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SvenSvensonov
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SvenSvensonov
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Since the Cold War, Japan has quietly developed a role-model navy when it comes to anti-submarine and anti-mining operations. Aside from its expansive fleet of over 80 modern frigates, destroyers, helicopter destroyers and mine warfare vessels, JMSDF dedicates a fleet of more than 200 aircraft out of total 300 to submarine hunting and anti-mining. These aircraft include the recently fielded P-1, equipped with a state-of-art FBL flight control system and extremely low noise engines, as well as the most advanced variant of Seahawk, called the SH-60'K', designed and built by Mitsubishi in Japan.
But what makes this fleet even more formidable, than just the numbers, is how diligently and often they are warmed up every year in preparation of a real mine warfare maritime contingency.
For example, there were at least four major exercises held in 2013, which mobilized almost the entire Japanese mine warfare fleet to hunt down simulated minelaying threats across several different locations of Japanese territorial waters. Three of them were independently conducted by Japan, while one was held jointly with the US.
Japan, being fairly resource-scarce and dependant on imports, relies heavily on the security of its sea lanes. As such, it probably has the largest mine warfare fleet in the world, consisting of six or seven classes, totalling about 30 vessels. In comparison, the US Navy has a single class of 13 vessels, the Royal Navy two classes totalling 15 vessels, and the French Navy has three classes totalling 18 vessels.
First commissioned in 2008, the Hirashima-class shown here is probably the last wooden warship in the world, the purpose of a wooden hull being that wood does not disturb magnetically triggered mines. The manufacturing of this class was halted at three ships, production switching to the newer Enoshima-class instead, which has a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) hull.
The Japanese mine warfare fleet is comprised as follows:
x2 Uraga-class mine sweeper mother ship (6,900t full; refuel/resupply vessel, mine layer, minesweeper helicopter platform, minesweeper fleet command vessel).
x3 Yaeyama-class minesweeper (1,200 t full).
x4 Uwajima-class minesweeper (570t full; two reassigned as Ieshima-class minesweeper controllers, three retired).
x12 Sugashima-class minesweeper (590t full).
x3 Hirashima-class minesweeper (570+t full).
x3 Enoshima-class minesweeper (570+t full).
x2 Ieshima-class minesweeper controller (570t full; Uwajima-class vessels refitted to operate two remotely operated minesweeping unmanned surface vehicles).
Japan operates several MH-53E Super Stallion, MCH-101 Merlin, and SH-60K Seahawks equipped with both MAD and ISAR for mine warfare. Some of the new helicopters will be gradually armed with the latest AN/AES-101 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System, developed by Northrop Grumman, which has significantly more powerful mine detecting capabilities than ordinary magnetic anomaly detectors.
"ALMDS will enable the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to cover significant distances at the speed of flight using its MCH-101 aircraft. This technology dramatically compresses the time between mine detection and neutralization," said Donna Carson-Jelley, ALMDS program manager for the U.S. Navy. "ALMDS keeps mine countermeasures ahead of the threats."
The aim to be able to operate hundreds of such helicopters at any given time, at any location that the JMSDF can reach, is the main reason behind Japan's decision to construct a sizable fleet of DDHs that are entirely dedicated to V/STOL operations. The Shirane class DDH used to carry two Sea King MHs within its single extended hangar. The ship class and the helicopter will both be retired this year. By comparison, the two Hyugas and two Izumos will be able to carry 18 and 28 helicopters each respectively, and the 26DDH will likely carry more.
But what makes this fleet even more formidable, than just the numbers, is how diligently and often they are warmed up every year in preparation of a real mine warfare maritime contingency.
For example, there were at least four major exercises held in 2013, which mobilized almost the entire Japanese mine warfare fleet to hunt down simulated minelaying threats across several different locations of Japanese territorial waters. Three of them were independently conducted by Japan, while one was held jointly with the US.
Japan, being fairly resource-scarce and dependant on imports, relies heavily on the security of its sea lanes. As such, it probably has the largest mine warfare fleet in the world, consisting of six or seven classes, totalling about 30 vessels. In comparison, the US Navy has a single class of 13 vessels, the Royal Navy two classes totalling 15 vessels, and the French Navy has three classes totalling 18 vessels.
First commissioned in 2008, the Hirashima-class shown here is probably the last wooden warship in the world, the purpose of a wooden hull being that wood does not disturb magnetically triggered mines. The manufacturing of this class was halted at three ships, production switching to the newer Enoshima-class instead, which has a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) hull.
The Japanese mine warfare fleet is comprised as follows:
x2 Uraga-class mine sweeper mother ship (6,900t full; refuel/resupply vessel, mine layer, minesweeper helicopter platform, minesweeper fleet command vessel).
x3 Yaeyama-class minesweeper (1,200 t full).
x4 Uwajima-class minesweeper (570t full; two reassigned as Ieshima-class minesweeper controllers, three retired).
x12 Sugashima-class minesweeper (590t full).
x3 Hirashima-class minesweeper (570+t full).
x3 Enoshima-class minesweeper (570+t full).
x2 Ieshima-class minesweeper controller (570t full; Uwajima-class vessels refitted to operate two remotely operated minesweeping unmanned surface vehicles).
Japan operates several MH-53E Super Stallion, MCH-101 Merlin, and SH-60K Seahawks equipped with both MAD and ISAR for mine warfare. Some of the new helicopters will be gradually armed with the latest AN/AES-101 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System, developed by Northrop Grumman, which has significantly more powerful mine detecting capabilities than ordinary magnetic anomaly detectors.
"ALMDS will enable the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to cover significant distances at the speed of flight using its MCH-101 aircraft. This technology dramatically compresses the time between mine detection and neutralization," said Donna Carson-Jelley, ALMDS program manager for the U.S. Navy. "ALMDS keeps mine countermeasures ahead of the threats."
The aim to be able to operate hundreds of such helicopters at any given time, at any location that the JMSDF can reach, is the main reason behind Japan's decision to construct a sizable fleet of DDHs that are entirely dedicated to V/STOL operations. The Shirane class DDH used to carry two Sea King MHs within its single extended hangar. The ship class and the helicopter will both be retired this year. By comparison, the two Hyugas and two Izumos will be able to carry 18 and 28 helicopters each respectively, and the 26DDH will likely carry more.
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SvenSvensonov
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SvenSvensonov
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SvenSvensonov
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Thank You for your conservative appraisal, Sir @SvenSvensonov ...
Conservative? I Missed a few things, yes?
Never tip your hand to anyone!Remus 600, japan operates a few.
hahaha! You hit it, buddy. We have learned from the Best of the Best, the United States Navy. We have learned much through active cooperation and training with the United States Navy, and United States Marine Corp.
第１９次 派遣海賊対処行動 水上部隊は、第６護衛隊司令指揮のもと、護衛艦「たかなみ」「おおなみ」の２隻で編成
され、アデン湾において民間船舶を海賊から護衛する任務にあたりました。 護衛任務を行った平成２６年８月から同年１２月の間、護衛した船舶に対して、海賊から被害等を受けることは一度もありませんでした。
同期間中、同じく海賊対処行動のため派遣されていたＥＵ・ＮＡＴＯの艦艇と共同訓練を行い、連携の強化・技能向上を図りました。
また、同部隊はアデン湾での任務を終えた帰国の途上、国際緊急援助活動部隊として、インドネシア沖に墜落したエア・アジア機の捜索・救難活動にあたりました。
Anti-terror missions could be on horizon for MSDF's Djibouti detachment
DJIBOUTI -- On Jan. 21, a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft takes off from an anti-piracy operations base here in east Africa, and heads out for its patrol area over the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. When a ship is spotted, the plane swoops down to an altitude of 1,000 meters so the crew can take digital photos.
The photos are transferred to a computer, blown up and analyzed to see if the ship is armed or if it's been taken over by pirates. The Orion crew also confirms the vessel's name and registration, and the results are sent to warships of the many nations patrolling the area, as well as commercial shipping vessels.
In the waters around Japan, the Orion can descend to just 150 meters above the sea to get a good look at whatever is below them. Here, however, the pirates can be armed with automatic weapons or rocket-propelled grenades, and the flight crew must keep above a certain altitude to stay out of range. The Orions are not the only Japanese assets in the anti-pirate coalition. There are two Japanese escort vessels with on-board reconnaissance helicopters, and Japan is part of the multinational Combined Maritime Forces' CTF-151 counter-piracy task force, joining the United States, Australia and other countries.
The goal of Japan's Djibouti deployment is to secure the Gulf of Aden against pirate gangs. Worries are growing, however, about terrorist attacks by aggressive Islamic extremist groups in surrounding countries. In neighboring Somalia, there is al-Shabaab. In Yemen, there is al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Wais Bogoreh, commandant of the Djibouti Coast Guard, there's a chance that extremist groups are involved in drug and weapons trafficking in the area.
In fact, the U.S. and European warships patrolling the Gulf of Aden have begun trying to choke off the illicit flow of people and goods across the water, a trade deeply connected to extremists. Drone reconnaissance flights regularly depart from the airstrip at the U.S. Navy's Camp Lemonnier -- which is adjacent to the SDF's Djibouti base and is the only U.S. military base in Africa -- to keep tabs on Islamic militant groups.
Djibouti itself has not been immune to extremist violence. In May last year, al-Shabaab launched a suicide bomb attack on a restaurant in the capital that killed one Turkish citizen and wounded many from a variety of nationalities. The SDF detachment in the country is, by its very presence, cheek by jowl with the threat of terrorism.
"We are operating in the full awareness of the dangers we face," commented Japanese anti-pirate operation head Captain Shohei Iizuka, 48.
Bonji Ohara, a former MSDF officer and current researcher at The Tokyo Foundation think tank, told the Mainichi Shimbun, "As long as Japanese forces are restricted to anti-piracy operations, they can't respond to any incident involving extremist groups. The moment has come to prepare the legal ground for us to be able to respond to unforeseen circumstances."
On Jan. 18 this year, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani arrived in Djibouti for an inspection tour. He told reporters, "Many countries have embarked on serious anti-terrorism measures. Japan needs to deeply consider getting involved as well," suggesting he'd like to see the Japanese mission in Djibouti expanded to fight terror.
Anti-terror missions could be on horizon for MSDF's Djibouti detachment - 毎日新聞
DJIBOUTI -- On Jan. 21, a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft takes off from an anti-piracy operations base here in east Africa, and heads out for its patrol area over the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. When a ship is spotted, the plane swoops down to an altitude of 1,000 meters so the crew can take digital photos.
The photos are transferred to a computer, blown up and analyzed to see if the ship is armed or if it's been taken over by pirates. The Orion crew also confirms the vessel's name and registration, and the results are sent to warships of the many nations patrolling the area, as well as commercial shipping vessels.
In the waters around Japan, the Orion can descend to just 150 meters above the sea to get a good look at whatever is below them. Here, however, the pirates can be armed with automatic weapons or rocket-propelled grenades, and the flight crew must keep above a certain altitude to stay out of range. The Orions are not the only Japanese assets in the anti-pirate coalition. There are two Japanese escort vessels with on-board reconnaissance helicopters, and Japan is part of the multinational Combined Maritime Forces' CTF-151 counter-piracy task force, joining the United States, Australia and other countries.
The goal of Japan's Djibouti deployment is to secure the Gulf of Aden against pirate gangs. Worries are growing, however, about terrorist attacks by aggressive Islamic extremist groups in surrounding countries. In neighboring Somalia, there is al-Shabaab. In Yemen, there is al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Wais Bogoreh, commandant of the Djibouti Coast Guard, there's a chance that extremist groups are involved in drug and weapons trafficking in the area.
In fact, the U.S. and European warships patrolling the Gulf of Aden have begun trying to choke off the illicit flow of people and goods across the water, a trade deeply connected to extremists. Drone reconnaissance flights regularly depart from the airstrip at the U.S. Navy's Camp Lemonnier -- which is adjacent to the SDF's Djibouti base and is the only U.S. military base in Africa -- to keep tabs on Islamic militant groups.
Djibouti itself has not been immune to extremist violence. In May last year, al-Shabaab launched a suicide bomb attack on a restaurant in the capital that killed one Turkish citizen and wounded many from a variety of nationalities. The SDF detachment in the country is, by its very presence, cheek by jowl with the threat of terrorism.
"We are operating in the full awareness of the dangers we face," commented Japanese anti-pirate operation head Captain Shohei Iizuka, 48.
Bonji Ohara, a former MSDF officer and current researcher at The Tokyo Foundation think tank, told the Mainichi Shimbun, "As long as Japanese forces are restricted to anti-piracy operations, they can't respond to any incident involving extremist groups. The moment has come to prepare the legal ground for us to be able to respond to unforeseen circumstances."
On Jan. 18 this year, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani arrived in Djibouti for an inspection tour. He told reporters, "Many countries have embarked on serious anti-terrorism measures. Japan needs to deeply consider getting involved as well," suggesting he'd like to see the Japanese mission in Djibouti expanded to fight terror.
Anti-terror missions could be on horizon for MSDF's Djibouti detachment - 毎日新聞
Govt reveals 4 new criteria for overseas SDF missions
The Yomiuri Shimbun The government has shown Komeito four new criteria for deciding whether to send Self-Defense Forces personnel to rescue Japanese nationals caught up in terrorist activities or other crises overseas.
The four yardsticks were explained at a Wednesday meeting of the panel set up by Komeito, the junior partner in the Liberal Democratic Party-led ruling coalition, to debate various issues related to the government’s ongoing efforts to revamp the nation’s security legislation.
The new criteria are:
— There are due reasons for sending SDF personnel. One such reason would be the police in the nation to which Japan wants to send SDF troops cannot afford to engage in such a rescue mission.
— The country in question has agreed to an SDF mission.
— The crisis can be dealt with through the use of weapons based on police authority.
— Japan can gain cooperation and assistance from that nation.
Govt reveals 4 new criteria for overseas SDF missions - The Japan News
The Yomiuri Shimbun The government has shown Komeito four new criteria for deciding whether to send Self-Defense Forces personnel to rescue Japanese nationals caught up in terrorist activities or other crises overseas.
The four yardsticks were explained at a Wednesday meeting of the panel set up by Komeito, the junior partner in the Liberal Democratic Party-led ruling coalition, to debate various issues related to the government’s ongoing efforts to revamp the nation’s security legislation.
The new criteria are:
— There are due reasons for sending SDF personnel. One such reason would be the police in the nation to which Japan wants to send SDF troops cannot afford to engage in such a rescue mission.
— The country in question has agreed to an SDF mission.
— The crisis can be dealt with through the use of weapons based on police authority.
— Japan can gain cooperation and assistance from that nation.
Govt reveals 4 new criteria for overseas SDF missions - The Japan News
Japan signs arms deal with France to broaden military role - Yahoo News
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Japan Introduces New Airborne Mine-hunting Helicopter
Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) has delivered the first AgustaWestland AW101 helicopter equipped for the airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) role. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will conduct trials of the AMCM system from Iwakuni air base, before it enters operational service next year. KHI builds the AW101 under license in Japan, where it is designated MCH-101.
The Japanese company has led development of the AMCM variant, which provides a complete sea surface-to-bottom detection capability, according to AgustaWestland. The European company modified the AW101’s automatic flight control system to enable coupled towing patterns using the Northrop Grumman AN/AQS-24A airborne mine-hunting system. This is installed in the cabin, and deployed, towed and recovered via the rear ramp of the AW101. It features a high-resolution, side scan sonar for real-time detection, localization and classification of bottom and moored mines at high area coverage rates and a laser line scanner to provide precision optical identification of underwater mines and other objects of interest. According to AgustaWestland, the AN/AQS-24A is the only operationally proven, high-speed airborne mine-hunting system in the world.
The helicopter also carries Northrop Grumman’s AN/AES-1 airborne mine laser detection system. This uses pulsed laser light and streak tube receivers housed in an external equipment pod to survey the entire near-surface volume potentially containing mines. The pod is mounted on the port weapon carrier and data is displayed on the cabin mission console.
Japan and the U.S. are the only two countries that use helicopters to detect underwater mines. Other countries use a combination of methods, including ship-mounted sonar; specialist glass-fiber detection vessels; unmanned underwater (UUVs) and divers. Helicopters are sometimes used to deploy towed cutting devices that sever the mines’ moorings, so that they float to the surface where they can easily be located and destroyed.
In a reference to the U.S. AMCM capability, carried out by the Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon that uses the same AN/AQS-24A system, AgustaWestland claimed that the new version of the AW101 is “the only modern helicopter type” performing the AMCM mission. However, the U.S. Navy could presumably choose to acquire an AMCM version of the new CH-53K King Stallion, if it wishes.
KHI is building a total of 13 AW101s for the JMSDF. Eight have now been delivered.
![3-2015-2_mch-101[1].jpg](https://defence.pk./attachments/3-2015-2_mch-101-1-jpg.202360/ "3-2015-2_mch-101[1].jpg")
Japan Introduces New Airborne Mine-hunting Helicopter | Defense: Aviation International News
----------------------------------------------------
Japan Introduces New Airborne Mine-hunting Helicopter
Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) has delivered the first AgustaWestland AW101 helicopter equipped for the airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) role. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will conduct trials of the AMCM system from Iwakuni air base, before it enters operational service next year. KHI builds the AW101 under license in Japan, where it is designated MCH-101.
The Japanese company has led development of the AMCM variant, which provides a complete sea surface-to-bottom detection capability, according to AgustaWestland. The European company modified the AW101’s automatic flight control system to enable coupled towing patterns using the Northrop Grumman AN/AQS-24A airborne mine-hunting system. This is installed in the cabin, and deployed, towed and recovered via the rear ramp of the AW101. It features a high-resolution, side scan sonar for real-time detection, localization and classification of bottom and moored mines at high area coverage rates and a laser line scanner to provide precision optical identification of underwater mines and other objects of interest. According to AgustaWestland, the AN/AQS-24A is the only operationally proven, high-speed airborne mine-hunting system in the world.
The helicopter also carries Northrop Grumman’s AN/AES-1 airborne mine laser detection system. This uses pulsed laser light and streak tube receivers housed in an external equipment pod to survey the entire near-surface volume potentially containing mines. The pod is mounted on the port weapon carrier and data is displayed on the cabin mission console.
Japan and the U.S. are the only two countries that use helicopters to detect underwater mines. Other countries use a combination of methods, including ship-mounted sonar; specialist glass-fiber detection vessels; unmanned underwater (UUVs) and divers. Helicopters are sometimes used to deploy towed cutting devices that sever the mines’ moorings, so that they float to the surface where they can easily be located and destroyed.
In a reference to the U.S. AMCM capability, carried out by the Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon that uses the same AN/AQS-24A system, AgustaWestland claimed that the new version of the AW101 is “the only modern helicopter type” performing the AMCM mission. However, the U.S. Navy could presumably choose to acquire an AMCM version of the new CH-53K King Stallion, if it wishes.
KHI is building a total of 13 AW101s for the JMSDF. Eight have now been delivered.
Japan Introduces New Airborne Mine-hunting Helicopter | Defense: Aviation International News
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