alliance is indispensable in
ensuring for Japan’ s peace and security.
2. Japan will continue to engage in strategic
dialogue with the United States to further
deepen and develop the Japan–U.S. Alliance.
3. Japan will promote the regional and global
cooperation with the United States in the fields
such as outer space and cyberspace security in
addition to the existing cooperation.
4. Japan will reduce the burden on local communities where U.S. military bases are located,
while maintaining the deterrence provided by
the U.S. forces.
3. Multi-layered Security Cooperation with
the International Community
1. Japan will create a security network by combining bilateral and multilateral security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
2. Japan will enhance security cooperation with
countries such as the Republic of Korea, Australia, ASEAN countries, and India.
3. Japan will strengthen confidence and cooperation with China and Russia.
4. Japan will also enhance cooperation with EU,
NATO, and European countries on global security issues.
5. Japan will play an active role in international
efforts to maintain and strengthen the stable
use of maritime, outer space, and cyberspace,
facilitate international efforts to promote
disarmament and prevent proliferation of
WMDs and other means of delivery, and
participate in humanitarian assistance and
disaster relief activities.
Future Defense Forces
1. Roles of Defense Forces
1. Effective deterrence and response (Examples
of the priority areas: ensuring security in the sea
and air space surrounding Japan, response to
attacks on Japan’ s offshore islands)
2. Efforts to further stabilize the security environment of Asia-Pacific region.
3. Efforts to improve the global security environment.
2. Self-Defense Forces: Force Posture
In order to effectively perform the roles of the
defense forces, the Self-Defense Force will
maintain a posture with increased readiness,
smoother joint operations, international peace
cooperation activities in addition to responding
various contingencies.
3. Self-Defense Forces: Organization,
Equipment and Force Disposition
1. While reducing Cold War-style equipment and
organizations, priority functions, including
those in Japan’ s southwestern region, will be
enhanced.
2. Budget allocation among each service of the
Self-Defense Forces will be subject to drastic
review.
3. As regards preparation against full-scale invasion, knowledge and expertise will be maintained at a minimum necessary level in light of
possible changes in future circumstances.
4. Priority will be placed on, among others,
enhancing the basis for joint operations,
improving capabilities to respond to attacks on
offshore islands, and strengthening capabilities
for international peace cooperation activities.
5. Details of the organization, equipment, and
position of Ground Self-Defense Force, Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Air Self-Defense
Force are provided in the NDPG.
DEFENSE POLICY
Basic Foundations to Maximize
Defense Capability
1.To utilize the human resources of the SelfDefense Forces more effectively, Japan will
reform its personnel management system by such
measures as reviewing rank and age structure.
2. Japan will procure equipment more efficiently by improving its contract and procurement systems.
3. Japan will set forth a strategy to develop and
maintain defense production capability and
technological bases from a medium-to longterm perspective.
4. Japan will study measures to respond to
changes in the international environment
regarding defense equipment.
Personnel
Regular personnel
154,000
147,000
Ready Reserve Personnel
Regularly deployed units
Ground
Self-Defense Force
Major Units
Mobile operation units
Surface-to-air guided missile units
Major Equipment
7,000
8 divisions
6 brigades
Central Readiness Force
1 armored division
7 anti-aircraft artillery groups
/regiments
Approx. 400
Tanks
Howitzers and rockets
Destroyer units
Approx. 400
4 flotillas (8 divisions)
4 divisions
Submarine units
Major Units
6 divisions
Minesweeper units
Patrol aircraft units
Maritime
Self-Defense Force
Major Equipment
1 flotilla
9 squadrons
Destroyers
Submarines
48
22
Approx. 150
Combat aircraft
Air warning and control units
4 warning groups
24 warning squadrons
1 AEW group (2 squadrons)
Fighter aircraft units
Air Self-Defense Force
Major Units
Major Equipment
Air transport units
Aerial refueling/transport unit
Surface-to-air guided missile units
3 squadrons
Combat aircraft
Fighter
Approx. 340
Aegis-equipped destroyers
Assets capable of ballistic missile defense (BMD)*
12 squadrons
1 squadron
Air reconnaissance unit
Air warning and control units
Surface-to-air guided missile units
1 squadron
6 groups
Approx. 260
**6
11 warning groups/squadrons
6 groups
*The numbers of units and equipment in this row have already been included in the major equipment section of Maritime Self-Defense Forces and the
major units section of Air Self-Defense Forces from above.
**Additional acquisition of BMD-capable, Aegis-equipped destroyers, if to be provided separately, will be allowed within the number of destroyers set
above after consideration of development of BMD-related technologies and fiscal conditions in the future, among other factors.
Cabinet Decision on Mid-Term Defense Program
The “Mid-Term Defense Program” (FY2011FY2015) was approved at the Cabinet meeting
held on 17 December 2010.
In accordance with the National Defense Program Guidelines, Japan will develop a “Dynamic Defense Force”, which possesses readiness, mobility, flexibility, sustainability and
versatility supported by intelligence and
advanced technology based on the trend of military technology.
Budget for each fiscal year will be allocated
under a total of 23 trillion 390 billion yen.
However, additional expenditure up to 100
billion yen with the approval of the Security
Council, is introduced in the event where it is
recognized as necessary due to pressing circumstances. So, the total defense expenditure is
approximately 23 trillion 490 billion yen. This
program will be reviewed after three years,
taking into consideration of the international
security environment and technological trend
within the total amount.
I. Program Guidance
Effective and efficient improvement of defense
build-up will be carried out effectively and
efficiently to build a “Dynamic Defense Force.”
1. The NDPG identifies three roles that Japan’ s
defense should fulfill: to effectively deter and
respond to contingencies, and to further stabilize
the security environment of the Asia-Pacific and
global security environment. To be able to engage
swiftly and seamlessly in activities to fulfill these
roles, emphasis will be given to among others
enhanced joint-ness, enhanced operational capability in remote islands, and enhanced capacity
for international peace cooperation activities.
2. Resource allocation priority will be given to
those functions that are versatile, asymmetric
response, and irreplaceability. To hedge against
full-scale invasions, relevant posture including
knowledge and expertise will be maintained at a
minimum necessary level.
3. In order to build a quality defense force, combine the introduction of highly capable equipment and the service-life extension and upgrading of existing equipment.
4. Conduct thorough revision of existing personnel management system to check and economize personnel expenses, and shift towards a
younger SDF age distribution for better robustness of the force. Further promote acquisition
reforms thereby providing for increased density
and volume of operations.
5. Japan will promote the measures to strengthen
the Japan–U.S. Security Arrangements to
deepen and develop the Japan–US Alliance.
6. In view of the fiscal conditions, Japan will
seek economization and check expenditures.
Conduct a bold revision of resource allocation,
and make focused investments in critically necessary functions and bring about structural
reform of the defense force.
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II Revision of Major SDF Units
1. Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF)
Implementing reduction in tanks, howitzers and
rockets, improvement in mobility and readiness by
reorganization of operational units, stationing of
units in island areas of southwestern Japan.
2. Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF)
Regionally deployed destroyer units will
become mobile units Measures for expanding
submarine fleet.
3. Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF)
Shift one fighter squadron to Naha Air base as its
second squadron. New A.S.D.F. Yokota base (Air
Defense Command will move to Yokota).
4. Authorized Number of SDF Personnel at
the End of FY2015
Regular personnel: approx. 246,000 (approx.2,000
decrease from end-of-FY2010 strength) GSDF:
approx.157,000(active duty approx.150,000,
ready-reserve: approx. 7,000) and the MSDF and
ASDF equivalent to their end-of-FY2010 strength.
III. Major Programs Regarding
SDF’s Capabilities
1. Effective Deterrence and Response
• Ensuring security of sea and air apace around
Japan(Acquisition and Service-life extension for
destroyers, submarines and patrol aircraft)
• Countering attack against island areas
(Acquisition of new fighter aircraft and the
implementation of mobilization training)
• Countering Cyber Attacks(protection improvement of SDF’s information and telecommunication network)
• Countering Special Operation Forces
Attacks/Guerilla Warfare (Strengthening of
infantry units,acquisition of multi-purpose
helicopters)
• Countering Ballistic Missile Attacks (Upgrading
of Aegis and Patriot missile systems and promoting Japan–US joint development of ballistic missile defense (BMD) interceptors)
• Response to “Complex” Contingencies
(Improved command and control, logistic support).
• Response to Large-scale and Special Disasters
(Coordination, training, and planning with
related organizations, etc.).
2. Further Stabilization of Security Environment of the Asia-Pacific
Development of layered bilateral and multilateral
security dialogues, defense cooperation and
exchange, and multinational training/exercise to
promote security architecture.
3. Improvement of Global Security Environment
Engage in international peace cooperation activities, Promote security architecture.
4. Focus on Capacity Development
• Integrated and effective response by the three
services in countering attacks against island areas
and security of air and maritime spaces.
• International Peace Cooperation Activities
(Improve function of the Central Readiness
Force, improvement to transportation capability
and DDH)
• Intelligence (Improvement of information gathering facilities, hardware, and devices
• Science and Technology (Improvement of
countering cyber-attacks, research and development).
• Medical (Upgrading SDF hospitals as hub
facilities, recruitment of qualified medical
experts, etc)
5. Infrastructure for Defense Force
• Human resources (Improvement of training
infrastructure and educational training. Reform
of the National Defense Academy, etc.)
• Reform of personnel management system
(review of age and rank distributions for stronger
defense capabilities, management of the number
of SDF personnel by each rank, new personnel
appoint system and early retirement system for
logistic support functions).
• Streamlining logistics including business in
camps and bases.
• Maintenance and development of infrastructure
of defense industry and technology (making
strategy on infrastructure of defense industry and
technology, etc).
• Exploring measures to deal with changes in
international environment surrounding military
equipment.
• Acquisition reform (improving contract
system, etc).
• Improvement of the operational infrastructure for
equipment (Secure fuel and parts for operations,
introducing new contract systems relating to
maintain equipment)
• Cooperation with local communities and related
organizations ( closer cooperation with related
organizations; measures to alleviate the impact
of bases)
IV. Measures for Strengthening
Japan–US Security Arrangements
Strategic dialogues and policy coordination,
strengthening of Japan–U.S. defense cooperation
and measures for smooth and effective stationing
of United States Forces in Japan, etc.
Tanks
Howitzers and rockets (except mortar)
Armored vehicles
Ground-based anti-ship missile launchers
Attack helicopters (AH-64D)
Transportation helicopters (CH-47JA)
Middle-range SAM batteries
Modification of Aegis-equipped destroyers
Destroyers
Submarines
Other ships
Total new ships
(Tonnage)
Approximately 51,000t
Fixed-wing patrol aircraft (P-1)
Patrol helicopters (SH-60K)
Minesweeping/transportation helicopters (MCH-101)
Improvement of Patriot SAM batteries
Modernization of F-15
New fighters
New transportation aircraft
For inquiry, contact following office:
International Public Affairs Office, Public Affairs Division, Ministry of Defense, Japan TEL:+81-3-3268-3111 (switch board) Web Site: http://www.mod.go.jp/e/index.html
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