(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, I visited the Air Self-Defense Force’s (ASDF) Nyutabaru Air Base. Nyutabaru Air Base is the only base in Japan where the ASDF’s F-35B state-of-the-art stealth fighter jet is deployed. Unlike other fighter jets, the F-35B has the capability to take off in short distances and to land vertically, allowing for flexible operations in various situations. As Japan faces the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II, the swift operationalization of the F-35B is vital for safeguarding Japan’s airspace. Today, I observed slow landing and vertical landing, the hallmark features of the F-35B, and saw its performance firsthand. I was also briefed by Commander Oshima and those under him that every member of the 5th Air Wing are devoting utmost efforts to the swift operationalization of the F-35B, including training pilots. This was extremely reassuring. At the same time, I found that the noise caused by the F-35B’s slow landing and vertical landing is louder and lasts longer compared with the F-15. In order to mitigate the impact on surrounding areas, I have just instructed the following two points to Commander Oshima: 1. for some of the slow landing trainings, adjust the flight route so that the aircraft is over the sea when turning during its descent, and 2. notify the slow landing days and times in advance to the municipalities in the area of Nyutabaru Air Base, which are Shintomi Town, Saito City, Miyazaki City, Takanabe Town, and Kijo Town. We will proceed with the preparations as early as possible to implement these measures. Afterwards, I met with the heads of municipalities in the area of Nyutabaru Air Base, and with the families and members of cooperating organizations who support the personnel at Nyutabaru Air Base. I was able to express my deep appreciation for their continued assistance and to exchange views candidly. I will be meeting with the families later. I intend to tell them that I am fully committed to creating an environment where they can live with peace of mind and wait for the safe return of the personnel. Today’s visit has renewed my understanding of the need to support both the unit operations of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and the livelihoods of the residents in the areas that host the SDF’s activities. It has also renewed my resolve to make all efforts to realize this support. I will continue to listen to and maintain close communication with the personnel on the ground and with local residents.
I have one more announcement about the preliminary results of the “Public Opinion Survey on the Self-Defense Forces and Defense Issues” that the Cabinet Office published today. The survey is conducted generally once every three years, and the latest survey was conducted at the end of last year. I would like to highlight two items from the preliminary results. First, as an overall trend, it seems that the public’s interest in the SDF and positive evaluation of the SDF have continued to rise and remain at a high level. In particular, 82.6% of the respondents answered that they have an interest in the SDF, up 4.4% from the previous survey, while 93.7% answered that they have a good impression of the SDF, up 2.9% from the previous survey. Both were record highs. As Minister of Defense, I am very grateful that the public appreciates the SDF personnel who are in the line of duty to protect the lives of Japanese people and safeguard peace in Japan, working around the clock, 365 days a year, all across Japan, including those at Nyutabaru Air Base whom I visited today. At the same time, I feel a renewed sense of responsibility to live up to the expectations placed upon us by the people. Secondly, the survey asked for the first time about overseas transfer of defense equipment under certain rules, and around 70% (68.3%) responded affirmatively. Taking into account the results of the public opinion survey, the Ministry of Defense (MOD), together with relevant ministries and agencies, will proceed with the deliberations to realize an early revision of the Implementation Guidelines for the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology. Based on these survey results, the MOD will take all possible measures to ensure Japan’s peace and security, as well as the safety and security of the Japanese people. In addition, while reforming the MOD/SDF itself, we will strive to provide timely and easy-to-understand information to further deepen the public’s understanding of the MOD/SDF.