The first Professional Airmanship Program

Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) held the first Professional Airmanship Program from July 8-11 at JMOD, air bases of Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), etc.

This program, inviting all ASEAN member states ^(*) (Lieutenant Colonels and Majors) and the ASEAN Secretariat, is part of practical defense cooperation under the Vientiane Vision, which is the guiding principles of Japan-ASEAN defense cooperation. This program aims at contributing to regional stability by promoting mutual confidence among air services of Japan and ASEAN and ensuring the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region through a symposium as well as visits to air bases of the JASDF.

(*) Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam

On July 8-9, a symposium on security in the air and international aviation law was held where participants exchanged their views on "Security in the Air" and "International Aviation Law and Norms." Officials and officers of International Policy Division of Bureau of Defense Policy, Defense Plans/Policies and Programs Division, Defense Planning and Policy Department (Air Staff Office) as well as Legal Affairs General (Air Staff Office) participated in the symposium.

In Session 1 "Security in the Air," the participants made presentations on the efforts and challenges of their countries, exchanged their views and deepened their mutual understanding.

In Session 2 "International Aviation Law and Norms," the participants from Japan and Singapore gave presentations. The participants exchanged their views and deepened their understanding on future prospect of the "Guidelines for Air Military Encounters (GAME)" which was adopted by the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) last year, air defense identification zones and efforts by the JASDF.

On July 10, the participants visited the Aeromedical Laboratory at Iruma Air Base of the JASDF where they observed training equipment and experienced training on a spatial disorientation trainer. On July 11, they visited the 3rd Tactical Airlift Group at Miho Air Base where they observed trainings including airdrop as well as facilities. They also experienced aircraft boarding on a C-1, the model of which was developed more than 45 years ago, and a C-2 which is a latest aircraft of the JASDF, when transported between Iruma Air Base and Miho Air Base.