In the increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan, given the importance of information gathering and surveillance/patrol activities in the waters around Japan, it is necessary to implement measures to increase the number of submarines in order to effectively conduct various operations including anti-submarine warfare and to ensure the defense of peripheral waters as well as the safety of maritime navigation.
Under such circumstances, the JS Oryu was put into commission on March 5th, currently assigned at the JMSDF Kure District.
The JS Oryu is the eleventh Soryu-class submarine and features a lithium-ion batteries. Compared to conventional Soryu submarines, the lithium-ion batteries provide the JS Oryu significantly improved duration and speed underwater.
Specification
▷Standard displacement: 2,950t
▷Length: 84.0m
▷Beam: 9.1m
▷Draft: 10.3m
▷Main engines: two diesel engines, four Stirling engines, one propulsion motor
▷Speed: approx. 20kt (underwater)
▷Crew: approx. 65
Commission of DDG Maya
Given North Korea’s improved ballistic missile capabilities, the MOD/JSDF needs to pursue the comprehensive improvement of its response capabilities against the threat of ballistic missiles. For reinforcing the multi-layered and sustainable defense posture for the entire territory of Japan against ballistic missile attacks, it is necessary that the MOD/JSDF procure additional Aegis-equipped destroyers.
Against such a backdrop, the DDG Maya went into commission on March 19th, currently assigned at the JMSDF Yokosuka District.
The DDG Maya is the first Maya-class destroyer with ballistic missile response capabilities. One of its distinctive features is that it is equipped with Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), which allows the destroyer to share information on enemy missiles and aircraft on a real-time basis with assets such as Aegis-destroyers and airborne early warning aircraft.
Capacity Building Program by MOD/JSDF
Series 3 Capacity Building Program for Vietnam and ASEAN
Capacity Building Programs for Vietnam
Vietnam’s focus on maritime security is increasing. The development of undersea medicine, one of the medical fields within the maritime security area, is a challenge for the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN). For that reason, Japan has been cooperating with the VPN in the field of undersea medicine, in response to a request from the Vietnam’s government, since FY2012.
The capacity building program encompasses an overview of undersea medicine, training module, case study, and also an introduction to Japan’s experiences. Representatives of the VPN are invited to Japan on an iterative basis to examine JMSDF facilities.
During the 2013 and 2015 iterations of the program, Japan, the United States and Australia held joint seminars with the participation of experts from each country. These seminars included lectures and other events to disseminate knowledge and share lessons learned in the field of undersea medicine.
In recent years, Japan has conducted capacity building programs in fields additional to undersea medicine, including air rescue, undersea UXO clearance, and cybersecurity.
For instance, Japan held the fourth iteration of its Air Rescue Seminar in Vietnam on March 10th, 2020, in which the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) personnel gave lectures on procedures for air rescue and other topics to Vietnam People’s Air Force officials.
Capacity Building for ASEAN on HA/DR
Southeast Asia is situated in the heart of the Indo-Pacific region and is strongly impacted by natural disasters and the effects of climate change. Since 2018, the MOD has organized and run the annual “Japan-ASEAN Invitation Program on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR)”. This invitation program is based on the “Vientiane Vision” – the guiding principle for Japan-ASEAN defense cooperation that aims to reinforce multilateral coordination in response to large natural disasters and other challenges.
The third invitation program was carried out as a specific effort based on “Vientiane Vision 2.0”, the updated version of the guiding principle for Japan-ASEAN defense cooperation, which Minister Kono announced at the ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in November 2019. Convened from 18th to 23rd February 2020, this third program encompassed 22 participants from ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat. Through seminars on HA/DR, a Table Top Exercise (TTX) to hone multilateral coordination in the context of natural disasters, and the development of practical skills (in 2020, participants observed the Nankai Trough Megathrust Earthquake exercise), this ongoing program aims to strengthen multilateral coordination to enable rapid and effective responses to regional natural disasters of the nature of those in recent years.
