Defense Minister’s Courtesy Call to, and the Visit to JGSDF Narashino Training Area by, His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

On November 26th, Minister of Defense Iwaya made a courtesy call to His Majesty King Adbullah II Ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, who was visiting Japan to hold Japan-Jordan Summit Meeting.

On the next day, His Majesty King Abdullah II together with Prime Minister Abe and State Minister of Defense Harada, visited JGSDF Narashino Training Area where they received a briefing on the outline of the Special Forces Group (SFG) and observed training displays by the SFG. After the program, His Majesty King Abdullah II praised the highly trained skills of the SFG and expressed his appreciation to the Group and others for arranging this occasion. The visit to Narashino Training Area by the two leaders served as a great opportunity to further strengthening Japan-Jordan defense cooperation.

Capacity Building Assistance (Military Band Development) in Papua New Guinea

The MOD/JSDF has provided assistance for the military band development of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Band since 2015. On the occasion of the Gala Dinner of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which was hosted by the Government of Papua New Guinea on November 17th, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Band performed to welcome heads of states and other guests upon their arrival at the venue. This military band is truly a “bond” which ties the two countries tightly together. This marked a significant step in Japan-PNG defense cooperation.

The Indo Southeast Asia Deployment 2018 (ISEAD18)

From August 26th to October 30th, the JMSDF carried out the Indo Southeast Asia Deployment 2018 (ISEAD18).

Along this deployment, the JMSDF conducted joint exercises with various countries in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance operational and cooperative capabilities. It contributed to peace and stability in the region and improved mutual understanding and trust between Japan and all participating countries.

Peace and stability in the region is a major premise for the free and open Indo-Pacific. The JMSDF will pursue further cooperative measures with each country.

UN Project for Rapid Deployment of Enabling Capabilities Activities Undertaken in Asia and the Surrounding Regions

As part of the UN Department of Field Support’s UN Project for Rapid Deployment of Enabling Capabilities which aims to launch peacekeeping operations (PKO) immediately, 19 JGSDF officials were deployed to Vietnam from November 5th to December 14th to train military engineers in the operation of engineering equipment.

Japan has earned solid credibility for its activities and transport units, which are indispensable for smooth PKO.

To support rapid deployment of PKO and bring about high quality operations, Prime Minister Abe expressed commitment to provide engineering equipment and operational training at the UN High-level Meeting on PKO (the 1st Leader’s Summit on Peacekeeping) in September 2014.

Following the commitment, 125 JGDSF personnel have been deployed to Africa for a total of 7 times since 2015 to provide engineering equipment training to 211 military engineers from various African countries.

The MOD/JSDF will continue to utilize its experience and high capabilities to maintain its commitment to this project.

Measures against Piracy off the Coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden through the Second Quarter of FY 2018

Following data shows the records of the measures against piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden from July through September.

Aerial Activities of P-3C Patrol Aircraft off the Coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden
Record of Mission (July through September)

1. Number of flights: 60 flights
   (Accumulated Total (AT): 2,128 flights)
2. Flight hours: Approx. 410 hours (AT: Approx. 16,160 hours)
3. Number of visually confirmed commercial ships:
   Approx. 4,700 ships (AT: Approx. 176,600 ships)
4. Number of times of information sharing to Japanese destroyers, foreign warships, and/or commercial ships:
   Approx. 200 times (AT: Approx. 13,670 times)

Escort Operations Performed by JMSDF Units in the same area
Record of Mission (July through September)

1. Number of escort operations: 7 times (The 828th – 834th escort operation under Japan’s Anti-Piracy Measures Law)
2. Number of escorted vessels: 8 vessels(AT 3,855 of escorted vessels since the start of operations under Japan’s Anti-Piracy Measures Law)

[Breakdown]

1. Japanese-registered ships: 0 (AT: 19)
2. Foreign ships operated by Japanese shipping companies: 3 (AT: 682)
3. Foreign ships other than above: 5 (AT: 3,154)

* The above record does not include the 1st - 41st escort operation performed as Maritime Security Activities.

Zone Defense performed in the same area
Record of Mission (July through September)

1. Number of days: 73 (AT: 1,360days)
2. Number of commercial vessels confirmed: Approx. 220 (AT: 17,880vessels)

Status of Scrambles through the First Half of FY 2018

The JASDF scrambled 561 times through the first half of FY2018, which marked the same number as the same period of the previous year. The breakdown of scrambles by countries and regions was about 61% against Chinese aircraft, about 38% against Russian aircraft, and 1% against other aircraft, although some are based on supposition.

Characteristics of Responses through the First Half of FY2018

The JASDF scrambled 345 times against Chinese aircraft in total, an increase of 58 times compared to the same period of the previous year.

The JASDF scrambled 211 times against Russian aircraft in total, a decrease of 56 times compared to the same period of the previous year.

Also, the MOD publicized 20 cases as peculiar flights.

Scrambles against Chinese fighter aircraft and Russian intelligence gathering aircraft were outstanding in frequency compared to other types of aircraft of each country, although this includes estimation.

The period of this data is from April 1st, 2017 to September 30th, 2018.

JSDF’s First Female Fighter Pilot to Debut

On August 24th, First Lieutenant Misa Matsushima completed F-15 operation training at Nyutabaru Air Base to become the first woman in the JSDF to qualify as fighter jet pilot. The MOD/JSDF will continue its efforts to promote activities of motivated and skilled women in the JSDF.