japanese defense focus may 2010
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Forces.
This year, approximately 400 GSDF members took part
in the drill, with over 20 aircrat, including a C-130, a
C-1, and CH-47Js and 53 vehicles including 74 tanks
and light armored vehicles.
To begin with, 1,400 meter drops by members o the
reconnaissance squadron, reconnaissance operation
by reconnaissance hel icopters and a dr i l l or
suppression against enemies at a landing site by anti-
tank helicopters. A rie platoon o 80 members then
did a drop rom a transport aircrat. They carried out
simulated combat training such as orming a line o
deense with a motor unit and blocking an invasion
by enemy armored orces with gaining support o
ring rom helicopters.
Under the ine weather with occasional strong cold
winds, about 10,000 spectators turned their intent
looks on the a spectacle o the drill.
Ater the airdrop drill was over, the members o the
brigade in ormed lines, Deense Minister Kitazawa
addressed as ollows:
Observing the rst drill in this new year by the First
Airborne Brigade, I eel great pride as Minister o
Deense in being here today with the members o the
brigade with high morale and prociency.
The Ministry o Deense and the Sel-Deense Forcesrequire a ready response to new threats and various
situations, and the role o the First Airborne Brigade
with superior maneuverability continues to be vital.
Much attention tends to be paid to the First Airborne
Brigades aerial operations, but your operations ater
landing are also extremely important. I know that you
have gained the skills necessary or the execution o
your missions and bui lt up your bodies and
disciplined your mind through hard training in which
you oten have to place yourselves in the extremely
severe situation without any sleep and rest in several
days.
I know that the rst airdrop drill is a traditional event
or the First Airborne Brigade. I hope that you willenhance the First Airborne Brigade which your
predecessors had built up and devote yourselves to
training under the command o Major General Nagai
to live up to the trust and expectations o the public. I
also wish you all the best in health and achievement.
On January 10, the 2010 airdrop drill by the First
Airborne Brigade (Commander: Major General
Masahiro Nagai) was conducted at the Narashino
Training Ground. This training event takes place
annually, and has been open to the public since 1974.
There were approximately 10,000 spectators this year.
The drill began at 11 a.m., when CH-47 helicopters
appeared in the skies over the practice ground. Led by
the commander Major General Nagai, the commander
o Special Operation Group, Colonel Aoki, Sta
Sergeant Hino, the youngest o the brigade, Private
Kodera and several other soldiers made a 340 meter
parachute jump.
Minister o Deense, Toshimi Kitazawa, who had been
observing the airdrop, then ascended the platorm or
the review and the airdrop battle drill began,
observed by senior personnel rom the Sel-Deense
Forces and the Ministry o Deense, National Diet
members, and representatives o the United States
The 2010 airdrop drill by the First Airborne Brigade takes
place at the Narashino Training Ground, January 10.
News Flashes
SpecialPhoto
2010 March
No.17The Latest News on the Ministry ofDefense and Self-Defense Forces
MINISTRYOF
DEFENSE
JAPANDEFENSEFOCUSINSIDE :
The disaster assistance eorts for the Haitiearthquake
Termination of Replenishment SupportActivities in the Indian Ocean
Toshimi Kitazawa, Minister o Deense, observing the drill
The drill takes place under the bright blue sky.
The airdrop drill was observed by Minister o Deense, Toshimi Kitazawa.
1MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPANDEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010
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Current News
Medical Assistance in HaitiOn January 14, in response to the Haiti earthquake,
Ministry o Deense dispatched a member o the Sel
Deense Forces and a Ministry oicial to Haiti as a
Disaster Relie Investigation Team, together with
personnel rom the Ministry o Foreign Aairs and the
Japan International Cooperation Agency. The nextday, January 15, the Minister o Deense, Toshimi
Kitazawa, ater consultation with the Ministry o
Foreign Aairs, issued a Disaster relie Team dispatch
preparation order. Following thie direction, the return
to Japan o an Air Sel-Deense Force C-130H aircrat
which had completed training in Arizona, U.S.A., was
canceled and it was subsequently relocated rom the
Travis Air Force Base in Caliornia to the Homestead Air
Force base in Miami, Florida, near the Republic o Haiti.
The survey team entered the Republic o Haiti on
January 16, surveyed the Port-au-Prince Airport, and
began coordinating with related organizations. On
January 17, it was determined that the airport status
allowed or sae operating conditions, and Minster o
Deense K i tazawa gave an order to in i t iate
transportation. The JSDF C-130H aircrat transported
the Sel-Deense Forces survey team and medical
team o Japan International Cooperation Agency to
Port-au-Prince airport. By its return ight, the C-130H
aircrat transported the United States citizens and
others who required emergency evacuation to Miami.
On January 20, the Minister o Deense ordered the
dispatch o a JSDF Medical Assistance Team. In
response, the Ground Sel-Deense Force Middle Army
Commander ormed a Haiti Disaster Relie Medical
Assistance Team headed by COL Makoto Shirakawa. The team comprised 40 medical and hygiene
personnel (including 14 medical ofcers), 60 logistics
support personnel and about 10 personnel as
interpreters rom the Ground Sel-Deense Force
Middle Army Headquarters and the Central Readiness
Force.
The Assistance Team departed Narita Airport or Miami
on a charter light on January 21 and subsequently
entered Haiti rom Miami by C-130H aircrat. Once on
station, the team took over the activities o the
medical team o the Japan International Cooperation
Agency and support organizations. From January 23,
they began medical work in Leogane City, on the
outskirts o the capital, Port-au-Prince. On January 21,
an ASDF C-130H was dispatched to replace the same
type o aircrat o the Air Sel-Deense Force Haiti
Disaster Relie Airlit Unit. The replacement aircrat
took over the airlit mission between Florida and Haiti.
Leogane, the base o the Teams activities, was about
10km west o the quake epicenter, and about 90% o
the citys buildings were destroyed. There was a
constant inux o displaced people into Leogane rom
Port-au-Prince.
The Team conducted its medical activities rom
January 23 or 3 weeks. However, the number o
patients with chronic diseases unrelated to the
earthquake amounted to over 80% o the total at thattime. Considering other actors such as the reopening
o local medical establishments, the Minister o
Deense issued an order or termination o the
international disaster activities on February 12. Ater
the termination o medical activities by the Assistance
Team on February 13, the Japanese Red Cross Society
took over medical support activities on February 14.Between January 23 and February 13, 2954 people
were treated.
Ater termination o their activities, the Team ew by
C-130H transport to Miami where they boarded a
special government aircrat and returned to Japan on
February 18.
On January 12, (January 13 Japan time), the Republic o Haiti, located in the Caribbean Sea, was
hit by a magnitude 7 earthquake, with the epicenter about 15km rom Port-au-Prince, the
capital o the country. As o February 25, the earthquake had claimed about 222,500 lives, about
310,000 injured persons, and rendered about 2,240,000 people homeless. 59,000 people remain
missing. O the Haitian Republics total population o 9.61 million, 3.7 million were aected by
the quake. In total, approximately 100,500 houses were destroyed and 208,000 more were
damaged.
The Ministry o Deense/Sel-Deense Forces, in response to the Haitian governments request,
dispatched the Disaster Relie Medical Assistance Team. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security
Council adopted a resolution to increase the sta members o the United Nations Stabilization
Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), and in response to the UNs request or cooperation, Sel-DeenseForces Engineer Unit was dispatched to Haiti based on the International Peace Cooperation Law.
Dispatch of the Disaster Relief Medical Assistance Team
Damaged houses in Haiti
Medical Treatment by Medical Assistance Team in Logane
The International Relie Team to Haiti removing rubble
The Disaster Assistance Eorts or theHaiti earthquake
Dispatch of International Disaster Relief Team
Dispatch of JSDF to MINUSTAH
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B a c k g r o u n d o t h e P K O U n i tDispatchThe political situation in the Republic o Haiti became
unstable in 2004. Security had also worsened rapidly,
leading to the presidents departure rom the country.
In the same year, the United Nations resolution No.
1542 established the United Nations StabilizationMission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), to keep the law and order
o the country.
The Republic o Haiti suered immense damage rom
the earthquake, so on January 19, the United Nations
Security Council, recognizing the seriousness o the
matter and the necessity o emergency response,
adopted on a resolution to increase MINUSTAH
personnel by 3,500 in order to support the speedy
recovery, reconstruction and stability o the nation.
Following the adoption o the resolution, the United
Nations requested countries to rapidly dispatch
support personnel. Japan decided to provide proper
cooperation in response to this request to promote our
human cooperation in the United Nations eorts or
the international peace in order to take more
responsibility or the peace and stability in the world.
Thereore, on January 25, Japan conveyed to the
Secretariat o the United Nations its intention to
dispatch a Sel-Deense Forces Engineering Unit. On
the same day, the Minister o Deense issued an
instruction or preparations or dispatching the units to
the Chies o Sta.
On January 27, a survey team consisting o three
ofcials rom the Ministry o Deense and International
Peace Cooperation Headquarters was dispatched to
the stricken area. On January 29, in response to an
oicial request or the accelerated dispatch o a Sel-Deense Forces Engineering Unit rom the United
Nations Secretariat, the government decided to
increase the size o the survey team. On January 30, an
additional 11 personnel rom the Ministry o Deense
and 1 personnel rom the Ministry o Foreign Aairs
were dispatched. The survey team assessed the state
o roads and buildings in Haiti, and researched what
type o equipment and materials were required or
activities o the Engineering Unit.
Dispatch o the International RelieTeam to HaitiOn February 5, the Japanese government made a
c a b i n e t d e c i s i o n r e g a r d i n g t h e P l a n o r
Implementation o International Peace Cooperation
Assignment in Haiti. Following this decision, Deense
Minister Kitazawa issued an Order or Sel-Deense
Forces Operations or Implementation o International
Peace Cooperation Assignment in Haiti.
On the morning o February 6, a ceremony or the
completion o the ormation o the PKO Unit
International Relie Team to Haiti composed primarilyo personnel o the JGSDF Central Readiness Regiment
was held at the Ministry o Deense with attendance
by about 200 o the initial dispatch personnel rom the
Unit. On the aternoon o the same day, the
presentation o the ags o the Unit took place, where
Deense Minister Kitazawa presented the ags to Unit
Commander COL. Yamamoto. The presentation
ceremony at the Ministry o Deense Hall was attended
by Prime Minister Hatoyama, Minister o Deense
Kitazawa, the amilies o the Unit members to be
dispatched, members o the National Diet, and senior
members o the Ministry o Deense and Sel-Deense
Forces.
Prime Minister Hatoyama said As human beings, we
should help others who are in trouble. I would like you
to show the presence o Japan to the world, as a
country that protects human lives. Deense Minister
Kitazawa also expressed his sincere hope that the unit
members would contribute to the reconstruction o
Haiti and the smooth operation o the United Nations
in Haiti by using their skills acquired in regular training
and disaster relie operations within Japan, and the
experience acquired in United Nations peace keeping
operations in Cambodia, East Timor, and other
countries. Ater that, the members o the unit
departed the Ministry o Deense, ater receiving a
good send-o rom their amily members and guests,and departed rom Narita and Haneda Airports or
Miami. From Miami, approximately 200 irst-dispatch
Unit personnel were transported to Haiti via ASDF
C-130H.
Commencement o Assistance toReconstructionThe International Relie Team to Haiti was engaged
mainly in rubble removal and land preparation. These
tasks required about 150 vehicles (about 40 medium-
sized bulldozers, hydraulic shovels, etc., about 90
trucks and trailers, and about 20 light armored
vehicles) which were transported by an Antonov, a
large-sized transport aircrat to the neighboring
Dominican Republic and then overland by vehicles to
the Sel-Deense Forces Camp to Haiti.
Outline o the International Relie Team to Haiti is as
ollows.
Type: Engineering Unit
Size:About 350 personnel (including 190 personnel
o the United Nations, and 160 support personnel o
Sel-Deense Forces.)
Equipments: Approx. 150 vehicles
Weapons: Sel-deense weapons (pistols, small riles,
machine guns)
Type of activities:Rubble removal, land preparation
or suered people camp sites, road repairs, small
acility construction.Active region: environs o Port-au-Prince
Time-frame: February 5 2010 November 30, 2010
(Six months requested by the United Nations plus
about three months or pulling out).
The irst dispatched members completed their
deployment o personnel and equipment by February
14, and on February 16, started land preparation
activities in the MINUSTAH-controlled area in the area
o the Port-au-Prince Airport.
The rst dispatched members belonged mainly to the
Central Readiness Regiment which can be rapidly
deployed in an emergency such as an earthquake to
engage in recovery operations. Their missions were to
start engineering works immediately ater arriving at
Haiti and, concurrently, conduct ground works or a
unit camp.
Ater that, the irst dispatched members o the Unit
were replaced with the approximately 350 second
dispatched members and the International Relie Team
to Haiti entered ull engagement in its reconstruction
mission.
The second dispatched members, who mainly came
rom the 5th Brigade and the Northern Engineering
Corps, was ormed into an engineering unit led by
COL. Fukunaga. On February 18, Parliamentary Senior
Vice-Minister o Deense Shimba, Commander oNorthern Army, Lieutenant General Sakai, amily
members o the Unit members and other guests
attended a send-o ceremony at Camp Obihiro. The
second dispatched members departed rom Japan on
February 24. Their deployment came to an end in late
March.
United Nations Peace Keeping Operations (PKO) Unit in Haiti
Prime Minister Hatoyama delivering his words to the International Relie Team to Haiti at the Presentation o the Flag o Unit.
Minister o Deense Kitazawa presented the ag o unit tounit commander Colonel Yamamoto at the ceremony o thepresentation o the ag o unit.
Prime Minister Hatoyama shaking hands with ColonelYamamoto, the unit commander o the International Relie
Team to Haiti.
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Topics
001 Deense Minister Kitazawa appointed Mr. Tetsuya Nishimototo the post o special advisor to the Minister o Deense.
002The Meeting o Directors o Regional Deense Bureau was heldwith attendance by Minister o Deense Kitazawa.
003The maiden ight o the XC-2 next-generation transport aircratsuccessully completed at the Giu base o the Air Sel DeenseForce.
o the new administration.
Mr. Nishimoto is 73 years old, born in 1936, graduated rom the National
Deense Academy and entered the Ground Sel Deense Force(GSDF) in
1959. Ater occupying posts such as Vice Chie o Sta, GSDF and
Commander o the GSDF Middle Army, he became GSDF Chie o Sta in
March 1992, and then Chairman o the Joint Sta Oice in July 1993. He
retired rom GSDF in March 1996. When he was GSDF Chie o Sta andChairman o the Joint Sta Oice, he directed the dispatch o a
600-personnel engineering battalion to the United Nations Transitional
Authority in Cambodia, which was the rst peacekeeping operations by the SDF.
Ater the retirement, Mr. Nishimoto became chair o the NPO Japan Mine
Action Service and engaged in support or the reconstruction o Cambodia
by the disporsal o unexploded bombs and mines by ormer members o
the SDF. He is now the chairman o the NPO, The International Strategic
Synergy Society." From August 1998 to March 2002, he was an advisor to
the Japan Deense Agency.
Minister o Deense Kitazawa stated regarding the appointment o Mr.
Nishimoto that he was a man with extensive experience and great insight.
We will seek his advices in all matters o regarding deense policy. This year,
in particular, we have to revise the National Deense Program Guidelines,
and have the issue the reorm o the Ministry o Deense as a major theme
o discussion. I would like to avail mysel o Mr. Nishimotos insight or the
reorm o the Ministry.
attendance by Deense Minister Kitazawa and Special Advisor to the
Minister o Deense, Nishimoto. The meeting takes place every year or the
purpose o reporting on pending issues at each regional bureau, and
exchanging opinions.
Deense Minister Kitazawa made an address o instructions, stating the
regional deense bureaus are engaged in complex and difcult coordination
with the local entities to promote policies o the Ministry o Deenseincluding the realignment o the U.S. orces, and expressing his
appreciation or eorts by each director. He also stated, there was no
dierence between the central oice o the Ministry o Deense and
Regional Deense Bureaus in importance o missions and gravity o
responsibilities to protect the peace and security o the people. and
expressed his hope that the Ministry o Deense and the Sel Deense Forces
would continue to work on their duties in united manner.
This was ollowed by reports rom the director o each regional deense
bureau about major and pending issues and exchange o opinions based on
them.
Meeting o Directors o the Regional Deense Bureaus
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. at the ASDF Giu Air Base.
The ight was supported by the airspace surveillance, air trafc control, and
in-base rescue preparation by the Giu Air Base. The XC-2 took o the base
at 10:21, its systems were tested, and it returned to base in 1 hour and 10
minutes.
C-1 transport aircrat which are currently operated will see the expiration o
their service lives. The XC-2 is the successor o the C-1, and has been
developed since 2001 as a domestically manuactured transport aircrat. The
main specications are as ollows: length: 43.9m, wingspan: 44.4m, height:
14.2m, and basic takeo weight: 120.1 tons.
The XC-2 is the latest tactical mid-sized transport aircrat in the world, with a
y-by-wire control system, the ight control system, and an energy-saving
cargo unloading system. The amount o transportation, speed andendurance distance o XC-2 are much more than those o C-1.
The XC-2 is expected to be used in airlit missions in disaster relie
operations and international peace cooperation activities by the SDF as well
as in contingencies.
Successul Maiden Flight o the XC-2, Next-Generation Transport Aircrat
Former Chairman o the Joint Sta Ofce, Mr. Tetsuya Nishimoto, was appointed asSpecial Advisor to the Minister o Deense
On January 8, Deense Minister Kitazawa appointed Mr. Tetsuya Nishimoto
to the post o special advisor to the Minister o Deense ater the
government approved the appointment. The post o Special Advisors to the
Minister o Deense was established on August 1 last year at the time o the
abolition o the advisory structure by Deense Councilors as a part o the
reorm o the Ministry o Deense. It had been vacant since the inauguration
On January 14, the rst meeting o Directors o Regional Deense Bureaus
ater the change o government was held at the Ministry o Deense with
On January 26, the next-generation transport aircrat, the XC-2, successully
completed its maiden light conducted by the aircrats manuacturer,
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The 45th Meeting o the MOD and SDF Senior Personnel was convened at
the Ministry o Deense on January 13 with presence o the Supreme
Commander o the Sel Deense Forces, Prime Minister Hatoyama. Deense
Minister Kitazawa and about 170 senior members o the MOD and SDF were
in attendance to internally disseminate the policies o the Ministry o
Deense and exchange opinions on major issues acing the Sel Deense
Forces.
Prime Minister Hatoyama arrived at the Ministry o Deense at 10 am beorethe opening o the meeting and received the rst salute rom the guard o
honor since taking ofce as Prime Minister. The Prime Minister then gave an
opening address, praising the Sel Deense Forces as saying there is no
doubt that the SDF has been devoting themselves to protect the lives o
people. Regarding the expiration on January 15 o the law which
authorized replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean, he stated,
there is a dierence o policy on this issue between the government and
the previous administration, and thereore, all those involved in the
operations at Indian Ocean will return to Japan. However, we cannot thank
enough or great eorts by each and every o them. Regarding the
relationship between Japan and the United States, he expressed his
thoughts, saying, This year marks the 50th anniversary o the revision o
the U.S.-Japan Treaty o Mutual Cooperation and Security. I think that it is
very important to deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance. For this reason, we ully
understand the great importance o this year.
Deense Minister Kitazawa ollowed by saying, This year will see an overall
review o the National Deense Program Guidelines, and the ormulation o
Mid-Term Deense Program. Thereore, I would like all o you to concentrate
your wisdom on your work to accurately analyze and assess our complex
and luid security environment and the current status o our deense
capabilities and actively examine how our deense capabilities should be.
Following this, Mr. Katsuya Nomura, the ormer manager o the proessional
baseball team, the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, delivered a lecture on
the theme o leadership. In the aternoon, representatives o Japan Maritime
Sel-Deense Force and Tohoku Deense Bureau made briengs.
The 45th Meeting o the MOD and SDF Senior Personnel
Japan-Italy Vice-Ministerial Meeting
On February 4, Japan-Italy Vice-Ministerial Meeting
was held in Tokyo. Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister
o Deense Shimba and other ofcials rom Japan, and
Under Secretary o State or Deence Guido Crosetto
and other ofcials rom Italy attended the meeting. It
was the rst time or a politician at the Italian Ministry
o Deence to visit Japan ofcially.
At the meeting, both sides welcomed the opportunity
to promote real practical and concrete bilateral
cooperation between the deense authorities and
shared their view that it was important to deepen
their relationship.
The Japanese side explained its system o hosting
oreign students at the National Deense Academy o
Japan and at the National Institute or Deense Studies.
T h e I t a l i a n s i d e e x p r e s s e d i t s d e s i r e t o
comprehensively strengthen cooperation with Japan
by such means as exchanges o students. The
Japanese side highly evaluated Italys anti-piracy
measures o the coast o Somalia and in the Gul o
Aden, and the dispatch o units to Aghanistan and
other commitments to the International peace
Cooperative Activities..
Regarding the use o outer space in the ield o
deense, the Italian side introduced its radar satellites.
The Japanese side stated its inormation to learn rom
Italy regarding the development and use o outer
space in the eld o security.
The Italian side said that the Euroighter was a
outstanding aircrat and that Japans introduction o
this aircrat would have deepened Japans deense
cooperative relationship with Italy and other European
countries. Japan responded that nothing had been
decided yet or the selection o the F-X , and that it
would thoroughly examine the F-X.
Both sides conrmed the importance o close bilateral
cooperation as nations which shared such values as
reedom, democracy, respect or human rights, and
the rule o law in the drastically changing international
situation including the rise o China and India.
Please receive the JDF e-mail magazine by registering via the online "Japan Deense Focus"
http://www.mod.go.jp/e/mail/mail.html
JDF e-mail magazine, subscribable via the online "Japan Deense Focus"
The 45th Meeting o the MOD and SDF Senior Personnel wasconvened at the Ministry o Deense.004
Meeting with Foreign Leaders
Information
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Termination o Replenishment SupportActivities in the Indian Ocean
The homecoming ceremony washeld with attendance by PrimeM i n i s t e r H a t o y a m a , D e e n s e
Minister Kitazawa and numerousgovernment ofcials.
The last dispatched unit or the replenishment support
activities, the replenishment ship Mashuu and the
destroyer Ikazuchi, arrived at Harumi whar on
February 6 at 10 a.m. Captain Sakai, the Commander
o the 7th Escort Division, and the ships crew, ormed
a line in the whar. The homecoming ceremony
started at 11 a.m. with attendance by Prime Minister
Hatoyama, Deense Minister Kitazawa, 25 Diet
Members, senior oicials o the Ministry o Deense,
diplomats rom countries such as the United States,
France, Aghanistan, and Pakistan, and amily
members o the MSDF vessels crew.Captain Sakai said, "In the past eight years, continual
deployment o MSDF units to the Indian Ocean
prevented international terrorism and maintained the
saety o sea lane. Taking lessons rom these activities,
we will strive to new duty."
Prime Minister Hatoyama presented a special Prime
Minister Certiicate and commemorative git to the
unit, and praised the activities in the past eight years,
addressing "The dispatched units have shown their
high operational ability to other nations navies during
the period o activity. The logistical support or the
dispatched units was also outstanding. As Prime
Minister, I am very proud o the proessionalism o the
Sel-Deense Forces. I would also like to express my
proound gratitude to the amilies and related persons
o the personnel o the dispatched units. I would like
to express the same thanks to the more than 13,000
personnel who were involved in the activities."
Deense Minister Kitazawa then addressed "The
replenishment support activities under severe
environmental conditions must be very stressul. As
Minister o Deense, I am very proud o each o you
who accomplished your missions and saely returned
to Japan under the command o Captain Ryo Sakai,
the Commander o the dispatched unit, Captain
Takashi Shinagawa, the Commanding Oicer o the
replenishment ship Mashuu and Commander
Tokihiko Umezaki the Commanding Oicer o the
destroyer Ikazuchi. I also hereby express my sincere
and heartelt thanks to other people or the eort and
understanding to support the dispatched units,
especially the amily members o dispatched units
personnel who stayed at home and gave them
emotional support.
The Commander in Chie, the Sel-Deense Fleet, Vice-
Admiral Masahiko Sugimoto, addressed "The activities
in the Indian Ocean show Japan's active participation
on its own initiative in the international community's
eorts to prevent and eradicate international
terrorism. The replenishment support activities
undertaken by the Maritime Sel-Deense Force to
prevent terrorism in the ocean was highly evaluated
by various countries. Each o you realize it keenly in
the scene. You took part in the duties which could be
called historical, and I sincerely hope that you take
great pride in your duties in which you were involved.
I also expect all o you to use this valuable experience
to contribute to your duties in the uture including
training the unit." He ended his speech with words o
appreciation to the amily members o dispatched
units and those who had supported the unit.
The last unit for Replenishment Support Activities in the Indian
Ocean returned to Japan.Deense Minister Kitazawa issued an order to terminate replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean
eective 2400 on January 15 because the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law expired on the same day.
The order directed the MSDF vessel which had engaged in replenishment support activities to return to Japan.
The MSDF vessel had supported vessels rom various oreign countries which participated in anti-terrorism
maritime interdiction operations. Subsequently, the replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean which
had started in 2001 were terminated. The 7th Replenishment Support Unit perormed thereplenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean
The Homecoming Ceremony or the Replenishment Support Unit in the Indian Ocean was held with attendance by the DietMembers, senior oicials o the Ministry o Deense, diplomats o countries concerned and the amily members o the
dispatched unit personnel.
Prime Minister Hatoyama presented a special Prime Minister Certiicate anda commemorative git to the dispatched unit.
Ater arriving at Harumi whar, the 7th Replenishment Support Unit personnel lined up on the whar.
Special Feature
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CountryRefueling of
shipsWater supply
Refuelingof shipboardhelicopters
USA 353 0 31
UK 33 0 4
France 100 0 3
Germany 29 0 9
Pakistan 150 128 14
Canada 43 0 3
New Zealand 15 0 0
Netherlands 11 0 0
Italy 40 0 3
Spain 10 0 0
Greece 10 0 0
Total 794 128 67
Achievements based on the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law(December 2001 to October 2007)
Number o replenishment operations by country
Amount o replenishment (total)
Fuel or ships: approximately 490,000 kl
Water supply: approximately 6,930 tonsFuel or shipboard helicopters: approximately 990 kl
Total personnel dispatched: 10,900
Total vessels dispatched
Replenishment ships: 20
Destroyers: 37
Other: 2
CountryRefuelingof ships
(approx. kl)
Water supply(approx.
tons)
Refuelingof shipboardhelicopters(approx. kl)
Pakistan 9,060 4,165 20
France 3,990 0 5
Germany 2,190 0 70
Canada 1,915 10 30
USA 6,365 0 60
UK 2,040 20 30
New Zealand 310 0 0
Denmark 1,130 0 0
Total 27,005 4,195 210
Amounts supplied by country
Total personnel dispatched: 2,400
Total vessels dispatched
Replenishment ships: 7
Destroyers: 7
CountryRefueling of
shipsWater supply
Refuelingof shipboard
helicoptersPakistan 64 64 3
France 28 0 1
Germany 13 0 4
Canada 8 1 2
USA 14 0 4
UK 13 2 4
New Zealand 1 0 0
Denmark 4 0 0
Total 145 67 18
Achievements based on the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law(February 2008 to January 15 2010)
Number o replenishment operations by country
Achievements o the Replenishment SupportActivities
From December 2001 to October 2007 (activities based on the Former Anti-
Terrorism Special Measures Law) and rom February 2008 to January 15, 2010
(activities based on the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law),
approximately 510,000 kl o uel or military vessels (total number o
replenishments: 939), approximately 1,200 kl o uel or shipboard helicopters
(total number o replenishments: 85), and approximately 11,000 tons o water
(total number o replenishments: 195) were supplied.The total number o dispatched personnel was approximately 13,300. The total
number o dispatched replenishment ships was 27. The total number o
dispatched destroyers was 44.
History and Overview o SupportActivities
The maritime replenishment activities in the Indian
Ocean that ended on January 15 o this year started in
2001.On September 11, 2001, the 9/11 attacks in U.S.
occurred by the international terrorist group Al Qaeda.
On October 7, international orces including U.S.
personnel began an attack against Al Qaeda and
Ta l iban a long the nat ional border between
Aghanistan and Pakistan.
Japan decided to cooperate in such operations in
order to contribute to the peace and security o the
international community. On October 29, 2001, the
Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law was enacted
with 2 years duration.
On November 9, 2001, the destroyers Kurama and
Kirisame and the replenishment ship Hamana
departed or the Indian Ocean or an inormation-
gathering mission. On December 2, the replenishment
ship Hamana arrived at the Indian Ocean and
supplied the uel to the USS Sacramento. It was the
rst MSDF replenishment activity in the Indian Ocean.
F r o m t h e n o n , S D F c o n d u c t e d m a r i t i m e
replenishment activities as its main operation,
supplying vessel uel, uel or embarked helicopters,and water to various countries vessels which engaged
in anti-terrorism operations.
Since the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law had a
two-year duration, the Japanese government
extended it several times and continued MSDF
replenishment activity. However, on November 2,
2007, the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law
expired. Consequently, the replenishment activities
that had continued or six years came to an end, and
Minister o Deense gave an order or withdrawing the
replenishment ship Tokiwa and the destroyer
Kirisame.
Ater that, the Replenishment Support Special
Measures Law which was designed to resume the
maritime replenishment support activities was
enacted on January 16, 2008. On January 24, the rst
unit with the replenishment ship Oumi and the
destroyer Murasame were dispatched to the Indian
Ocean under this law and the replenishment support
activities were resumed to prevent international
terrorism and maintain the peace and stability o the
world.Including the suspension o the activities, the
replenishment activities continued or more than 8
years. However, the law expired on January 15 and,
Japan's replenishment support activities in the Indian
Ocean were terminated ollowing the completion o
the 7th replenishment mission. (Oumi and the
destroyer Ikazuchi)
Overview and Achievements of Replenishment Support Activities inthe Indian Ocean.
Replenishment support activities by the replenishmentship Towada
I I r 7MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPANDEFENSE FOCUS / March 2010
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8/9/2019 Japanese Defense Focus May 2010
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Escort Operarions Perormed by Surace Unit
December
1. Number o Escort Operations: 9 (84th -92nd escort
operation)
2. Number o escorted vessels: 70 (Accumulated total o 380
escort vessels since the start o operations under the Anti-
Piracy Measures Law)
Breakdown
Japanese registered ships: 1 (Accumulated total o 3 escortvessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)
Foreign ships operated by Japanese shipping companies:
14 (Accumulated total o 122 escort vessels under the Anti-
Piracy Measures Law)
Foreign ships other than above: 55(Accumulated total o
255 escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)
January
1. Number o Escort Operations: 10 (93rd 102nd escort
operation)
2.Number o escorted vessels: 82 (Accumulated total o 462
escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)
Breakdown
Japanese registered ships: 1 (Accumulated total o 4 escort
vessels under Japans Anti-Piracy Measures Law)
Foreign ships operated by Japanese shipping companies:
18(Accumulated total o 140 escort vessels under the Anti-
Piracy Measures Law)
Foreign ships other than above: 63(Accumulated total o
318 escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)
February
1. Number o Escort Operations: 9 (103rd 111th escort
operation)
2. Number o escorted vessels: 90 (Accumulated total o 552
escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)
Breakdown
Japanese registered ships: 0 (Accumulated total o 4 escort
vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)
Foreign ships operated by Japanese shipping companies:
19 (Accumulated total o 159 escort vessels under the Anti-
Piracy Measures Law)
Foreign ships other than above: 71(Accumulated total o389 escort vessels under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law)
3. Instances o provision o inormation rom MSDF
destroyers to other nations warships and/or commercial
ships
On 19 February, a Japanese helicopter which was based on
destroyer Takanami was engaged in patrol operations when
it detected a suspicious boat, heading north, that was located
more than ten nautical miles o the 109th escort convoy. The
helicopter visually conrmed that the boat was carrying seven
people, numerous plastic containers, and a ladder-like thing,
and the inormation was provided to relevant organizations
and countries. A oreign ship-based helicopter took over
surveillance activities and the Japanese helicopter returned to
destroyer Takanami.
Activities o P-3C Patrol AircratDecember
1. Number o ights: 20 (Accumulated total:126)
2. Flight hours: approximately 150 (Accumulated total:
approximately 990)
3. Number o confrmed commercial ships: approximately
1400 (Accumulated total: approximately 8700)
4. Number o provision o inormation rom P-3Cs to
Japanese destroyers, oreign warships, and/or commercial
ships: approximately 180(Accumulated total: approximately
820)
5. Instances o provisions o inormation rom P-3Cs to
other nations warship and/or commercial ships
(i) On 11 December, a P-3C was engaged in patrol operations
when it detected a suspicious small-sized boat with a ladder-
like thing. This inormation was provided to oreign warships
and commercial ships sailing nearby, and a Canadian ship-
based helicopter and a Portuguese warship that received
inormation rushed to the suspected boat. The P-3C visually
conirmed that the ladder had been jettisoned and a cover
concealing it was olded.
* Ater that, the Portuguese warship conducted an on-board
inspection o the boat in question. However, no weapons
were ound, so the boat was released.
(ii) On 7 December, a P-3C was engaged in patrol operations
when it received a report rom a German warship that a
commercial ship was allegedly being attacked by pirates. The
P-3C rushed to the site, but the oreign warship had already
been responding to the pirates, so it returned to normal
patrol operations.
( i i i) On 29 December, a P-3C was engaged in patrol
operations when it conirmed a U.K.-registered commercialship, ST. JAMES PARK, had been hijacked by pirates on 28
December. The P-3C provided the inormation about the
hijacked ship to relevant organizations and countries.
January
1. Number o ights: 20 (Accumulated total:146)
2. Flight hours: approximately 160 (Accumulated total:
approximately 1150)
3. Number o confrmed commercial ships: approximately
1300 (Accumulated total: approximately 10000)
4. Number o provision o inormation rom P-3Cs to
J a p a n e s e d e s tr o y e r s , a n d / o r c o m m e r c i a l s h i p s :
approximately 210(Accumulated total: approximately 1030)
5. Instances o provisions o inormation rom P-3Cs to
other nations warship and/or commercial ships
(i) On 1 January, a P-3C was engaged in patrol operations
when it detected a suspicious ship with a ladder-like thing,towing a small-sized boat. A oreign warship took over
surveillance activities and the P-3C returned to normal patrol
operations.
(ii) On 5 January, a P-3C was engaged in patrol operations
when it received inormation rom relevant organization or
country regarding a suspicious ship. The P-3C went to
conrm two ships and two boats, but did not nd anything
particularly suspicious, so reported as such to nearby
commercial ships and warships.
(iii) On 16 January, a P-3C was engaged in patrol operations
when it received inormation rom relevant organization or
country regarding an attempted piracy incident. The P-3C
rushed to the site and conrmed a small ship and a Turkish
warship pursuing it. Because the Turkish warship had been
responding to it, the P-3C returned to normal patrol
operations.
* According to news reports, the Turkish warship conducted a
on-board inspection and conscated weapons.
(iv) On 17 January, a P-3C was engaged in patrol operations
when it received inormation rom a commercial ship that the
ship was being under the attack by pirates. The P-3C rushed
to the site and conrmed a small ship. An Italian ship-based
helicopter which also had received the same inormation
rom the commercial ship took over surveillance activities and
the P-3C returned to normal patrol operations.
February
1. Number o ights: 13 (Accumulated total:159)
2. Flight hours: approximately 100 (Accumulated total:
approximately 1250)
3. Number o confrmed commercial ships: approximately
800 (Accumulated total: approximately 10800)4. Number o provision o inormation rom P-3C to
Japanese destroyers, oreign warships, and/or commercial
ships: approximately 130 (Accumulated total: approximately
1160)
5. Instances o provisions on inormation rom P-3Cs to
other nations warship and/or commercial ships
Nothing particular was reported.
100 Escort Operations Achieved
On January 24, the surace unit o the Maritime Sel Deense Force completed its 100th
escort operation or its anti-piracy measures.
The destroyers o the 1st surace unit Sazanami and Samidare, began escort activities as
the Maritime Security Operation under the article 82 o the Sel-Deense Forces Law on
March 30, 2009, and escorted 121 vessels in 41 operations. The destroyers o the 2nd suraceunit, Harusame and Amagiri, escorted 248 vessels in 34 operations under the Anti-Piracy
Measures Law which enabled MSDF to provide escort to every civil vessel regardless o
nationalities. The 3rd surace unit, destroyers Takanami and Hamagiri escorted 193
vessels in 25 operations. As a result, a total o 562 vessels were escorted in 100 operations.
Minister o Deense Kitazawa spoke to the commander o the unit, Captain Yasuki Nakahata,
by videophone, encouraging him by saying I am proud o the high evaluation o Japans
contribution by your eorts.
Mr. Koji Miyahara, the president o the Japanese Shipowners Association, delivered a
message to Ministry o Deense as ollows: Nothing can be more encouraging to the
commercial ships in this area than the escort activities carried out by the Maritime Sel
Deense Force. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Maritime Sel Deense
Force personnel and Japan Coast Guard Oicers who engaged in their duties under
conditions o high temperature and stress. We pray that you may saely complete your duties.
Replacement by The 3rd Air Unit
The 2nd air unit which perormed ight operations was taken over by the 3rd air unit.
The 3rd air unit, commanded by Commander Masahiko Shimizu, Vice Commander, 2nd Air
Patrol Squadron, 2nd Fleet Air Wing, composed o about 100 members o the Maritime Sel
Deense Force, and about 50 personnel mainly rom Central Readiness Force Regiment,
Ground Sel Deense Force. The 3rd air unit began its mission on February 9.
Replacement by The 4th Surace Unit
The 3rd surace unit engaged in anti-piracy measures was replaced by the 4th surace unit
commanded by Captain Takanobu Minami, the commander o the 6th Escort Division.
A sending-o ceremony or the 4th surace unit destroyer Oonami (Commanding Ofcer:
Commander Yukihiko Okubo) was held on January 29 at Yokosuka Base. And another
sending o ceremony or another 4th surace unit destroyer Sawagiri (Commanding
Ofcer, Commander Kimio Shibata), also took place on January 30 at Sasebo Base. The two
destroyers sailed to their destination together.
The 4th surace unit began the 110th (the 69th under the Anti-Piracy Measures Law) escort
operation on February 25.
The Destroyer Oonami o the 4th Surace Unit departed rom Yokosuka Base or o thecoast o Somalia and in the Gul o Aden.
Defense Policy
Anti-Piracy Measures of the Coasto Somalia and in the Gul o Aden