Japan Self-Defense Forces

[Khafee]

Japan’s ATLA details upcoming R&D projects
Kosuke Takahashi, Tokyo

A Japanese F-2 fighter launching the indigenously developed ASM-3 anti-ship missile. Source: ATLA

The Japan Ministry of Defense's (MoD's) Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has revealed new details about some of its main research and development (R&D) projects for the coming years.

ATLA officials told Jane's on 3 October that the agency has requested funds for these projects, including JPY2.4 billion (USD22.3 billion) for fiscal year (FY) 2020 to conduct research on next-generation underwater mine detection technology. This six-year project is aimed at developing real-time signal-processing technology using low-frequency/high-frequency synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) for mine detection.

In 2018 Japan and France agreed to work on the specifics of this technology as part of a joint research project.

ATLA officials also said that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) asked for JPY800 million for FY 2020 to develop a multi-purpose surveillance radar that would incorporate the roles of service's low-altitude, coastal, counter-battery radar. The aim of this seven-year project is not only to develop a new radar capable of detecting weapons or platforms with a low radar cross section (RCS), but also to help reduce production and maintenance costs.

Officials also said that the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) requested about JPY16.1 billion for FY 2020 to extend the range of its first locally developed supersonic air-launched anti-ship missile (ASM), known as the ASM-3. The project is aimed at boosting Japan's deterrence and is expected to be completed by FY 2025. The missile's range is expected to be extended to more than 400 km from the current 200 km.

The ASM-3, which has an estimated top speed of Mach 3, was jointly developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the MoD in 2017 as a successor to Japan's Type 93 series of missiles. It is expected to be carried by JASDF's F-2 multirole fighters.

 

[Khafee]

Japan to dispatch its own self-defense troops to Strait of Hormuz: Asahi
OCTOBER 18, 2019
View attachment 11151
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan has decided to dispatch its own self-defense troops to the Strait of Hormuz area instead of joining the U.S.-coalition to protect merchant vessels passing through key Middle Eastern waterways, the Asahi newspaper reported.

The decision is in line with a previous Japanese media report that Japan would not join its most important ally in the security mission due to its close economic ties with Iran, a major oil producer.

Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of a British tanker and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels that the U.S. and Britain have blamed on Iran. Tehran denies involvement.

 

[Khafee]

Japan and China hold first joint maritime drills in eight years in sign of warming ties

• Relations between the nations have been frosty since a September 2010 dispute over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands
• But it is in the interest of Beijing and Tokyo to move away from confrontation and foster better trade ties, an expert says

by Julian Ryall
Published: 22 Oct, 2019
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The guided-missile destroyer Taiyuan of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. Photo: AP

Warships from Japan and China have carried out joint drills for the first time in eight years, the latest indication that long-chilly bilateral relations might once again be warming up.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) destroyer Samidare carried out a series of radio communication and coordination exercises with the Chinese guided-missile destroyer Taiyuan in waters south of Japan on October 16, Japanese national broadcaster NHK reported on Tuesday.

The Chinese warship had been scheduled to take part in an international fleet review on October 14, but the event was called off after Super Typhoon Hagibis caused widespread damage across eastern Japan.

The defence ministries of both countries nevertheless decided to go ahead with the radio exercises, with Taiyuan becoming the first Chinese navy warship to visit Japan since 2009.

In December 2011, the MSDF destroyer Kirisame put into the Chinese port of Qingdao and carried out a number of events with their local counterparts in the city as well as communications exercises at sea.

“This is all part of the diplomatic charm offensive by both countries as they try to patch things up and, in effect, normalise relations,” said Garren Mulloy, a professor of international relations at Japan’s Daito Bunka University and an authority on defence issues.

This can be seen as traditional diplomacy but with a focus on trade - Garren Mulloy, Daito Bunka University

“Both Tokyo and Beijing want to get away from confrontation and their primary aim is to have good trading relations for the mutual benefit of both nations. So this can be seen as traditional diplomacy but with a focus on trade behind these developments.”

Ties between Beijing and Tokyo came close to crisis point after a major diplomatic dispute in September 2010, when the crew of a Chinese trawler, Minjinyu 5179, were detained by the Japan Coast Guard on charges of operating illegally in Japanese waters around the Diaoyu Islands.

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The Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea are claimed by Japan, mainland China and Taiwan. Photo: Kyodo


The islands are controlled by Japan, where they are known as the Senkakus, and are also claimed by mainland China and Taiwan.

An improvement in Sino-Japanese relations “has been a long time coming”, Mulloy said, adding that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abehas been “putting out feelers” to China since he came to power in late 2012.

“Despite his considerable nationalistic baggage, Abe has wanted to show that he was different from his predecessors and that he did not want confrontation with China over the Senkakus or anything else,” he said.

“But while he was trying hard to patch things up, the Chinese were just not biting for a long time. They noted everything, but it was not to Beijing’s advantage to do anything at that time.”

However, Beijing is now much more open to improving the relationship as the result of a significant slowdown in domestic economic growth following the US-China trade war and broader global trade uncertainties – which Mulloy suggested could be traced back to the unpredictability of United States President Donald Trump.

“Long-term trade needs stability and predictability, and that is what both China and Japan want,” he said.

There are other signs that could be interpreted as efforts to narrow a gap in bilateral relations that not too long ago appeared unbridgeable. It was reported in August that China had instructed its fishing fleets to stay away from waters surrounding the disputed Diaoyu archipelago, while an MSDF warship took part in China’s first fleet review in April, the first port call by a Japanese vessel in more than seven years.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has tried to mend ties with China since 2012, according to an expert. Photo: AP

Mulloy also believes Beijing’s reaction to Japanese politicians paying their respects at Tokyo’s controversial Yasukuni Shrine was “markedly toned down” from previous years.

Geng Shuang, deputy director of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Information Department, rebuked Japan after a number of cabinet ministers visited the shrine during the recent autumn festival, adding that the visits and a ceremonial gift by Abe showed “the country’s erroneous attitude towards its history of aggression”.

Visits to the Tokyo shrine provoke Chinese ire because among the war dead it honours are those who took part in Japan’s 1931 invasion and occupation of China, along with 14 convicted Class A war criminals.

“We urge the Japanese side to faithfully honour its statements and commitments in facing up to and reflecting upon its past aggression and to win the trust from its Asian neighbours and the world by taking concrete action,” Geng said.

Said Mulloy: “They are not saying more because there is no advantage to Beijing to make a fuss. The problem for Japan is that China can choose to tone the issue down or ramp it up just as they wish and that makes it a very flexible instrument for China to use in the international discourse, and one that leaves Japan at a disadvantage.”

 

[Khafee]

First V-22 Osprey aircrafts arrive in Japan
10 May 2020

The first two V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft bound for Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has arrived in Japan on May 8.


The aircraft arrived aboard the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command (MSC)-chartered vehicle carrier MV Green Ridge and were off-loaded at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. The V-22 off-load at MCAS Iwakuni marked the first time JGSDF V-22s arrived on Japanese soil, according to a recent Marine Corps news release..

“The V-22 off-load marked the first time JGSDF V-22s arrived on Japanese soil,” said in a statement.
Japan ordered the first five Ospreys aircraft for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in July 2015 for $332 million.

A number of V-22s will be stationed aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s new 19,5000-ton helicopter carrier Izumo. Japan’s Ministry of Defense also announced its intention to deploy some V-22s in the East China Sea.

The purchase of V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft is part of a larger push of the JSDF to improve its amphibious and naval warfare capabilities.

The V-22 Osprey is a joint service multirole combat aircraft utilizing tiltrotor technology to combine the vertical performance of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft. With its rotors in vertical position, it can take off, land and hover like a helicopter. Once airborne, it can convert to a turboprop airplane capable of high-speed, high-altitude flight. This combination results in global reach capabilities that allow the V-22 to fill an operational niche unlike any other aircraft.

The V-22 is currently in service with the United States Marine Corps and the Air Force Special Operations Command.

Since entering service, the V-22 has been deployed in numerous missions around the world, including casualty evacuation, tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, resupply, VIP transport, and theater security cooperation.

On 21 November 2014, the Japanese Ministry of Defense officially decided to procure 17 V-22s. In January 2015, Japan’s parliament approved a defense budget with funding for five V-22s.

Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey
The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is an American multi-mission, tiltrotor military aircraft with both vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities. It is designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft.

The aircraft has a 38-foot rotor system and the engine/transmission nacelles are mounted on each wingtip. It can operate as a helicopter when taking off and landing vertically. Once airborne, the nacelles rotate forward 90 degrees for horizontal flight, converting the V-22 to a high-speed, fuel-efficient turboprop airplane. The wing rotates for compact storage aboard ship.


The V-22 first flew in 1989, and began flight testing and design alterations; the complexity and difficulties of being the first tiltrotor for military service led to many years of development.

The U.S. Marine Corps fielded MV-22B Osprey in 2007 and the U.S. Air Force fielded their version of the tiltrotor, the CV-22B, in 2009.

The U.S. Marine Corps is the lead service in the development of the Osprey and fielded its version, the MV-22B, in 2007. It is used as an assault transport for troops, equipment and supplies, and will be capable of operating from ships or from expeditionary airfields ashore.

The U.S. Air Force fielded their version of the aircraft, the CV-22B, in 2009. It is used by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) to conduct long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions for special operations forces.

The U.S. Navy plan to use the CMV-22B variant for carrier onboard delivery (COD) missions beginning in 2021.

 

[Khafee]

Japan suspends land-based Aegis Ashore missile defense deployment

Japan has suspended plans to deploy the Aegis Ashore system for missile defense. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin

June 15 (UPI) -- Japan abruptly suspended plans to deploy its U.S.-developed Aegis Ashore missile defense system on Monday, citing technical issues and mounting costs.

"In view of the cost and time [required] for the deployment, we will halt the process," Defense Minister Taro Kono told reporters. "When considering the costs and the time frame, we have no choice but to decide it was not logical."

The system uses the Lockheed Martin Aegis Weapon System and the Raytheon Standard Missile for tracking and defending against incoming threats.

Japan intended to deploy it to counter threats from North Korean missiles, but increasing problems raised the $2.15 billion estimated cost to over $4 billion, including purchase cost and an expected 30-year use.

Two chosen sites for the land-based system have also run into difficulties: excessive work would be required to ensure that booster rockets fired from a location in western Japan would fall into the sea instead of residential areas, and the choice of an eastern location was flawed by improperly conducted geological surveys, forcing a reassessment of sites.

"For now, we will continue to rely on Aegis-equipped destroyers" to supply missile defense, Kono added. "Afterward, I will consider our options through the NSC [Japan's National Security Council]."

Japan has seven capable destroyers and is building an eighth. The country's current approach to missile defense involves a ship-based Aegis system designed to shoot down missiles in their post-boost phase of flight, and a land-based Patriot system to destroy them in their re-entry phase.

In the past, though, the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said the ship-based missile defense system is inadequate for defending Japan from North Korean missiles.

The sudden announcement caught Japanese politicians by surprise.

"It came out of the blue and I was surprised," said Tsugumasa Muraoka, governor of Yamaguchi prefecture, the location of the western defense site. Opposition party leaders said they will ask the government why the decision was made so close to Wednesday's end of the current parliamentary session.

 

[Khafee]

Proposed $23.1B F-35 Sale to Japan Gets State Dept Clearance
July 10, 2020

The State Department has cleared Japan’s request to buy 105 units of Lockheed Martin-built (NYSE: LMT) F-35 fighter jets, Pratt & Whitney-made aircraft engines and related equipment and services under a potential $23.11B foreign military sales agreement.

Lockheed and Pratt & Whitney were named prime contractors in the proposed sale, which includes 63 F-35As, 42 F-35Bs and 110 F135 engines, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Thursday.

The FMS deal will also cover electronic warfare systems, autonomic logistics global support system, software development and integration, F-35 unique infrared flares, engineering, logistics and technical support services.

The government of Japan has made the procurement request to improve its air-to-ground and air-to-air self-defense capabilities and increase its inventory of operational aircraft.

DSCA notified Congress of the potential FMS deal Thursday and said the transaction will require the deployment of contractor and government personnel to the East Asian country over a 25-year period to support training, program management and technical reviews.

 

[Khafee]

US Approves Sale of RAM Block 2 Missiles to Japan​

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of RAM Block 2 Tactical Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $55.311 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region. It is vital to U.S. national interest to assist Japan in developing and maintaining a strong and effective self-defense capability.

The Government of Japan has requested to buy up to fifty-one (51) Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2 Tactical Missiles, RIM-116C. Also included are RAM Guided Missile Round Pack Tri-Pack shipping and storage containers, operator manuals and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $55.311 million.

These RAM Block 2 Tactical missiles will provide significantly enhanced area defense capabilities over critical East Asian and Western Pacific air and sea-lines of communication. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense Company, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of U.S. Government or contractor representatives in Japan. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

 

[MUC-Spotter]

Kawasaki P-1 Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force JMSDF flying Display

 

[Khafee]

USS Blue Ridge participates in joint exercise with Japan's JS Kongo
By Christen McCurdy
March 30, 2021

The USS Blue Ridge participated in an exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s JS Kongo this week. Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy

March 30 (UPI) -- The USS Blue Ridge and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's JS Kongo this week held an exercise testing their combined maritime skills and intercommunication capabilities, the latest in a stream of recent training events between the partner nations.

According to a Navy press release, the exercise consisted of multiple ships sailing in formation while practicing maneuvering and communications.

Aircraft assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 also flew in formation with the ships and transferred the ship's captain, Tim Waits, from Blue Ridge to Kongo to visit the ship's crew and leadership.

"This bilateral exercise was an excellent display of solidarity with our host nation and the JMSDF," Waits said in the Navy's release. "It provided important training and experience that enables both crews to operate and communicate safely and effectively while working closely together."

"In addition to improving the JMSDF's tactical capabilities, we have deepened interoperability with the U.S. Navy," Capt. Fujisaki Masaru, commanding officer of JS Kongo, said in the release.

"I am convinced that we can improve deterrence and interoperability in response to possible contingencies through regular bilateral exercises such as the one we conducted," Masaru said.

Blue Ridge, the oldest operational ship in the Navy, has been forward-deployed and operating in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility for more than 40 years.

The 7th Fleet is the Navy's largest forward deployed fleet, generally operates 50 to 70 ships and submarines and 140 aircraft with approximately 20,000 sailors.

Earlier in March, members of the U.S. Air Force's 374th Airlift Wing conducted an airborne parachute exercise with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's 1st Airborne Brigade.

More than 500 Japanese paratroopers participated, making it the largest joint parachuting event in the history of the U.S.-Japanese alliance.

The two nations also conducted the computer-based naval drill Resilient Shield 2021 in February.

 

[Khafee]

Japan Coast Guard orders two more H225 helicopters
01 Apr 2021

Airbus Helicopters picture

Japan Coast Guard (JCG) will expand its fleet with two new H225 helicopters, taking its total Super Puma fleet up to 17, comprising two AS332s and 15 H225s.

Airbus Helicopters press release

The largest Super Puma operator in Japan received its tenth H225 in February this year. The new helicopters will join its growing fleet to support territorial coastal activities, security enforcement, as well as disaster relief missions in the country.

“From the first Super Puma delivery nearly 30 years ago to the latest H225 orders, we greatly appreciate Japan Coast Guard’s continued trust in our products and services,” said Guillaume Leprince, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan.

“This repeat H225 order reinforces the aircraft’s position as a reference in SAR operations and security enforcement. We are proud of how the deployment of the agency’s fleet has ensured mission success throughout the years. Airbus will continue to ensure the fleet’s high availability, in support of the agency’s safe operations.”

JCG’s H225 fleet is covered by Airbus’ highly adaptive HCare Smart full-by-the-hour material support. This customised fleet availability programme allows the national coast guard agency to focus on its flight operations whilst Airbus manages its assets.

Offering the industry’s best range, speed, payload and reliability in the 11-ton-category twin-engine rotorcraft, the H225 is the latest member of Airbus Helicopters’ Super Puma family that has accumulated more than 5.7 million flight hours in all-weather conditions around the world. Equipped with state-of-the-art electronic instruments and renowned autopilot precision, the H225 offers outstanding endurance and fast cruise speed, and can be fitted with various equipment to suit a variety of roles.

Close to 30 helicopters from the Super Puma family are currently flown in Japan by civil, parapublic operators, and Japan’s Ministry of Defense for various search and rescue missions, VIP, fire-fighting, and passenger and goods transportation.