Japan Ministry of Defense

ACTIVITIES

Overview of FY2021 Budget Request

At the end of September, the MOD presented an overview of its FY2021 budget request.

To steadily increase defense capacities and to construct a truly effective multi-domain defense force in the third year of the Medium Term Defense Program (approved by the Cabinet at the end of 2018) based on the National Defense Program Guidelines, the FY2021 budget request was made based on the following.

1. Promotion of initiatives to secure highly qualified human resources, advance of women’s participation and working style reform, and improvement of living and work environment

Developing education, living, and work environments for female SDF personnel, etc.

2. Acquiring and strengthening capabilities in new domains such as space, cyberspace, and electromagnetic spectrum

Developing Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellite (Space-Based Optical Telescope)
Establishing the JSDF Cyber Defense Group (tentative name), securing and developing cyber human resources
Procuring information-gathering device which will be mounted on radio wave information gathering aircraft (RC-2), etc.

3. Strengthening maritime and air domain capabilities, stand-off defense capabilities, comprehensive air and missile defense capabilities, and maneuvering and deployment capabilities

Conducting research to improve Middle-range Surface-to-Air Missiles (modified), etc.

4. Enhancing the sustainability and stability of defense force, including logistical support

Promoting comprehensive contacts such as Performance Based Logistics (PBL) agreements

5. Reinforcement of the technological base

Demonstration of vehicle-mounted counter drone laser system, etc.

6. Strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance and security cooperation with other countries

Providing support for capacity building on cybersecurity, etc.

To respond to the rapidly changing security environment, Japan intends to effectively strengthen its defense capabilities with far greater speed than in the past by allocating resources in a flexible and intensive manner to address the issues described above. In addition, Japan intends to further promote the integration of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) in all domains to optimize its organization and equipment without becoming vertically segmented.

Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting

On August 29th, former Defense Minister Kono and U.S. Secretary of Defense Esper held a ministerial defense meeting at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.

The two ministers exchanged views on the latest situations in the Indo-Pacific region. Concerning the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, the two ministers expressed objections to unilateral and coercive attempts to change the status quo. They also confirmed the importance of cooperation towards ensuring the rule of law and freedom of navigation, agreed to work together more closely to ensure peace and stability in the East China Sea, and reconfirmed that Article V of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands and that both nations oppose to any unilateral action that seeks to undermine Japan’s administration on these islands. Furthermore, the two ministers reconfirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation with a variety of partners both inside and outside the region through joint exercises and capacity building assistance centered on Japan and the U.S. to maintain and reinforce a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. The two ministers also shared views on the latest situations regarding North Korea and agreed the importance of continued efforts from Japan and the U.S. to ensure that the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) are fully implemented through cooperation with like-minded countries.

In addition, looking to the era after COVID-19 pandemic, both ministers confirmed that Japan and the U.S. would play a more significant role in ensuring peace and prosperity of Asia-Pacific region based on a strong Japan-U.S. alliance. The two ministers agreed that Japan and the U.S. would continue working together closely to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance in order to realize the strategies of both countries. As part of these efforts, the two ministers shared the view that it is necessary to strengthen comprehensive air and missile defense capabilities and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) activities in response to intensifying military activities and progress in military technology in neighboring countries.

Furthermore, both sides confirmed and welcomed the steady progress of efforts to relocate U.S. Marine Corps personnel stationed in Okinawa to Guam. Both ministers confirmed that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only method of avoiding its continued use, and Minister Kono requested Mr. Esper’s cooperation to reduce the impact on local residents, particularly those in Okinawa. They also confirmed that Japan and the U.S. would work together closely to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections and to mitigate the impact of the virus. Both ministers confirmed the importance of maintaining the readiness of U.S. forces in Japan, and based on a shared recognition that understanding and cooperation from local communities are essential for maintaining the readiness of U.S. forces in Japan, they reaffirmed their will to continue cooperative efforts between Japan and the U.S. and the importance of ensuring safe operations of U.S. forces.

Equipment Transfer to the Philippines

H. E. Mr. Jose C. Laurel V and Minister of Defense Kono

On August 25th, a contract between the Philippines Department of National Defense (PDND) and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) for four sets of Air Surveillance Radar Systems for approx. $100 million was enforced.

The transferred radar systems are to be newly developed and manufactured by MELCO based on the experience and expertise of developing and manufacturing the Air Surveillance Radar Systems of JASDF and anti-air radar systems of JGSDF, to meet requirements of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The Philippines is a strategic partner for Japan, sharing principles and goals. Promoting defense equipment cooperation with the Philippines is important for ensuring peace and stability for Japan and the region. Japan has been cooperating closely with the Philippines in various fields such as joint training, capacity-building assistance, and defense equipment and technology cooperation, etc. From this point of view, the conclusion of this contract is highly significant.

Following the public release of the transfer of the Air Surveillance Radar Systems from Japan on August 28th, H. E. Mr. Jose C. Laurel V, Ambassador of the Philippines to Japan, met with former Minister Kono.

With regard to defense equipment cooperation with the Philippines, Japan has been steadily facilitating transfer of defense equipment such as JMSDF TC-90 aircraft and JGSDF UH-1H parts. Given these developments, it is likely that steady progress in equipment cooperation will further deepen the cooperative bilateral relationship.

The MOD/JSDF will continue to cooperate with PDND and MELCO to facilitate the transfer of equipment.