Yasukazu Hamada Is New Defense Minister

Transcription

1 The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces No.11 OCTOBER 2008 NEWS FLASHES Yasukazu Hamada Is New Defense Minister With the inauguration of the cabinet of Prime Minister Taro Aso on September 24, 2008, Yasukazu Hamada was appointed Minister of Defense, succeeding Yoshimasa Hayashi, and assumed his new duties the following day. After a review of the SDF Special Guard of Honor, Minister Hamada gave instructions to the Ministry and SDF staff at a ceremony marking his inauguration. I will give my utmost to protect the peace and independence of our country, fulfill the responsibilities and roles that the international community seeks of Japan, and carry out the mandate of the Japanese people, he said, adding that he will devote his energies to the early implementation of reforms of the Ministry of Defense. Minister Hamada recalled that as Senior Vice-Minister of Defense he had sent off a group of SDF personnel on a humanitarian and reconstruction assistance mission to Iraq, saying I will never forget the smiling faces of those who courageously departed to work for the people of Iraq and stability of the international community. He also stated, It is important that all members of the Ministry and the SDF, MEETINGS WITH FOREIGN LEADERS Courtesy Call by US Navy Secretary Winter On September 26, Defense Minister Hamada received a courtesy call from US Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter at the Ministry of Defense, and the two discussed various issues. Secretary Winter was aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington, which arrived at the port of Yokosuka on September 25. He thanked Minister Hamada for Japan s cooperation in the deployment of the aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, adding that Japan s replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean are a great contribution to the fight Minister Hamada, right, shaking hands with Navy Secretary Winter. INSIDE : Japan s Replenishment Support Activities in the Indian Ocean Successful PAC-3 Flight Test Defense Minister Hamada reviews the SDF Special Guard of Honor. including myself, unite as one so that the Japanese people will look upon us with confidence as national assets and so that our defense capabilities are truly effective. I look forward to your continued dedication and hard work. As for instructions from Prime Minister Aso, he stated that he was told to make active efforts for the peace and development of the world by engaging in the fight against terrorism. He expressed gratitude for Japan s efforts and his hope that the activities would continue. Referring to the realignment of US forces in Japan, including the relocation of US Marines from Okinawa to Guam, Minister Hamada stated that he hoped to resolve pending issues one by one and to move steadily forward with realignment. In response, Secretary Winter stated that the US government would continue bilateral dialogue and make efforts for its realization. against terrorism through the continuation of the MSDF s antiterrorism activities in the Indian Ocean and by contributing to the international community through such activities as UN-led peacekeeping operations. He said, The Prime Minister also instructed me to steadily strengthen Japan-US relations by ensuring the smooth implementation of the realignment of the US forces in Japan. He vowed to tackle the various challenges facing the Ministry of Defense and to devote all his energies to fulfilling the responsibilities that he assumes as head of the Ministry of Defense. Transition briefing by former Defense Minister Hayashi to new Defense Minister Hamada. MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / OCTOBER

2 RUSSIAN FED. Defense Policy Japan s Replenishment Suppor t BELARUS UKRAINE Ulaanbaatar (Ulan Bator) KAZAKHSTAN L MONGOLIA UZBEKISTAN ZB BEKISTAN E KYRGYZ K R KYR RGYZ YZ NO O NORTH KO O KOREA TURKMENISTAN TUR ME ENIST E TAN A TURKEY TAJIKISTAN SYRIA SOUTH KOREA CHINA A IRAN IRAQ JORDAN LIBYA KUWAIT PAKISTAN BHUTAN NEPAL EGYPT BANGLADESH SAUDI ARABIA INDIA MYANMAR OMAN R CHAD ERITREA LAOS THAILAND YEMEN PHILIPPINES CAMBODIA SUDAN VIETNAM CENTRAL AFRICAN REP. ETHIOPIA EROON BRUNEI SRI LANKA SOMALIA MALAYSIA UGANDA CONGO KENYA ON DEM. REP. OF CONGO ANGOLA SINGAPORE INDONESIA TANZANIA PAPUA NEW GUINEA MALAWI ZAMBIA J MOZAMBIQUE I MAURITIUS apan recognizes terrorism to be an immediate threat. Because Japan depends on the Middle East for 90% of its oil imports, it participates in international efforts to eradicate terrorism based on UN Security Council resolutions in order to fulfill its international responsibilities. ZIMBABWE ZIMBABWE ZIM B MADAGASCAR MA ADAGA A ASCAR A BOTSWANA BOTSWANA WANA NAMIBIA REP. OF SOUTH OUTH AFRICA Significance of Continuation of Japan s Replenishment Support Activities Replenishment Operation at Sea The Maritime Interdiction Operation is extremely important for deterring terrorism. Many countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan are participating in it. The Maritime Self-Defense Force supports the MIO by replenishing fuel and water to ships of various countries. The continuous presence of MSDF replenishment ships in the Indian Ocean ensures that ships of participating countries do not need to call at a port for replenishment and that they can continue their activities for a long period. A ship for the replenishment of fuel and water carries out its operations by traveling alongside a ship of the partner country at a distance of 30 to 40 meters at the same speed on the sea waves for sometimes as long as several hours. Such replenishment operations require a high degree of navigating technique, proficiency, and endurance. For these reasons, only a few countries have the capabilities of conducting stable maritime replenishment activities at seas far away from home. Japan has played its role in the MIO as one such country. Alert from destroyer 2 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / OCTOBER 2008 Alert from shipboard helicopter Partner country s vessel Destroyer Refueling vessel Sailing alongside for several hours

3 t Activities in the Indian Ocean THE BAHAMAS MEXICO CUBA BELIZE GUATEMALA DOMINICAN REP. HAITI JAMAICA HONDURAS EL SALVADOR COSTA RICA NICARAGUA TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO PANAMA VENEZUELA GUYANA Japan s Engagement and Achievements in the MIO SURINAME Results of Eight Years of Replenishment Activities COLOMBIA Dec toecuador Oct Replenishments of fuel and water by Japan form the basis of the MIO Activities based on the previous Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law (enacted Oct. 2001) BRAZIL PERU Countries receiving replenishment Fuel for vessels Reduction in the number of port calls of partner country vessels enables long-term operations (radio inquiries, on-the-spot inspections) Fuel for helicopters on board vessels Water supply 11 countries 794 times approx. 490,000 kiloliters 67 times PARAGUAY approx. 990 kiloliters 128 times approx. 6,930 tons URUGUAY Expenditures CHILE approx billion ARGENTINA Nov to Feb Examples of MIOs by various countries after the enactment of the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law (Jan. 2008) Seizing 2,000 boxes of smuggled alcohol (Jan.) Seizing approx. 4.3 tons of drugs (Feb.) Seizing drugs and alcohol worth $30 million (around March) Suspension due to expiration of the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law Feb. 21, 2008 to Sept. 30 Activities based on the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law (enacted Jan. 2008) Countries receiving replenishment Fuel for vessels Fuel for helicopters on board vessels Finding approx. 1.7 tons of drugs (March) Water supply Effective deterrence of international terrorism by the MIO 1. Blocking movements of weapons 2. Blocking the flow of funds earned through drug transactions 3. Blocking movements of terrorists to Afghanistan and other countries 7 countries 53 times approx. 9,500 kiloliters 9 times approx. 105 kiloliters 22 times approx. 1,440 tons Participating Units First dispatch (From Jan. 2008) AOE Oumi DD Murasame 2 helicopters approx. 340 personnel Second dispatch (From Apr. 2008) Third dispatch (From July 2008) AOE Mashu DD Ikazuchi 2 helicopters approx. 340 personnel AOE Hamana DD Yuudachi 2 helicopters approx. 330 personnel MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / OCTOBER

4 Topics Young Chinese Officers Visit Japan Young Chinese officers with the President of the National Defense Academy of Japan. A group of 15 People s Liberation Army officers (mostly young officers) led by Lt. Col. Liu Zhongbin visited Japan on September 10 on the invitation of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visit is based on agreements reached at Japan-China summit meetings in December 2007 and May Mutual visits by young officers are designed to deepen mutual understanding not only between defense authorities but also between the people of the two countries. The officers paid a courtesy call on Vice-Minister of Defense Kohei Masuda at the MOD on the day of their arrival. On September 11, they toured the MSDF Yokosuka Naval Base and the National Defense Academy of Japan and exchanged views with 14 young SDF officers. On September 12 they visited the ASDF Iruma Airbase and GSDF Camp Asaka and returned home on September 14. Government Considers Ending Operations in Iraq Then Defense Minister Hayashi answers reporters questions on the SDF s withdrawal from Iraq. The government on September 11 announced it would consider concluding by around the end of the year the airlift activities carried out over four and a half years by the Air Self Defense Force as part of Japan s reconstruction assistance for Iraq. We have been conducting discussions with the Iraqi government, then Minister Hayashi said. In the light of the current political and security situation in the country and opinions of the Iraqi government, we have decided to consider concluding our operations by around the end of the year. He added that efforts need to be concentrated on the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and vowed to make every effort to continue the replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean. Ministry of Defense Reform On August 25, the Ministry of Defense held its second meeting of the MOD Reform Head Office (chaired by the Defense Minister) and announced a basic policy on organizational reform of the Ministry as well as a plan for implementation. The Reform Head Office was established within the MOD on July 18, 2008, to implement reforms in line with the direction outlined in the final report of the Council for Reforming the Ministry of Defense, the Analysis of Misconducts and Direction for Reform, released on July 15. The Council had been set up in December 2007 by then Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and held 11 meetings. The basic policy and implementation plan have been developed on the basic concepts of reinforcing the assistance structure for the Defense Minister and of fully securing civilian control, as well as of building a mechanism for closer coordination between civilian and uniformed personnel. Reforms in FY 2009 Enactment of legislation for the establishment of a defense council, which would serve as the highest decision-making body of the Ministry Abolishment of the posts of Defense Counselors and establishment of politically appointed aides to the Ministers of Defense Reforms in FY 2010 Functional reinforcement of the Bureau of Defense Policy through appointments of uniformed personnel Functional reinforcement of the Joint Staff Office through the transfer of the Bureau of Operational Policy to this office Streamlining and integration of defense capability build-up sections and integration of administrative sections in the Ministry Others Reforms relating to urgent issues such as full compliance with regulations, protection of classified information, establishment of communication channels for information, and establishment of rules for media relations will be implemented in FY MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / OCTOBER 2008

5 Antiterrorism Events Mark 9/11 Anniversary A teleconference between then Minister Hayashi and the commanding officer in the Indian Ocean. The MOD held a variety of events on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States to mourn for those who lost their lives and to reaffirm the importance of as well as to renew the MOD s resolve in the fight against terrorism, which was launched in the wake of the attacks. Then Minister Hayashi delivered an address to the Ministry staff and held a teleconference with the commanding officer of the unit conducting replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean. There was also a concert by the MSDF s Tokyo Band. The concert also featured a performance by a band consisting of then Minister Hayashi and three other Diet members. On the same day, Defense Parliamentary Secretary Nobuo Kishi visited the United Sates, offering a wreath at the Tribute Center at Ground Zero in New York. Defense Parliamentary Secretary Kishi lays a wreath. Dispatch of SDF Personnel to Sudan SDF officers visiting Prime Minister Aso before their departure for Sudan. On October 3, Japan decided to dispatch two SDF personnel to the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), based on the Law concerning Cooperation for United Nations Peace-Keeping Operations and Other Operations. UNMIS was established to support the implementation of the peace agreement after Sudan s civil war which began in the 1980s came to an end in Japan had been asked by the UN to dispatch personnel to the mission. In June this year, then Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda told UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that Japan would dispatch personnel to UNMIS. The two unarmed SDF officers left for Sudan on October 24. They will serve there until June 30, One will undertake coordination activities within UNMIS relating to the general logistical demands of the military forces in the Logistics Office of the Military Headquarters, and the other will manage the database at the Joint Information Analysis Center Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the UN. Policy Debate within the Defense Ministry The first meeting of the Defense Posture Review Board. Defense Capabilities On September 17, the MOD established the Defense Posture Review Board, chaired by the Minister of Defense, as a venue for discussions and reviews on the revision of the National Defense Program Guidelines and held its first meeting. The council will debate various issues from a broad perspective so as to contribute to the government s review on the revision of the National Defense Program Guidelines. Use and Development of Outer Space The MOD established the Committee for Promotion of Outer Space Development and Use, chaired by the Senior Vice- Minister of Defense, and its first meeting was held on September 11. The committee will discuss the basic policies of the MOD and the SDF regarding the development and use of outer space, while paying attention to the debate being conducted by the government on comprehensive and planned use and development of outer space, based on the Basic Law of Outer Space that came into force on August 27. MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / OCTOBER

6 Special Feature Successful PAC-3 Flight Test The Air Self-Defense Force conducted a flight test of the Patriot system (PAC-3) a system upgraded with ballistic missile defense capabilities at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, United States, at 7:55 a.m. local time on September 17, 2008 (10:55 p.m. Japan time). Two PAC-3 missiles were launched and successfully intercepted a simulated ballistic missile target. It was the first PAC-3 flight test conducted by a country other than the United States. A unit of approximately 80 personnel conducted the test to confirm the comprehensive functions of the Patriot PAC-3 system from detection and tracking to interception. Japan s Ballistic Missile Defense While various efforts have been made by the international community in recent years for the nonproliferation of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction, such threats continue to exist. Against this background, Japan has been making efforts for the early deployment of a ballistic missile defense (BMD) system that is most suitable for Japan s exclusively defense-oriented policy. Japan s BMD system is a multi-tier defense system comprising upper-tier interception by the Aegis BMD System and lower-tier interception by the Patriot PAC-3 System. The capabilities of the Aegis destroyers and Patriot systems currently maintained by the SDF have been and will be improved. The entire system consists of these weapons, high performance sensors, and command, control, battle management, and communications systems, which effectively coordinate the weapons and sensors. The launching of a PAC-3 missile. Concept of BMD Deployment and Operation (Image diagram) Recent History of BMD Initiatives in Japan Apr JDA commences BMD study (possible BMD architecture, cost estimation, other issues) Dec GOJ decides on the introduction of BMD system June 2006 The Standard Missile 3 Block IIA Cooperative Development (SCD) Project (US-Japan) is commenced Mar The Patriot PAC-3 is deployed at Iruma Air Base (Japan s first interceptor in history) Dec Kongo successfully conducts the first SM-3 flight test (Japan s first SM-3 capability) Sept The first successful PAC-3 flight test 6 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / OCTOBER 2008

7 Outline of the Patriot PAC-3 System The Patriot system is a surface-to-air missile system that intercepts incoming ballistic missiles at the terminal phase (between reentry into the atmosphere and impact). It was introduced in Japan in The Patriot PAC-3 system is an upgraded version with capabilities of firing PAC-3 missiles, which can intercept ballistic missiles. The Patriot PAC-3 system consists of a radar set, interceptor missile launchers, fire control system, and a communications system. It is a mobile system that can be deployed to appropriate locations in response to various situations. It was deployed in March 2007 at the Iruma Air Base for the first time, and it is now deployed at five bases. Patriot PAC-3 System Deployment of PAC-3 First PAC-3 unit was deployed in March 2007 to Iruma AB. Formation of 1 FU (Fire Unit) Engagement Control Station (ECS) Rader Set (RS) Antenna Mast Group (AMG) Electric Power Plant (EPP) Launcher Stations 5 Air Missile Defense Training Gr. 2nd Technical School Hamamatsu AB (FY08) Air Missile Defense Bn.4 Gifu AB (FY09) Air Missile Defense Bn.2 Kasuga AB (FY10) Structure of Battalion Battalion 3 Air Missile Defense Bn.1 Iruma AB (FY06-07) Equipped with PAC-3 missiles Fire Unit Fire Unit Fire Unit Fire Unit Others Outline of the Aegis BMD System The Aegis BMD system is designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at the midcourse phase while outside the atmosphere. The MOD has been conducting modifications to its Aegis destroyers one by one to incorporate BMD capabilities and also acquiring SM-3 missiles. The first modified Aegis destroyer was the Kongo, which conducted a flight test of SM-3 missiles in the sea off Hawaii s Kauai Island and successfully intercepted a simulated ballistic missile target in December A similar test is scheduled to be conducted by the Chokai, the second modified destroyer, in November The Kongo flight test of SM-3 missiles. BMD-related Weapon system Program Title Upgrade Patriot System, etc. Acquire PAC-3 missiles Construct FPS-5, modify Sensors FPS-3UG, etc. Command, control, battle management and communications systems Subtotal (Buildup of BMD Systems) R&D etc concerning future BMD Systems Subtotal (Supplementary) Total Add BMD Capabilities to Aegis Including acquisition of SM-3 missiles and SM-3 firing test FY2004 (Unit: 100 millon) _ 64 FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 Request ,188 1,361 1, , _ 37 1,068 1,198 1,399 1,826 1,132 1,279 The Future of Ballistic Missile Defense The MOD intends to continue efforts to deploy the BMD system as soon as possible. The immediate objective is to build up by March 2012 a system that incorporates four Aegis destroyers equipped with BMD capabilities and 16 Patriot PAC-3 fire units and other systems. At the same time, the Ministry of Defense has been making efforts to enhance BMD capabilities, such as through joint Japan-US development of upgraded interceptor missiles, and continuously working to strengthen Japan-US BMD cooperation. We added 76 billion for the early procurement of PAC-3 missile and 66 billion for the improvement of EP-3 in FY2007 supplementary budget FY2006. MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / OCTOBER

8 Spotlight Interview with Vice-Minister of Defense Kohei Masuda What have been the most memorable experiences during your career at the MOD? Since entering the Defense Agency (now MOD) in 1975, I ve spent the bulk of my career in the Bureau of Defense Policy, which is responsible for charting the direction of Japan s overall defense policy. I ve also been involved in various positions in the formulation of such laws as the International Peace Cooperation Law, the Law concerning Measures to Ensure the Peace and Security of Japan in Situations in Areas Surrounding Japan, the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law, and the Iraq Special Measures Law, as well as in the drafting of the National Defense Program Guidelines and the Mid-Term Defense Buildup Program. I particularly remember the long discussions I held with the counselor of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau in drafting the PKO Law and my involvement as a member of the Cabinet Secretariat with the Iraq Special Measures Law from the drafting stage to the dispatch of SDF personnel. I visited Iraq on two occasions and gave serious thought to what the SDF can do there, where temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius and where changing security conditions could be felt firsthand. These were opportunities to formulate policies in areas that were new to the SDF. So I felt a mixture of anxiety and excitement, but I think I was able to express my opinions in a straightforward manner. What role do you think the MOD and SDF should play in the international community? In the past, the only SDF activities outside Japan were training, but today SDF personnel are performing actual duties. This is a major change, and I believe that our presence in the international community has been growing. The world has been fighting against persisting terrorism since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Many countries have continued their activities within Afghanistan and in the Indian Ocean. I believe that it s a matter of course for Japan to participate in these activities as a member of the international community. There has recently been increasing incidents of piracy in the seas around the Indian Ocean. In April 2008, for instance, a foreign vessel that had been refueled by the MSDF came to the rescue of a Japanese oil tanker (Takayama) that was attacked by pirates. For Japan, which relies on imports for 90 percent of its crude oil, the replenishment support activities by the MSDF are very important. What do you hope to accomplish as the Vice-Minister of Defense? The MOD and SDF were charged with a number of incidents of misconduct since I was appointed in September 2007, and much of my time has been focused on dealing with them. We take these incidents very seriously, and I hope to continue steadily implementing reforms of the Ministry both structurally and in terms of staff awareness based on the report of the council of experts set up in the Prime Minister s Office. I ll also need to devote my energies to preparing for the review of the National Defense Program Guidelines in December In addition, I d like to come up with concrete proposals on how we can better contribute to the maintenance of order in Northeast Asia. The MOD has been gaining a bigger presence through its involvement in a wide range of activities, and the role MOD officials are expected to play has consequently changed, from simply managing the SDF to taking the initiative in Japan s defense policy. I would like to duly fulfill my duties as a government official a public servant for the people. INFORMATION MOD Publications TThe 2008 defense white paper (in Japanese) was published on September 5. One feature is a section devoted to reforms of the MOD. The English version, titled the Defense of Japan, is scheduled to be published shortly. A tentative translation may be viewed at the MOD website ( The Japanese edition of the defense white paper. The web edition of Japan Defense Focus has also been updated ( and transcripts of the Defense Minister s press conferences are uploaded on a regular basis ( Also, please note that the MOD has set up a YouTube channel on its replenishment support activities (jp.youtube.com/modchannel). URL 8 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / OCTOBER 2008