Japan Defence Forum
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You're welcome. The 3,000 force is the initial force. I believe we will expand that size significantly.
Nike
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I wonder, although it will be out of topics. Are JGSDF army doesn't use additional optical sight for their Assault rifles such the American do with their rifles?. Most literature and pictures i found they doesn't have picatiny rail in their assault rifles and never fit such equipment in their assault rifle. And one other thing is, why your army still retain IJA trait of longer bayonet than any bayonet of other armies around the world used?.
Zero_wing
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Ok I thought this prefixs for Civilian vessels but thanks for the clarification
Chief of Staff of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force calls on Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy
Chief of Staff of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force, Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, who is on a four-day official visit to Sri Lanka, called on Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage at the Naval Headquarters in Colombo on 11th June 2014. He was accorded a Guard of Honour and warmly received by the Commander of the Navy who introduced him to the members of the SLN Board of Management.
They held cordial discussions on matters of bilateral importance and exchanged mementos to mark the occasion.
Admiral Kawano had attended the National Defense Academy of Japan and graduated in 1977 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He had then joined the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. He has also attended the MSDF Staff College and U.S. War College.
Admiral Kawano has served in a number of command and staff positions. He has commanded JDS Oyodo (DE-231) as well as Escort Division 3 and Escort Flotilla 3. In 2008, he took command of the Mine Warfare Force and became the Vice Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Council in 2010. One year later in 2011, he was made the Commander in Chief of the Self Defense Fleet. In 2012, he was promoted to the rank of Admiral and appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force.
Reference: Sri Lanka Navy
Chief of Staff of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force, Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, who is on a four-day official visit to Sri Lanka, called on Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage at the Naval Headquarters in Colombo on 11th June 2014. He was accorded a Guard of Honour and warmly received by the Commander of the Navy who introduced him to the members of the SLN Board of Management.
They held cordial discussions on matters of bilateral importance and exchanged mementos to mark the occasion.
Admiral Kawano had attended the National Defense Academy of Japan and graduated in 1977 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He had then joined the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. He has also attended the MSDF Staff College and U.S. War College.
Admiral Kawano has served in a number of command and staff positions. He has commanded JDS Oyodo (DE-231) as well as Escort Division 3 and Escort Flotilla 3. In 2008, he took command of the Mine Warfare Force and became the Vice Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Council in 2010. One year later in 2011, he was made the Commander in Chief of the Self Defense Fleet. In 2012, he was promoted to the rank of Admiral and appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force.
Reference: Sri Lanka Navy
This week Japan approved its latest five-year defense plan. The Mid Term Defense Plan (MTDP) defines Japan’s defense policy and capabilities for 2014 to 2018. The MTDP is meant to give policymakers, politicians, and the public an understanding of Japan’s defense priorities and the direction national defense is taking.
The latest MTDP takes into account the new National Defense Program Guidelines, a policy document set to take effect in 2014. Citing the regional security environment as “more tense,” NDPG recommends strengthening Japan’s capabilities in the areas of intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance (ISR), its ability to respond to attacks on Japan’s remote southern islands, ballistic-missile defense, cyber warfare, natural disasters, and the country’s joint operations capabilities.
The MTDP has been heavily influenced by recent friction with China. Since 2010 relations with the People’s Republic of China have fallen sharply, mainly over China’s claim of the Japanese-held Senkaku islands (Diaoyu islands in China.) Japan’s plan also addresses concerns regarding North Korea’s ballistic missile program.
The report emphasizes the U.S.–Japan security alliance as one of the cornerstones of its defense policy. In addition to that alliance, Japan also will seek friendly cooperation on regional defense issues with Russia, India, Australia, South Korea, and the ASEAN states.
More broadly, cooperation with the international community on issues of arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation will mean a strengthening of ties with the European Union, NATO, OSCE, and other European countries. Japan also will continue to contribute to international peacekeeping missions, such as those in South Sudan and Golan Heights.
Despite the deteriorating relations, the plan emphasizes the importance of continuing to engage China both with security dialogues and exchanges.
Japan’s defense spending has remained relatively flat since 1992, and has declined slightly every year from 2002 to 2012. The defense budget is set to rise five percent over the next five years, to a total of $247 billion dollars. Coinciding with the spending will be a reorganization and redeployment of the Self Defense Forces that will shift units from across Japan to the southern periphery, including the Ryukyu islands and disputed Senkaku islands.
Japan’s navy—the Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF)—will see a modest boost in ships. The number of diesel-electric submarines is set to rise from 16 to 22. Submarine construction is holding steady at one per year, and the rise will be accomplished, at least in the short term, by refurbishing submarines of the Oyashio class that would otherwise be retired. Japan’s submarines are typically retired after 18 years in service, so its older submarines are actually rather young compared with those of other countries.
The MSDF will also receive a boost in destroyers, with seven more to be acquired, including two Aegis destroyers. The new procurement plan will bring Japan’s total number of destroyers from 47 to 54, and Aegis destroyers from six to eight. In order to accommodate the extra destroyers within the MSDF’s force structure an additional escort flotilla will be formed. Each flotilla consists of two escort squadrons, with each squadron consisting of 4 destroyers. There are currently four escort flotillas, based at Yokosuka, Sasebo, Maizuru, and Kure.
Additionally, there reports that the MSDF is studying the purchase of littoral combat ships of its own. The Mainichi Daily News reports that small, high-speed escort ships to counter the threat of mines and submarines are being considered. Such ships would be ideal for operating in and around the Ryukyus, especially the Miyako Strait. The estimated cost per ship is $582 million.
An undated photo of a Kawasaki P1
Finally, four Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft will be purchased, bringing the total number in service up to six. The P-1 is an indigenous design meant to replace the Lockheed P-3C Orion. It is similar to the P-8 Poseidon, the most notable difference being that it retains a magnetic anomaly detection boom. Up to 70 P-1s will ultimately be procured.
The Air Self Defense Force (ASDF) will see both a reorganization and injection of new aircraft. The number of ASDF intercepts of foreign aircraft has sharply increased, particularly over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea. In response Japan is not only shifting aircraft southward, but is increasing the number of support aircraft and ground radar systems. Fighter aircraft will also see a modest boost.
The airborne early warning group, which oversees Japan’s four E-767 AWACS and 13 E-2C Hawkeyes, will purchase an additional four AWACS aircraft and increase the number of squadrons from two to three. One squadron will be based on Okinawa, where it will be able to monitor the Ryukyus and East China Sea. In addition to aerial radar platforms, the number of ground radar warning squadrons will be bumped to 28.
A Mitsubishi F-15J
Japan is also sending fighters southward. Naha Airport will receive a second squadron of F-15J air superiority fighters, doubling the number of fighters based there from 20 to 40. Fighter squadrons will increase from 12 to 13, with the number of fighters set to grow from 260 to 280 units. Japan will acquire 28 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters during the five-year period covered by the Mid Term Defense Plan, with another 14 to follow later. Japan is considering a second F-35 purchase, possibly including the F-35B vertical takeoff and landing version for deployment on Japan’s Izumo and Hyuga-class helicopter destroyers.
Reflecting the National Defense Program Guidelines emphasis on intelligence collection, Japan plans on purchasing three Global Hawk unmanned aircraft. Provisions for study of acquiring Global Hawks are included in the 2014 budget, with the first units to be purchased in 2015.
Japan’s Ground Self Defense Forces (GSDF) will see the most change, with sweeping alterations to force structure. The new GSDF will feature three rapid-deployment divisions, three rapid-deployment brigades, one airborne brigade, one helicopter brigade, and one amphibious brigade.
The amphibious brigade will be built on the Western Army Infantry Regiment, a battalion-sized marine infantry unit based at Nagasaki on the southern island of Kyushu. The regiment has served for the past decade as Japan’s test bed for amphibious warfare, and has participated in the joint Iron Fist and Dawn Blitz exercises with United States forces.
The new amphibious brigade’s equipment heavily reflects that of the U.S. Marine Corps, which has taken a mentoring role over the Western Army Infantry Regiment. The brigade will incorporate 52 AAV-7 amphibious vehicles purchased from the United States, including command and recovery variants. The brigade will also incorporate the new Maneuver Combat Vehicle, a 26 ton 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle armed with a 105mm gun. The MCV is designed to be carried by the new C-2 transport for rapid deployment to Japan’s remote islands.
Like the U.S. Marines, the amphibious unit will also be airmobile, thanks to the purchase of 17 V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. The first Osprey will be procured in April 2014 and the procurement process is expected to last five years.
Although the main body of the amphibious brigade will likely remain based at Nagasaki, there are reports a smaller training unit will be established on the northern island of Hokkaido, at Camp Higashi Chitose.
The Mid Term Defense Plan and National Defense Program Guidelines represent a significant change in Japanese defense policy. New capabilities, such as ISR assets, joint operations, and amphibious units will go a long way toward addressing gaps in Japan’s existing defenses. The reorganization of the Self Defense Forces, as well as procurement initiatives for equipment such as the Osprey and Global Hawk will create a foundational basis for the defense of Japan’s southern islands.
The latest MTDP takes into account the new National Defense Program Guidelines, a policy document set to take effect in 2014. Citing the regional security environment as “more tense,” NDPG recommends strengthening Japan’s capabilities in the areas of intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance (ISR), its ability to respond to attacks on Japan’s remote southern islands, ballistic-missile defense, cyber warfare, natural disasters, and the country’s joint operations capabilities.
The MTDP has been heavily influenced by recent friction with China. Since 2010 relations with the People’s Republic of China have fallen sharply, mainly over China’s claim of the Japanese-held Senkaku islands (Diaoyu islands in China.) Japan’s plan also addresses concerns regarding North Korea’s ballistic missile program.
The report emphasizes the U.S.–Japan security alliance as one of the cornerstones of its defense policy. In addition to that alliance, Japan also will seek friendly cooperation on regional defense issues with Russia, India, Australia, South Korea, and the ASEAN states.
More broadly, cooperation with the international community on issues of arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation will mean a strengthening of ties with the European Union, NATO, OSCE, and other European countries. Japan also will continue to contribute to international peacekeeping missions, such as those in South Sudan and Golan Heights.
Despite the deteriorating relations, the plan emphasizes the importance of continuing to engage China both with security dialogues and exchanges.
Japan’s defense spending has remained relatively flat since 1992, and has declined slightly every year from 2002 to 2012. The defense budget is set to rise five percent over the next five years, to a total of $247 billion dollars. Coinciding with the spending will be a reorganization and redeployment of the Self Defense Forces that will shift units from across Japan to the southern periphery, including the Ryukyu islands and disputed Senkaku islands.
Japan’s navy—the Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF)—will see a modest boost in ships. The number of diesel-electric submarines is set to rise from 16 to 22. Submarine construction is holding steady at one per year, and the rise will be accomplished, at least in the short term, by refurbishing submarines of the Oyashio class that would otherwise be retired. Japan’s submarines are typically retired after 18 years in service, so its older submarines are actually rather young compared with those of other countries.
The MSDF will also receive a boost in destroyers, with seven more to be acquired, including two Aegis destroyers. The new procurement plan will bring Japan’s total number of destroyers from 47 to 54, and Aegis destroyers from six to eight. In order to accommodate the extra destroyers within the MSDF’s force structure an additional escort flotilla will be formed. Each flotilla consists of two escort squadrons, with each squadron consisting of 4 destroyers. There are currently four escort flotillas, based at Yokosuka, Sasebo, Maizuru, and Kure.
Additionally, there reports that the MSDF is studying the purchase of littoral combat ships of its own. The Mainichi Daily News reports that small, high-speed escort ships to counter the threat of mines and submarines are being considered. Such ships would be ideal for operating in and around the Ryukyus, especially the Miyako Strait. The estimated cost per ship is $582 million.
An undated photo of a Kawasaki P1
Finally, four Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft will be purchased, bringing the total number in service up to six. The P-1 is an indigenous design meant to replace the Lockheed P-3C Orion. It is similar to the P-8 Poseidon, the most notable difference being that it retains a magnetic anomaly detection boom. Up to 70 P-1s will ultimately be procured.
The Air Self Defense Force (ASDF) will see both a reorganization and injection of new aircraft. The number of ASDF intercepts of foreign aircraft has sharply increased, particularly over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea. In response Japan is not only shifting aircraft southward, but is increasing the number of support aircraft and ground radar systems. Fighter aircraft will also see a modest boost.
The airborne early warning group, which oversees Japan’s four E-767 AWACS and 13 E-2C Hawkeyes, will purchase an additional four AWACS aircraft and increase the number of squadrons from two to three. One squadron will be based on Okinawa, where it will be able to monitor the Ryukyus and East China Sea. In addition to aerial radar platforms, the number of ground radar warning squadrons will be bumped to 28.
A Mitsubishi F-15J
Japan is also sending fighters southward. Naha Airport will receive a second squadron of F-15J air superiority fighters, doubling the number of fighters based there from 20 to 40. Fighter squadrons will increase from 12 to 13, with the number of fighters set to grow from 260 to 280 units. Japan will acquire 28 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters during the five-year period covered by the Mid Term Defense Plan, with another 14 to follow later. Japan is considering a second F-35 purchase, possibly including the F-35B vertical takeoff and landing version for deployment on Japan’s Izumo and Hyuga-class helicopter destroyers.
Reflecting the National Defense Program Guidelines emphasis on intelligence collection, Japan plans on purchasing three Global Hawk unmanned aircraft. Provisions for study of acquiring Global Hawks are included in the 2014 budget, with the first units to be purchased in 2015.
Japan’s Ground Self Defense Forces (GSDF) will see the most change, with sweeping alterations to force structure. The new GSDF will feature three rapid-deployment divisions, three rapid-deployment brigades, one airborne brigade, one helicopter brigade, and one amphibious brigade.
The amphibious brigade will be built on the Western Army Infantry Regiment, a battalion-sized marine infantry unit based at Nagasaki on the southern island of Kyushu. The regiment has served for the past decade as Japan’s test bed for amphibious warfare, and has participated in the joint Iron Fist and Dawn Blitz exercises with United States forces.
The new amphibious brigade’s equipment heavily reflects that of the U.S. Marine Corps, which has taken a mentoring role over the Western Army Infantry Regiment. The brigade will incorporate 52 AAV-7 amphibious vehicles purchased from the United States, including command and recovery variants. The brigade will also incorporate the new Maneuver Combat Vehicle, a 26 ton 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle armed with a 105mm gun. The MCV is designed to be carried by the new C-2 transport for rapid deployment to Japan’s remote islands.
Like the U.S. Marines, the amphibious unit will also be airmobile, thanks to the purchase of 17 V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. The first Osprey will be procured in April 2014 and the procurement process is expected to last five years.
Although the main body of the amphibious brigade will likely remain based at Nagasaki, there are reports a smaller training unit will be established on the northern island of Hokkaido, at Camp Higashi Chitose.
The Mid Term Defense Plan and National Defense Program Guidelines represent a significant change in Japanese defense policy. New capabilities, such as ISR assets, joint operations, and amphibious units will go a long way toward addressing gaps in Japan’s existing defenses. The reorganization of the Self Defense Forces, as well as procurement initiatives for equipment such as the Osprey and Global Hawk will create a foundational basis for the defense of Japan’s southern islands.
The Defense Ministry has adopted a new strategy aimed at reforming the country’s procurement of defense equipment, replacing the existing 44-year-old policy that focused on domestic development.
The new strategy sought to promote joint development of defense equipment and technologies with other countries to boost the international competitiveness of the domestic defense industry.
“It is important for Japan to improve its defense equipment and technologies so as not to be left behind,” Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said at a meeting.
The shift in focus comes at a time when cutting-edge defense equipment, such as stealth fighters, are now mostly developed under joint projects involving multiple countries.
In April, Japan eased regulations on defense equipment exports in an effort to promote joint development with other countries.
In the new strategy, the ministry said that Japan’s defense industry is facing changes such as realignment of European and U.S. defense contractors and progress in international joint development.
In order for the Japanese defense industry to compete internationally, it needs to promote areas where it has comparable advantages, while joining international joint development projects to cover lagging areas, the ministry said.
As a measure to strengthen the domestic industry, the strategy called for considering utilizing government funds, such as the “zaito” fiscal investment and loan program, to help finance construction of maintenance factories overseas for Japanese companies that are exporting defense equipment.
The strategy also included setting up an Asia-Pacific maintenance base in Japan for the F-35 stealth jet, the next mainstay fighter for the Air Self-Defense Force.
The ministry plans to draw up a roadmap covering development to deployment of defense equipment that would be used as mainstay equipment 20 years from now, including drones.
New defense equipment strategy looks overseas - The Japan News
The new strategy sought to promote joint development of defense equipment and technologies with other countries to boost the international competitiveness of the domestic defense industry.
“It is important for Japan to improve its defense equipment and technologies so as not to be left behind,” Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said at a meeting.
The shift in focus comes at a time when cutting-edge defense equipment, such as stealth fighters, are now mostly developed under joint projects involving multiple countries.
In April, Japan eased regulations on defense equipment exports in an effort to promote joint development with other countries.
In the new strategy, the ministry said that Japan’s defense industry is facing changes such as realignment of European and U.S. defense contractors and progress in international joint development.
In order for the Japanese defense industry to compete internationally, it needs to promote areas where it has comparable advantages, while joining international joint development projects to cover lagging areas, the ministry said.
As a measure to strengthen the domestic industry, the strategy called for considering utilizing government funds, such as the “zaito” fiscal investment and loan program, to help finance construction of maintenance factories overseas for Japanese companies that are exporting defense equipment.
The strategy also included setting up an Asia-Pacific maintenance base in Japan for the F-35 stealth jet, the next mainstay fighter for the Air Self-Defense Force.
The ministry plans to draw up a roadmap covering development to deployment of defense equipment that would be used as mainstay equipment 20 years from now, including drones.
New defense equipment strategy looks overseas - The Japan News
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.- For the next 90 days a Hercules aircraft will be flight training at Davis-Monthan AFB.
This aircraft is one of six aircraft purchased by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force through NAVAIR's Tactical Airlift, Adversary and Support Aircraft Program Foreign Military Sales office.
Flights are scheduled to begin on Monday, June 16.
Bearing a unique sky blue paint scheme, the red symbols on the fuselage and under the wings are reminiscent of the “circle of the sun” on the Japanese flag.”
So why is Japan buying old C-130s from “The Boneyard”? Perhaps to make them into gunships in order to enhance their rapidly-growing amphibious assault capabilities? There is the threat made by China against the Senkakus, as well as Japan’s southern island chain. With F-15J’s providing top-cover, C-130 gunships could prove mighty handy in cutting down invading Chinese assault forces.
This aircraft is one of six aircraft purchased by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force through NAVAIR's Tactical Airlift, Adversary and Support Aircraft Program Foreign Military Sales office.
Flights are scheduled to begin on Monday, June 16.
Bearing a unique sky blue paint scheme, the red symbols on the fuselage and under the wings are reminiscent of the “circle of the sun” on the Japanese flag.”
So why is Japan buying old C-130s from “The Boneyard”? Perhaps to make them into gunships in order to enhance their rapidly-growing amphibious assault capabilities? There is the threat made by China against the Senkakus, as well as Japan’s southern island chain. With F-15J’s providing top-cover, C-130 gunships could prove mighty handy in cutting down invading Chinese assault forces.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Ships Visit Pearl Harbor
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMDSF) ships, landing ship tank JS Shimokita (LST 4002); destroyer JS Atago (DDG 177) and helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181) departed Pearl Harbor following a five-day port visit.
During the visit JMSDF sailors conducted wreath-laying ceremonies at the USS Arizona Memorial, National Cemetery of the Pacific, Makiki Cemetery and Ehime-Maru Memorial, and offered ship tours, while senior leaders conducted office calls with local military counterparts.
"These opportunities to renew relationships with our JMSDF counterparts are always valuable and rewarding," said Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet. "The stop of the ships here and our frequent operations together are reflective of the strong relationship between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF that is such an important underpinning of the U.S.-Japan alliance."
Rear Adm. Hideki Yuasa, commander of Escort Flotilla 2, hosted a reception aboard Hyuga where guests, in addition to Haney, included Adm. Samuel Locklear, commander of U.S. Pacific Command; Consul General Toyoei Shigeeda, and other senior U.S. and Japanese commanders.
Yuasa noted that the partnership between Japan and the U.S. is beneficial to maintaining stability throughout the region.
"The Japanese, U.S. alliance is vital to secure Japan's peace and security," said Yuasa. "Our alliance is also important for us to participate in multilateral security operations to effectively respond to global security challenges."
All three JMSDF ships are en route to San Diego to participate in multilateral exercise Dawn Blitz. Dawn Blitz is a scenario-driven exercise led by U.S. Third Fleet and I Marine Expeditionary Force that will test participants in the planning and execution of amphibious operations through a series of live training events.
Reference: Navy.mil
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMDSF) ships, landing ship tank JS Shimokita (LST 4002); destroyer JS Atago (DDG 177) and helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181) departed Pearl Harbor following a five-day port visit.
During the visit JMSDF sailors conducted wreath-laying ceremonies at the USS Arizona Memorial, National Cemetery of the Pacific, Makiki Cemetery and Ehime-Maru Memorial, and offered ship tours, while senior leaders conducted office calls with local military counterparts.
"These opportunities to renew relationships with our JMSDF counterparts are always valuable and rewarding," said Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet. "The stop of the ships here and our frequent operations together are reflective of the strong relationship between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF that is such an important underpinning of the U.S.-Japan alliance."
Rear Adm. Hideki Yuasa, commander of Escort Flotilla 2, hosted a reception aboard Hyuga where guests, in addition to Haney, included Adm. Samuel Locklear, commander of U.S. Pacific Command; Consul General Toyoei Shigeeda, and other senior U.S. and Japanese commanders.
Yuasa noted that the partnership between Japan and the U.S. is beneficial to maintaining stability throughout the region.
"The Japanese, U.S. alliance is vital to secure Japan's peace and security," said Yuasa. "Our alliance is also important for us to participate in multilateral security operations to effectively respond to global security challenges."
All three JMSDF ships are en route to San Diego to participate in multilateral exercise Dawn Blitz. Dawn Blitz is a scenario-driven exercise led by U.S. Third Fleet and I Marine Expeditionary Force that will test participants in the planning and execution of amphibious operations through a series of live training events.
Reference: Navy.mil
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