Japan Defence Forum

[Aepsilons]

China worries about Japanese plutonium stocks | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Is Japan Developing a Nuclear Weapons Program? | Global Research

 

[NiceGuy]

China worries about Japanese plutonium stocks | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Is Japan Developing a Nuclear Weapons Program? | Global Research

Does US allow u to enrich uranium like VN,bro ?? if not, then where can u get high enriched uranium to make nuke bomb ??

VNese have No problem and also welcome nuclear JP, but we know US wont let her Asia allies to do it, S.VN fall is a good example of how US treat her Asia allies.

 

[Viet]

China worries about Japanese plutonium stocks | Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Is Japan Developing a Nuclear Weapons Program? | Global Research

yes, Japan and Vietnam should have the freedom to possess nuclear weapons.
we both need ultimate deterrence.

 

[NiceGuy]

yes, Japan and Vietnam should have the freedom to possess nuclear weapons.
we both need ultimate deterrence.

The problem is US wont let their Asia allies to do that, thats why South VN was betrayed and fall . US rather let communist VN make Nuke than their ally former South VN did it.

 

[Aepsilons]

Japanese destroyer squadron docks in Manila

JS Shirane

JS Asayuki

Navy stand alert, Manila, Philippines



The Embassy of Japan in Manila said that the 13th Escort Division of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) made up of two destroyers JS Shirane (DDH 143) and JS Asayuki (DD 132) is on a four-day goodwill visit.

The two destroyers docked in South Harbor, Manila, at around 9 a.m. and were welcomed by a receiving party from the Philippine Navy.

"JMSDF ships have visited Manila more than 50 times since 1966, making it one of the most frequent destinations for JMSDF’s training squadron and indicating the strong relations between the Philippine Navy and the JMDSF," the Embassy said in a statement.

The ships are under the command of Captain Hiketo Ikeda, chief of the JMSDF’s 13th Escort Division and are manned by about 480 officers and crew members. The training squadron vessels were accompanied by two patrol helicopters.

Ikeda said the visit would also serve as an opportunity to train 48 newly-commissioned officers of the JMSF.

“The purpose is to train them to get seamanship through this training cruise. In addition to that, I encourage them to understand the strategic importance of Philippines in Asia,” he told reporters in an interview.

 

[Aepsilons]

Not the most interesting photo, this 3 Kokutai Orion, but the P-3C is the most numerous type in service with the JMSDF.

Much more interesting is this one of a kind UP-3C operated by 51 Kokutai for all sorts of test and evaluation flights. The dedicated test squadron is also operating a handful of normal Orions but this special version is the most colourful and the only one marked with the finflash of 51 Kokuta

The future of Japan Naval Aviation, the Kawasaki (X)P-1.

Developed and built by the Nihon Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, the NAMC YS-11

A unique and very impressing aircraft in the JMSDF is the Shin Maywa US-1A flying boat. The US-1A is the Search and Rescue variant of the PS-1 ASW flying boat. Twenty US-1s have been procured between 1975 and 2000 serving with the 71 Kokutai at Iwakuni which was formed on 1 July 1976. The eighth newest US-1s were in service at any given time. The US-1A is gradually being replaced by the US-2 which is a modernised US-1. Five have been constructed to date and only three US-1As remain operational. One US-1A or US-2 is detached to Atsugi and usually changed after one week.

Two other boring grey Orions, in front 5001, the first ever JMSDF Orion with 2 Kokutai marks and next to it an unmarked example. The first three are real Lockheed Orions, built in the States, all other Japanese versions were manufactured under licence by Kawasaki at Gifu and with their own construction number range.

The replacement for the US-1A. Originally flown as the US-1A Kai, a modernised version of the original, it is now in low rate production as the US-2. This example is the second frame and pictured here still in test colour scheme. The first one had the "standard" red/white prototype scheme but today all US-2s are in the midnight blue c/s, making it a little less impressive in my opinion.

 

[Aepsilons]

The Mitsubishi UH-60J replaced the S-61AH as the dedicated Search and Rescue helicopter with, initially, six Kyunan Hikotai (Air Base Squadrons)at the JMSDF main bases. However, following the March 2008 reorganisations those at Hachinohe, Shimofusa, Atsugi, Ozuki and Iwo Jima were disbanded in favour of two new squadrons, each with three detachments.

211 Kyoiku Kokutai is responsible for training the JMSDF helicopter pilots. This picture captures three types currently in use at their home base Kanoya. Elementry rotary training is conducted on the OH-6. Three different types served the Japanese Navy since the type entered service in 1973 including three OH-6J's, fourteen OH-6D's and now the OH-6DA. The OH-6D was gradually replaced by the OH-6DA and by the end of 2005 five OH-6DAs had been delivered. The OH-6 will be replaced by the EC-135T2 or TH-135 as it is known in Japanese service. The first one was handed over to 51 Kokutai in December 2009 for testing and evaluation and by October 2010 was seen with 211 Kyoiku Kokutai.

The replacement for the OH-6D/DA is this Eurocopter EC-135 named TH-135 in Japanese service. As can be seen on the tail, it was still on strength of 51 Kokutai, the dedicated test squadron but operating from Kanoya in preparation for transfer. By October 2010, the first TH-135 was seen operating with 211 Kyoiku Kokutai markings and mid 2012, eight were delivered.

Seen departing Komaki at the end of the Open Day is this 23 Kokutai SH-60J, heading for home at Maizuru, a base rarely visited by spotters as it is a bit off the beaten track. 23 Kokutai is the third unit to transition to the SH-60K. The SH-60J in this picture is in the 'new' overall grey colour scheme as opposed to the original 'old' white/grey colours.

The successor of the SH-60J, developed by Mitsubishi is the slightly longer SH-60K. Other changes include next generation rotortips and a more square observers window compared to the round bubble of the J version. 22 Kokutai was the second unit receiving this variant and this example is seen arriving at Tsuiki to take its place in the static.

The visitors terrace at Naha is a good spot to get most of the based 5 Kokutai Orions. The loss of their colourful tailmarkings make these aircraft a lot less atractive, some even say 'you've seen one you've seen them all' but this is not entirely true. The JMSDF operates the P-3C with at least two different modifications besides the standard version. As can be seen on this photo, the 5089 has a big bulge on the top of the fuselage. Another mod. has a smaller bulge on the same place and some remain, at least on the outside in the old configuration.

 

[Aepsilons]

The first operational unit to receive the SH-60K during 2006 was 121 Kokutai, now part of 21 Kokutai. This one is receiving the cold shower treatment to get rid of any salty deposits. The white herons in the trees in the background probably see this scene everyday.

To maintain a presence in the Arctic regions, Japan regularly sends its Polar Icebreaker Shirase to those shores. AGB-5003 is the third ship with that name, commissioned last year and is able to carry two CH-101s. Its predecessor, the S-61A was retired in 2008 and was operating with 21 Kokutai at Tateyama when not aboard the Chirase, the CH-101 is flying from Iwakuni with 111 Kokutai.

 

[Aepsilons]

Japanese Self Defense Force , morning exercises

 

[Aepsilons]

JS Kunisaki Arrives in Tacloban for Pacific Partnership 2014

TACLOBAN, Philippines (NNS) -- The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's JS Kunisaki (LST 4003), carrying a multinational crew of U.S., Australian, Malaysian and Japanese personnel, arrived in Tacloban July 4 as part of Pacific Partnership 2014 (PP14).

The ship and its roughly 300 embarked personnel arrived nearly eight months after Typhoon Haiyan devastated the region.

Arriving on Independence Day, the U.S. personnel assigned to the mission had a special meal to commemorate the occasion before beginning a 10-day operation consisting of professional medical exchanges, including providing basic medical, dental, and optometry clinics; several professional medical knowledge exchange seminars; and veterinary surgical and vaccination services.

Seabees from Amphibious Construction Battalion One and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One have already begun working with members from the Armed Forces Philippines on four construction projects at three separate sites, and the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band will conduct several public performances.

Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. Although the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led mission provides tangible assistance to the local community, by definition its intention and purpose is to better prepare for emergencies and disaster situations such as was experienced less than a year ago by the city of Tacloban during Typhoon Haiyan.

"I remember seeing the images of the devastation from the typhoon all over the news and now that I'm here and I see the scars left from that storm, it's a confirmation of why missions such as this are so important," said PP14 Mission Commander, U.S. Navy Capt. Brian Shipman.

"It was because we practice these things, because we have a presence in the region, and because of our cooperation with our friends and allies that we were able to coordinate and provide rapid, effective humanitarian assistance and disaster relief when it was needed," he added.

As personnel arrived ashore, Shipman pointed out how much the world had changed, as American service members disembarked from a Japanese landing craft a short distance from where U.S. General Douglas MacArthur made his historic return to the Philippines some 70 years ago.

At the invitation of host nations, PP14 teams working with local authorities determine how to best serve the communities they have been invited to, given the duration and resources available for the mission.

"It's obvious to see why we were invited to Tacloban given what they've been through. There is a lot of work to be done here, but many different organizations and nations are currently doing some great work," said U.S. Navy Lt. Ron Piramide, PP14 Philippine team officer in charge.

"I'm honored to be able to be part of something that is contributing to the overall work being done in the area and I look forward to seeing the great work our team will accomplish."

While training in simulated crisis-conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real-world medical care to approximately 250,000 patients, veterinary services to more than 37,000 animals, accomplished more than 170 engineering projects, and enabled critical infrastructure development in Cambodia, Federated States of Micronesia, Indonesia, Kiribati, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

"Pacific Partnership forms bonds between nations and organizations who share a common interest in maintaining a stable and secure Pacific region," said PP14 Chief of Staff, Australian Army Lt. Col. John Cronin.

Kunisaki has already visited Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Republic of the Philippines is the last stop for this year's mission. The Southern portion of Pacific Partnership, conducted by Task Force Forager, an expeditionary command element from the Navy's 30th Naval Construction Regiment and led by Capt. Rod Moore, provided assistance to the host nations of Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

Pacific Partnership is in its ninth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Asia-Pacific region.


JS Kunisaki Arrives in Tacloban for Pacific Partnership 2014

 

[Indus Falcon]

JMSDF Sailors Undergo Boarding Ops Training
July 8 2014

Sailors with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) received hands-on training at the Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) Detachment Pearl Harbor July 2, on how U.S. Navy Sailors conduct boarding operations at sea.


U.S. Navy Non-Compliant Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (NCB-VBSS) teams are comprised of an all-volunteer force. Those who volunteer undergo specialized training provided by CENSECFOR in order to best prepare them for executing the maritime interdiction role around the world. That mission has become a formidable force and a key element to the Navy’s Maritime Strategy.

As part of RIMPAC 2014, Sailors from JS Ise (DDH 182) and JS Kirishima (DDG 174), 45 in all, participated in a tailored four-day NCB-VBSS training program.

The Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) is the largest U.S. Navy-led international exercise. The exercise is conducted every two years and this year features 22 countries; 55 vessels; 200 aircraft, and more than 25,000 military personnel. RIMPAC 2014 marks the third year CENSECFOR has facilitated hands-on NCB-VBSS training for JMSDF Sailors.

The training included techniques in defensive tactics, tactical team movements, and much more. To enhance realism, the majority of training took place in the Force Protection Ship Simulator (FPSS), commonly referred to as “Ship in a Box.”

The FPSS is a ship mock-up complete with berthing areas, crews lounge, an engineering plant, a dining area, medical facilities, and cargo holds. The layout mimics all the sights, sounds, smells and obstacles that would be commonly found on such a vessel. The FPSS provides the means for students to apply the VBSS skills they have learned through realistic role-playing scenarios.

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 28,000 students each year. It has 14 training locations across the U.S. and around the world.


JMSDF Sailors Undergo Boarding Ops Training >> Naval Today

 

[Allah Akbar]

Misson of JMSDF

Japan is an island country surrounded on all sides by the sea. That means any threats to our country will always approach us via the sea. In addition, Japan lacks natural resources, so it must rely on countries overseas for most of the materials that we require in our daily lives. We use a maritime transport network stretching around the globe to obtain more than 90% of these materials. In recognition of new security environment, the Defense Program Guidelines defines the role of the defense forces as “effective response to the new threats and diverse situations,” “Proactive efforts to improve the international security environment,” and “preparation for full-scale invasion,” which is the primary role of defense forces, and Japan will efficiently maintain the necessary Maritime Self-Defense Forces posture to effectively carry out missions in each the areas.

Exacerbated and tangible International Security Environment

security issues beyond a geographically-limited area continue to be crucial because the risk is growing that a disorder or a security problem in a single country spreads worldwide. With regard to such global security issues, while the international community is undertaking initiatives to deal with cyber attacks, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, international terrorism, and the increasing vulnerability of governance systems, some problems are being exacerbated and new problems are also becoming tangible.

Under such a security environment, it has become extremely diffi cult for one country to deal with issues which the international community is confronting, and ensuring regional and global peace, stability and prosperity through the establishment of a more stable international security environment benefi ts each country. It is increasingly important for countries with common interests in the resolution of issues to work together.

Security Environment in the Asia-Pacific Region

In the Asia-Pacific region, alongside the various changes that have taken place in tandem with the increase in power of China, India, and Russia, countries in the region have made efforts to enhance and strengthen intra-regional coordination and collaboration with a particular focus on non-traditional security sectors such as humanitarian aid and disaster relief, and counterpiracy measures. On the other hand, this region abounds in political, economic, ethnic, and religious diversity, confl icts between countries/regions remain even after the end of the Cold War, and their views on security and threats are different. Accordingly, major changes in the security environment have yet to emerge even after the end of the Cold War, unlike in Europe, and long-standing issues of territorial rights and reunification continue to plague the region.

Outline of The Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements

Based on the Japan–U.S. Security Treaty, the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements constitute one of the pillars of Japan’s national defense. The Japan–U.S. Alliance, having the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements as its core, is indispensable to maintain not only the peace and security of Japan, but also that of the entire Asia-Pacifi c region. In addition, the close cooperative relationship between Japan and the United States based on the alliance is proving to be extremely significant for effectively dealing with global security issues. Furthermore, the Japan–U.S. Alliance is playing an increasingly important role in promoting the shared fundamental values in the international community such as democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and a capitalist economy.

The military presence of the U.S. forces in Japan not only contributes to the defense of Japan, but also functions as deterrence against and response to contingencies in the Asia-Pacific region, and serves as a core element of the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements. On the other hand, since the stationing of U.S. forces in Japan impacts upon the living environment of local residents, efforts that correspond to the actual situation of each region must be made to reduce the burden on regions such as Okinawa.

Japan-U.S. Bilateral Training and Exercises


The SDF and the U.S. forces have been conducting various bilateral training and exercises in peacetime to strengthen Japan- U.S. joint response capabilities while improving interoperability and facilitating mutual understanding in regard to tactical aspects, etc. and closer communication. Since FY1985, mostly on an annual basis, command post exercise and fi eld training exercise have alternated as the Japan–U.S. Bilateral Joint Training Exercise; the fi eld training exercise held in November 2012 was the 11th of its kind. In addition, the GSDF, MSDF and ASDF are expanding the scope of joint exercises, by such means as dispatching units not only to areas within Japan, but also to the U.S., such as participation in exercises including the Japan–U.S. Bilateral Regional Army command post exercises, special anti-submarine exercises, and Japan–U.S. Bilateral Fighter combat training. Thus, continuous efforts are being made to improve interoperability and bilateral response capabilities at the military service and unit levels. As part of the efforts, Stryker Battalion, with its high maneuvering and deployment capabilities and equipped with wheeled armored personnel carrier Stryker, participated for the fi rst time in fi eld training jointly held with the U.S. army and GSDF in Japan from October to November 2012. GSDF troops participating in the exercise trained in coordination procedures with the battalion. Such joint training and exercises in peacetime not only greatly contribute to maintaining and enhancing the Japan-U.S. joint response capabilities by deepening mutual understanding of capabilities and tactics, but also are effective for improving tactical skills on each side. In particular, the knowledge and techniques that the Japanese side can learn from U.S. forces, which have vast experience in actual fi ghting, are invaluable and greatly contribute to improving the JSDF’s capabilities. In addition, holding bilateral exercises at effective times, places, and scales demonstrates the unifi ed commitment and capabilities of Japan and the United States, which has a deterrent effect. In light of these perspectives, the MOD and the SDF are continuing their efforts to enrich the contents of bilateral training and exercises.

Banzai.....................

 

[F-22Raptor]

The USS Pinckney conducts GUAMEX 2014 exercises with JMSDF ships Kongo, Murasame, Ikazuchi, Akebono, Ariaki, Akizuki, and Shimakaze. These operations are in the waters off Guam.

 

[Aepsilons]

JGSDF and Anti-Ship Missile (Type 88) battery, Okinawa Prefecture. Military exercise.

 

[visom]

Japan able to aid US ships under attack, says minister

1 hour ago

.
View photo

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel (C) welcomes Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera at the Pentagon in Washington on July 11, 2014 (AFP Photo/Jim Watson)
Japan's new policy on military action would allow its forces to come to the aid of a US naval ship under attack, Tokyo's defense minister said Friday.


In a visit to Washington, Itsunori Onodera cited the hypothetical scenario as he sought to explain the Japanese government's controversial decision to ease decades-long restrictions on the country's military.

If US warships were sent to defend Japan, and those ships were attacked, the Japanese "constitution was interpreted to say we could not help that ship," Onodera told an audience at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.

But taking action to assist an ally was "what an ally should naturally do," he said through an interpreter. "That's how this change in policy should be understood."

Onodera said the change approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet on July 1 would bolster Tokyo's alliance with the United States, opening the way to new forms of military cooperation.

"We believe this will dramatically deepen our ties with the United States," Onodera said.

Japan's decision to reinterpret its pacificist constitution has provoked anger at home as well as among its neighbors, with China expressing outrage and alarm.

The ground-breaking shift has come against the backdrop of soaring regional tensions with China over disputed islands.

But the United States has endorsed the change and at an earlier joint press conference at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel praised Tokyo's move.

"This bold, historic, landmark decision will enable Japan to significantly increase its contribution to regional and global security and expand its role on the world stage," Hagel said.

Washington has long encouraged Japan to go ahead with the change to permit Tokyo to share more of the burden in what has been a lopsided defense relationship.

The Japanese minister sought to counter criticism of the shift in policy, arguing it would enable Tokyo to better protect its population and deter potential adversaries.

Onodera also said Japan had increased defense spending for the first time in years and was improving its "world-class" missile defense system, setting up amphibious units and strengthening its "maritime forces" to "protect our islands."

The rise in defense spending has been seen as a bid to counter China's growing military muscle and assertive stance on territorial claims.

Onodera said Japan was always open to dialogue with China but if faced with "unilateral" actions, "we must respond firmly."