What is JASDF? ｜ [JASDF] Japan Air Self-Defense Force

What is JASDF?

JASDF was established on July 1, 1954 when the Defense Agency replaced the Security Agency, in order to bear the defense mission of Japan. Of the Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), JASDF is the most recent department. There are 47,361 Self-Defense officials and 3,731 administrative officials for a total of 51,092 persons (as of the end of 2004).

Many different organizations are organized to work together in order to reliably carry out the mission "Defense".

The MInistry of Defense and Self-Defense Force, centering on the armed organizations of the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces, are organized with various organizations such as National Defense Academy, National Defense Medical Collage, National Institute for Defense Studies, Technical Research and Development Institute, Equipment Procurement Office, and Defense Facilities Administration Agency. JASDF established the "Air Staff Office" in Ichigaya, Tokyo. The "Air Defense Command" is the main force formation for air defense and covers all of Japan. Furthermore, other organizations, such as "Air Support Command" handling transportation, "Air Training Command" for education, "Air Developing and Proving Command" involved in aerial technique development, and "Air Material Command" in charge of the supply of equipment and commodities, are organized to work together to accomplish each mission.

Air Staff Office

The Air Staff Office is the chief organization for military service operations and includes the Chief of Staff of JASDF and his assistant agency. It works under the staff of the Minister of Defense.

Air Defense Command

The Air Defense Command is the first-line troop to be given an air combat mission. It consists of the Air Defense Command, Air Defense Force and other directly controlled forces, in order to carry out command and operations in an integrated manner.

Air Support Command

The Air Support Command is the organization to support the Air Defense Command by carrying out air strategy. In addition to the headquarters, it consists of troops for rescue, air transportation, air control, weather, and maintenance.

Air Training Command

The Air Training Command is the organization that provides education to SDF members in an integrated manner, and the educational agency to carry out basic education and training, and teach expertise and skill necessary for a SDF member.

AirDeveloping and Proving Command

The Air Developing and Proving Command is the organization for the development of the ever-changing experimental aircraft and equipment, aeromedicine, human engineering, and to carry out a wide range of research.

Air Material Command

The Air Material Command of JASDF is the organization to control supply depots No.1, No.2, No.3, and No.4 of JASDF, and is in charge of the procurement, safe-keeping, recruitment, and maintenance of necessary fuel, ammunition, and equipment.

Other Units and Organizations

In addition, there are other units and organizations such as the "Air System Communications Squadron", "Air Central Musical Band", "Air Staff College of JASDF ", "SDF District Hospitals in Misawa, Gifu, and Naha", etc.