Dispatch of the Second Deployment Surface Force for Information Gathering

On May 10th, JS Kirisame of the 8th Escort Division departed the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Sasebo Base to engage in information-gathering activity for ensuring the safety of navigation for Japan-related vessels in the Middle East region, as the second Deployment Surface Force for Information Gathering (DSIG).

The deploying unit consists of approx. 200 personnel. Due to the spread of COVID-19, all onboard personnel took PCR tests after leaving Japan. They then remained in around Japanese waters for two weeks, during which they conducted training. After confirming that there were no cases aboard, JS Kirisame left for the Middle East on May 25th.

JS Kirisame started engaging in the activity necessary to ensure the safety of Japan-related vessels on June 9th, replacing JS Takanami that had been operating on site since February this year. JS Takanami completed its mission successfully and contributed to ensuring the safety of navigation for Japan-related vessels navigating through the region. As of the end of May, the first deployed surface force has confirmed 7,617 vessels in total, and no particularly unusual event for Japan-related vessels has been confirmed up to now.

Besides JS Kirisame, patrol aircrafts engaging in anti-piracy measures in the Gulf of Aden have also been gathering information related to safe navigation of vessels.

Since Japan is dependent on the Middle East for approximately 90% of its crude oil imports, it is extremely important for Japan to ensure the safety of navigation of Japan-related vessels.

The MOD/JSDF will continue to work to thoroughly ensure the safety of navigation of Japan related-vessels in the region.

Fuji Firepower Exercise 2020

On May 23rd, the annual Fuji Firepower Exercise “Educational Drill” was conducted at East Fuji Maneuver Area in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Due to the impact of COVID-19, it was not opened to the public this year.

Approx. 1,800 personnel from JGSDF Fuji School and other units participated in the exercise with approx. 40 artilleries and approx. 30 armored vehicles/tanks. Approx. 1,000 students from JGSDF Fuji School, Military Intelligence School and the Eastern Army Combined Brigade observed the exercise.

The first part of the exercise involved live firing using major equipment such as Type 16 mobile combat vehicles (MCV), Type 87 reconnaissance combat vehicles (RCV), Type 10 tanks, Type 74 tanks and Type 90 tanks. The second part of the exercise was conducted with the scenario of “dealing with the enemy attempting to invade the territory including the islands of our country.” A joint operation among the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces to repel the invading enemy force was conducted in three stages: 1. halting enemy advance by defense units, 2. attacks by Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade and other units, and 3. attacks by reinforced landing units.

The exercise was recorded by aerial drones and broadcasted online.