(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, I visited the Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) Mishima Sub Base, the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) Ozuki Air Base, and the ASDF Hofu Kita Air Base. The units at all three bases play a key role in the defense of Japan, including the monitoring and surveillance of airspace and waters surrounding Japan, the development of personnel, and space domain awareness. The first one, the ASDF Mishima Sub Base, is located at a strategic point on the Sea of Japan. It plays a critical role in the defense of Japan by conducting round-the-clock monitoring and surveillance of the Sea of Japan, including defending against ballistic missiles. This year marks exactly 70 years since the sub base was established. I was informed that on this island with a population of approximately 600 people, for many years the personnel have actively participated in and collaborated on local events, which has helped to gain the understanding and cooperation of the residents for Self-Defense Force (SDF) activities. We will continue working to ensure that the SDF exists together with the community members. In addition, the MSDF Ozuki Air Base is home to the Air Training Group Ozuki. The base is a gateway for becoming MSDF officer aviators and is referred to as their “second home.” During this visit, I observed aspiring MSDF aviators diligently conducting training. Here, where personnel undergo such rigorous training and go on to become competent pilots, I saw how dedicated they were to protecting Japan, and it was highly encouraging. Furthermore, at the Hofu Kita Air Base, I observed the classwork of aviation cadets, who are mainly those who joined the SDF soon after graduating from high school, as well as the maintenance of the T-7 primary trainer aircraft. This maintenance work was being carried out by a private subcontractor. I witnessed retired SDF personnel who were re-employed and were working as aircraft maintenance technician by leveraging the knowledge, skills, and experience they had acquired with the SDF. Under the basic policy compiled at the end of last year, whole-of-government efforts will be made to further enhance and strengthen support for re-employment, aimed at creating an environment where former SDF personnel can leverage the knowledge, skills, and experience they acquired with the SDF. Additionally, I saw the satellite interference detection system and Space Situational Awareness (SSA) radars, which are essential for space domain awareness, and confirmed their operational status. The Space Operations Group that operates these systems will be reorganized into the Space Operations Wing by the end of this fiscal year. All personnel were performing their duties with extremely high morale in this new field. The use of outer space, along with the extensive information and communication infrastructure that makes use of outer space, are platforms that are indispensable to the lives of the people at all times. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this infrastructure also serves as a lifeline for all SDF activities, from command to front-line units. Considering their importance, today, July 28, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) formulated two documents that present the direction for reinforcing defense capabilities in the space domain and promoting the use of next-generation information and communication technology. The two documents are the “Space Domain Defense Guidelines” and the “Ministry of Defense Next-Generation Information and Communication Strategy.” In both fields, the key lies in how quickly we can incorporate private-sector technologies that continue to make rapid advances. Based on these documents, the MOD will advance consistent initiatives. Visiting the respective units today reaffirmed for me that the security of Japan is built on the support received from a range of people, including community members who support the SDF’s activities, personnel engaged in daily training to become competent SDF personnel, and retired personnel who continue to contribute their knowledge, skills, and experience to the SDF even after their retirement. By actively communicating the MOD’s vision, including the newly formulated strategy, to the outside, we will seek to incorporate the advanced technologies and talent of the private sector. Through these efforts, progress will be made to fundamentally reinforce Japan’s defense capabilities and create a virtuous cycle of defense capabilities and economic capabilities.