Japan-UK Defense Ministerial Meeting

Transcription

1 The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces No JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS SPECIAL FEATURE 3rd Japan-UK Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting and FY 2017 Japan-U.S. Bilateral Command Post Exercise Yama Sakura (YS-73) Japan-U.S. Bilateral Training, Forest Light 01 FY 2017 the Exercise for the Rescue of Japanese Nationals Overseas (domestic) Look Back on the Year of 2017 Courtesy Call by General of Army Valery Vasilyevich Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Deployment of the F-35B to MCAS Iwakuni Dispatch of Instructors to the Ethiopia Peace Support Training Center P-1 Shirakawa-go Cover Photograph : 3rd Japan-UK Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting and MINISTRY OF DEFENSE

2 Special Feature Special Feature & 3rd Japan-UK Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting Secretary of State for Defence Williamson 2 On December 14th, Minister of Defense Onodera and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kono met with the Rt Hon Williamson, Secretary of State for Defence of the UK and the Rt Hon Johnson, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the UK as part of the 3rd Japan-UK Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting ( 2+2 ). 1 Overview 1. The Ministers reaffirmed that the Japan and the UK are each other's closest security partners in Europe and Asia respectively. They confirmed the direction of their bilateral cooperation that suits the elevation of their global security partnership to the next level, as confirmed during Prime Minister May's visit to Japan in August The Ministers shared the view that they would closely cooperate for the maintenance and strengthening of an international order based on the rule of law while the existing international order faces challenges. 3. Japan introduced its efforts based on the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy and welcomed the UK s strengthened engagement in this region. The Ministers shared the view to embody the bilateral cooperation for the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 2 Regional Situation 1. As for North Korea, which is the urgent and major threat for the international community, the Ministers confirmed that they would never recognize a nuclear-armed North Korea, and cooperate to maximize international community s pressure on it. 2. The Ministers confirmed the importance of free and open maritime order based on the rule of law, and shared the view to oppose to any unilateral actions that could increase tensions and any attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. 3. The Ministers exchanged their views on the situations of Russia and Ukraine, and that of the Middle East including the peace of the region. 3 Japan-UK Security and Defense Cooperation Minister Onodera stated that a free and open maritime Minister Onodera also held a Japan-UK Defense order is an important pillar of the stability and prosperity Ministerial Meeting with the Secretary of State for of the international community and expressed his intention Defence Williamson. The two Ministers discussed the to progress free and open Indo-Pacific region in corporation with the UK. Secretary Williamson welcomed Minis- defense policies of both countries and Japan-UK defense exchanges. ter Onodera s statement. 1. The Ministers welcomed the creation of a joint Action Plan which states the release of a joint statement (non-disclosure) and specific bilateral efforts in medium- to long-term, as it shows the direction of future bilateral cooperation. 2. The Ministers shared the view to strengthen their cooperation on maritime security and capacity building in developing countries for the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 3. The Ministers welcomed the progress of defense cooperation through bilateral and multilateral joint exercises, including Japan-UK bilateral exercise on the occasion of UK Typhoon fighters visit to Japan in The Ministers confirmed that they would further strengthen cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism and cyber security, including by holding the 3rd Japan-UK Bilateral Consultations on Counter-Terrorism in January 2018 and the 4th Japan-UK Bilateral Consultations on Cyberspace in February Also, the Ministers shared the view that they would closely cooperate toward Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games based on the success of UK s counter-terrorism in London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic. 5. The Ministers exchanged views on the field of outer space and confirmed that they would further deepen discussion on the direction of Japan-UK cooperation in the field. 1 Introduction Secretary Williamson welcomed Minister Onodera s visit to the UK, and stated that Japan is an important partner for the UK and would like to progress defense cooperation. In response, Minister Onodera expressed appreciation toward the warm welcome and delivered his intention to discuss concrete defense cooperation between Japan and the UK. 2 Defense Policy Both Ministers explained the defense policies of each country and welcomed the roles that the two countries play for the peace and stability of the region and the world. Also, Minister Onodera explained the regional situation including that of North Korea and welcomed the involvement of the UK in the western Pacific. Additionally, 3 Japan-UK Defense Cooperation Both Ministers welcomed the recent steady progress of Japan-UK defense exchanges and cooperation, and agreed to further enhance bilateral defense cooperation. They welcomed the progress of defense cooperation in each group and confirmed that they would further embody and develop such cooperation, and continue to cooperate toward the deployment of HMS Sutherland and HMS Argyll to the Asia-Pacific region and the realization of Japan-UK bilateral ground exercise which would take place for the first time in Japan. Also, both ministers exchanged their views on defense equipment and technology. They welcomed cooperative research project on the feasibility study on a Joint New Air-to-Air Missile (JNAAM) Joint Preliminary Study and the first bilateral cooperative research project of Chemical and Biological Protection Technology, and agreed to continue equipment and technological cooperation. 3

3 Topics Activities FY 2017 Japan-U.S. Bilateral Command Post Exercise Yama Sakura (YS-73) From November 29th to December 13th, the Japan-U.S. bilateral command post exercise in FY 2017, also known as Yama Sakura (YS-73), was held at several locations including the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Camp Sendai. YS-73 was joined by approx. 5,000 Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) personnel attached to units such as Northeastern Army and Ground Staff Office as well as approx. 1,600 U.S. personnel attached to units including I Corps (Washington State) and III Marine Expeditionary Force (Okinawa). This exercise is intended to maintain and develop their capabilities of command and staff activities for bilateral operations, in accordance with respective Armys chain of command lower than Army-level. The exercise was mainly composed of joint operations such as amphibious and airborne operations in order to respond to multiple threats including ballistic missiles, cyber attack and special force operation. Minister Onodera observed the exercise on December 10th and stated that strengthening Japan-U.S. ties through this exercise was very significant in this severe security environment. 7 1 Look Back on the Year of 20 As the new year of 2018 starts, the JDF January issue takes a look back at the MOD/JSDF activities in 2017 by introducing activities featured in the JDF Minister of Defense s Visit to Belgium and France First Drop Drill 2017 of the JGSDF 1st Airborne Brigade Minister of Defense s Visit to Guam Cobra Gold Cope North Guam Forest Light Japan-Russia Defense Ministerial Meeting JA N MAR Japan-U.S. Bilateral Training, Forest Light 01 The JGSDF conducted a field training exercise called Forest Light 01 with the U.S. Marines Corps (USMC) from December 8th to 20th at the Oyanohara Training Area and Vice-Camp Takayubaru. This training is also combined with a training relocation of the MV-22 Osprey located at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma to promote trainings outside of Okinawa and reduce its impact. The exercise is intended to strengthen ties between the JGSDF and the USMC and improve tactical capabilities by practicing procedures necessary for bilateral operations, under respective chain of commands. This training was joined by approx. 350 JGSDF personnel attached to the 43rd Infantry Regiment, the 8th Division as well as approx. 400 USMC personnel attached to the 4th Marine Regiment, the 3rd Marine Division Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting 7th Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Consultations 0420 APR Joint Training Exercise involving Japan, Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting State Minister of Defense Wakamiya Attends the Munich Security Conference FEB and 2nd Japan-Russia Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting France, the United Kingdom and the United States 0508 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting BALIKATAN Southern Jackaroo 0522 Japan-Italy Defense Ministerial Meeting MAY The 16th IISS Asia Security Summit -Shangri-La Dialogue- JUN RED FLAG-Alaska Japan-ASEAN Ship-Rider Cooperation Program Japan-ASEAN Joint Exercise for Rescue (JXR) Observation Program 0701 Establishment of the Southwestern Air Defense Force Malabar Japan-Jordan Defense Ministerial Meeting Khaan Quest Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting and Japan-India Defense Industry Forum Prime Minister Abe Observes the DDG Myoko JUL 0803 Minister of Defense Succession Ceremony JGSDF Central Band Performs at The AUG SEP Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo The Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (2+2) Fuji Firepower Review 2017 UK Prime Minister Theresa May Visits the Escort Ship Izumo OCT FY 2017 the Exercise for the Rescue of Japanese Nationals Overseas (domestic) Since last fiscal year, the JSDF started exercises on the rescue of Japanese nationals overseas in order to practice the sequence of measures to rescue Japanese nationals overseas based on Article 84-3 of the SDF Law, following the enactment of the Legislation for Peace and Security. This marked the fourth time to hold integrated exercise on the rescue of Japanese nationals overseas following similar exercises such as Cobra Gold 17 and the one conducted in Djibouti. 4 Specifically, from December 11th to 15th, the JSDF conducted a table-top exercise at the Ministry of Defense (MOD) in Ichigaya, in addition to field training exercise at the JGSDF Soumagahara Exercise Area and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Iruma Air Base. The exercise is intended to enhance the joint operational capabilities of the JSDF units in charge of the rescue of Japanese nationals overseas Joint Training with the U.S. Navy Organized by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the JASDF JSDF Marching Festival 2017 FY 2017 Japan-U.S. Bilateral Command Post Exercise Yama Sakura (YS-73) Dawn Blitz th ASEAN NOV Defense Ministers Meeting - Plus DEC Forest Light rd Japan-UK Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting and Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles. 5

4 Activities Activities Courtesy Call by General of Army Valery Vasilyevich Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation On December 11th, Minister Onodera received a courtesy call from General of Army Valery Vasilyevich Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation. It was the first time in seven years that Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation visited Japan. Dispatch of Instructors to the Ethiopia Peace Support Training Center The Ethiopia Peace Support Training Center, where the MOD dispatched two JSDF officers as instructors in June 2017, requested the MOD/JSDF to send instructors for the Conflict Prevention Course held for personnel from African countries from December 4th to 14th. Responding to the request, the MOD/JSDF dispatched two JGSDF personnel to the center and supported the evaluation and design of educational curriculum, and held lectures on various topics such as conflict prevention and gender. At the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Conference held in Canada in November 2017, the dispatch of gender adviser to peacekeeping centers overseas was announced as one of Japan s contributions. The MOD/JSDF continues such efforts. General of Army Gerasimov Lieutenant Colonel Murakami Lieutenant Colonel Osaki P-1 In this edition, we will take a closer look at the P-1 fixed wing patrol aircraft. The P-1 was entirely developed in Japan and uses four turbofan engines manufactured in Japan. Compared to the P-3C Orion, the P-1 flies faster and has a longer flight range, and it is the first aircraft in the world to adopt a Fly-By-Light (FBL) system. The P-1 has achieved great results during its broad range of missions flown in and around the sea area of Japan, including anti-submarine, intelligence gathering, early warning and monitoring, and search and rescue operations. Specifications: Length: 38.0 m Wingspan: 35.4 m Cruising speed: approx. 450 kt Crew: 11 Deployment of the F-35B to MCAS Iwakuni It was confirmed in the Japan-U.S. 2+2 joint announcement in October 2013 that the deployment of the F-35B to Japan would begin in 2017 as its first forward deployment outside of the United States. In December 2016, Yamaguchi Prefecture and Iwakuni City agreed to the deployment plan for the F-35B. Following the agreement, ten and six F-35B were deployed to MCAS Iwakuni in January and November 2017 respectively. As the security environment surrounding Japan is becoming increasingly severe, the Government of Japan believes that the deployment of the F-35B, which has the most up-to-date and high-performance capabilities such as high stealth performance and powerful fire control capabilities, to Japan is a manifestation of the iron-clad commitment of the United States to the Japan-U.S. Alliance, strengthens the deterrent of the Alliance, and contributes to the security of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. 6 7

5 Column Shirakawa-go Gassho -style house Gifu Inside of Gassho -style house P arts of Japan receive extremely heavy snowfall during the winter. Among these, Shirakawa-go, a village located in northwestern Gifu Prefecture, is known as one of Japan s most prominent heavy snowfall belts, with snowfall amounts ranging from two to three meters. Shirakawa-go is known for its Gassho-style houses. These thatch roof houses feature a steeply pitched roof made of wood that is covered with dry vegetation such as silver grass or common reed grass. This design ensures the houses to withstand the weight of the area s heavy snow. The name Gassho derives from the shape of the roof which looks like the palms of one s hands placed together. Some of the oldest houses in the village are nearly 200 years old. In 1995, Shikarawa-go was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama for its historical importance, outstanding ensemble of architectural technology and beautiful landscape. This region was also once famous for its sericulture industry, which provided raw silk thread that underpinned Japan s modernization. At the time, the large space in the attic of these houses was used to cultivate silk worms. Gifu Prefecture, where Shirakawa-go is located, is also home to the JASDF Gifu Air Base. This base houses the Air Development and Test Wing, the JASDF s only wing that conducts aircraft research and development and testing of aerospace equipment. LATEST NEWS Courtesy call by H. E. Mr. William F. Hagerty, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Japan (Dec. 6th) Courtesy call by Admiral John M. Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy (Dec. 18th) Courtesy call by H.E. Mr. Laurent Pic, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Japan (Dec. 20th) H. E. Mr. William F. Hagerty Admiral John M. Richardson JDF NEWSLETTER Be the first to receive updates! Send us a blank message at jdfmod@mod.go.jp to sign up for our newsletter. For inquiry, contact following office: Public Affairs Division, Ministry of Defense, Japan TEL: (switch board) Web: November 2017: " We Are Tomodachi Autumn / Winter 2017" Released 8 H. E. Mr. Laurent Pic