augin mind north korea’s provocative actions, including the launch of a missile which it calls a...

Defense Minister Onodera visits HawaiiDefense Minister Onodera visits Hawaii

Defense Minister Onodera visits the PhilippinesDefense Minister Onodera visits the Philippines

FY2013 JSDF Joint Disaster Response ExerciseFY2013 JSDF Joint Disaster Response Exercise

Extension of Anti-Piracy Activities / Measures against piracyoff the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of AdenExtension of Anti-Piracy Activities / Measures against piracyoff the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden

Defense of Japan 2013 PublishedDefense of Japan 2013 PublishedADMM-Plus HADR / MM ExerciseADMM-Plus HADR / MM Exercise

Japan–Australia Defense Ministers MeetingJapan–Australia Defense Ministers MeetingVice Minister of Defense Eto visits IndiaVice Minister of Defense Eto visits India

SPECIAL FEATURE

Participation in Pacific Partnership 2013Participation in Pacific Partnership 2013

TOPICS

Dawn Blitz field training exercise in the U.S.Dawn Blitz field training exercise in the U.S.

Participation in Pacific Partnership 2013

No. 43AUG. 2013

JSDF Joint Disaster Response Exercise

Defense Minister Onodera met Pacific Command Commander Locklear

From July 1 to 5, the FY2013 Joint Disaster Response Exercise was held in Ichigaya (Tokyo), GSDF Camp Asaka, the locations of participating units, and other locations. The purpose of this year’s exercise was to carry out drills for a series of joint operations of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in the event of a Nankai Trough Megaquake in order to verify the tentative plan for the SDF Nankai Trough Megaquake response plan and maintain and enhance the SDF’s disaster response capabilities, when coordination with the concerning agencies.

FY2013 JSDF Joint Disaster Response Exercise

On July 3, Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera visited the U.S. Pacific Command and held talks with ADM Samuel J. Locklear, Commander of the Pacific Command. Mr. Onodera noted on his attendance at the Shangri-La Dialogue and visits to Guam, the Philippines, and other locations. He stated that observing the progress of the projects for the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps forces in Okinawa to Guam and the current presence of the U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific region brought home to him once again the indispensableness of establishing a robust Japan–U.S. alliance for achieving peace and stability in the entire region, all the while firmly building up Japan’s defense forces. In particular, in order to mitigate impacts on Okinawa, Mr. Onodera underscored the need to make swift and steady progress with the Guam relocation project in accordance with the Japan–U.S. agreement, as well as the need for Japan–U.S. cooperation with regard to Osprey trainings by

Defense Minister Onodera visits HawaiiU.S. forces. Bearing in mind the regional situation surrounding Japan, Mr. Onodera and Commander Locklear agreed to further deepen the bilateral cooperation for the development of a robust Japan–U.S. alliance aimed at the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

On July 5, Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera held a Japan–Australia Defense Ministers Meeting with Minister for Defence of Australia Stephen Smith in Tokyo. Both ministers confirmed their understanding of the regional situation and the progress of the bilateral defense coopera-tion. They also exchanged views on the future Japan–Australia defense cooperation and Japan–U.S.–Australia trilateral defense cooperation. Both ministers exchanged views on the situation in East

Asia, including North Korea. They concurred that Japan–Australia and Japan–U.S.–Australia will work together to maintain peace and stability in the region. The two ministries supported the United States’ rebalance towards the region and agreed to continue their close cooperation. Also, both ministers welcomed the commencement of personnel exchanges started from July 1 as part of the cooperation in the field of capacity building assistance, and agreed to promote cooperation in this field.

Japan–Australia Defense Ministers Meeting

Japan–Australia Defense Ministers MeetingDefense Minister Onodera and Australia Minister for Defence Smith

Defense Minister Onodera visits the PhilippinesMinister of Defense Itsunori Onodera visited the Philippines from June 26 to 27, and held discussions with Secretary of the Department of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin. The two ministers shared views regarding the situation in the region surrounding Japan and in the South China Sea. In addition, they exchanged views on the current situation and future prospects regarding the bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges. During this visit, ministers’ meeting was held in accor-dance with the Statement of Intent signed in July of last year, and a candid exchange of views took place on the severe security environment which the two countries are facing. It

was confirmed at the high level that cooperation was deep-ened between their defense authorities, particularly on maritime affairs and both ministers concurred to continue cooperation in this field. Furthermore, both ministers agreed to advance policy coordination on defense issues, and to promote and continue the bilateral defense partnership, including capacity building in the fields of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), flight safety, air rescue, and aviation medicine between the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Philippine Air Force.

Meeting with Union Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh Vice Minister of Defense Eto andUnion Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh

On July 9 and 10, Vice Minister of Defense Akinori Eto visited the Ministry of Defence, as well as the Prime Minister’s Office of India. He exchanged views with the Union Minister of State for Defence and the National Security Advisor, and visited a brigade. During the meeting with Union Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh, Mr. Eto expressed condolences to the victims suffered from the recent heavy rains of monsoon in northern India, and expressed respect for the active involvement by the members of Indian forces who are contributing to the disaster relief activities. In addition, Mr. Eto welcomed the deepening of the bilateral defense coop-eration and exchanges in a wide range of fields, including PKO operations. Both ministers confirmed the progress on the decisions made by the Prime ministers of both countries during the

Japan–India summit in May this year (“to conduct bilateral exercises between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy on a regular basis with increased frequency” and “to establish a Joint Working Group to explore modality for the cooperation on the US-2 amphibian aircraft”). They exchanged views on the future cooperation approach, including the implementation of these decisions swiftly and steadily, and agreed to continue making effort for further strengthening the bilateral relationship. During the meeting with National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, they welcomed the strengthening of the bilateral cooperative relationship, including in the field of defense. They also shared the view on the need for further strengthening the bilateral partnership and for making quick actions, to implement the prime ministers’ decisions.

Vice Minister of Defense Eto visits India

3AugustNo.43Visit the Japan Defense Focus website for photo and movie galleries that cannot be found in this pamphlet.2 August

No.43 Visit the Japan Defense Focus website for photo and movie galleries that cannot be found in this pamphlet.

MEETING WITH FOREIGN LEADERSMEETING WITH FOREIGN LEADERS

A5. Traveling medical clinics, exchange of views, and education were among the activities conducted at medical activity bases (e.g., hospital, school). In addition to the provision of medical services in partnership with participat-ing militaries (e.g., Australia, Canada, New Zealand),

Q5. What were the specific activities of the Pacific Partnership in 2013?

A4. Yes, the MOD and SDF conducted activities in Tonga (June 12-22) and Papua New Guinea (June 25-July 6). Medical personnel from the GSDF, MSDF, and ASDF (approx. 40 personnel), an MSDF escort vessel YAMAGIRI, and an ASDF transport aircraft were deployed.

Q4. Did the MOD participate in the Pacific Partnership in 2013?

Q3. How has the Ministry of Defense been involved in the Pacific Partnership?

In 2011, the size of the deployment was reduced due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. Several medical officers, dental officers, nurses, and pharmacists were deployed to East Timor and Micronesia and carried out medical activi-ties and public health education. In 2012, an SDF transport aircraft was deployed for the first time. In addition, an SDF medical team (approx. 40 personnel), MSDF transport vessel (OSUMI), and NGOs and other organizations (2 organizations and 19 individuals) were deployed to the Philippines and Vietnam and carried out medical activities and public health education.

A3. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) has deployed its personnel from the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) annually and participated in medical activities since 2007. In 2010, the MOD deployed SDF troops for the first time, and an MSDF transport vessel KUNISAKI and a medical team from the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) (approx. 50 people, including medical officers, dental officers, pharmaceutical officers, nurses, and pharmacists) partici-pated. The SDF also cooperated with civilian organizations such as NGOs (22 members from four organizations) to carry out medical activities and cultural exchanges in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Q2. What is the significance of participating in the Pacific Partnership?

Moreover, we believe it will promote mutual understand-ing and cooperation among participating nations and improve the international security environment through conducting medical care and exchanges among military and civilian personnel.

A2. It is expected that by providing medical services and transporting supplies and other goods, participation in the Pacific Partnership will serve the purpose such as improving our skills in the fields of medical care, transport operations in international emergency disaster relief, international peace cooperation operations and acquiring expertise to coordinate and collaborate with civilian organizations.

Q1. What is the Pacific Partnership?

A1. The Pacific Partnership is the name given to activities hosted by the U.S. forces that started in 2007. The activities are aimed at strengthening mutual collaboration among nations participating and promoting smooth implementation of international disaster relief activities, while visiting countries in the Asia-Pacific region by vessels, and provide medical care and conduct cultural exchanges with local residents in cooperation with governments, militaries, international organizations, and civilian organizations such as NGOs.

including the U.S. forces and NGOs, public health education was offered to local residents and medical staff to ensure that the short-term medical activities have long-lasting effect. Also, the participants joined in cultural exchanges with local residents.

Participation in Pacific Partnership 2013

efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to determinedly protect the lives and property of the Japanese people and defend Japan’s land, waters, and airspace. Part I describes Japan’s current recognition of the security environment in the vicinity of japan, bearing in mind North Korea’s provocative actions, including the launch of a missile which it calls a “Satellite” and nuclear tests, and China’s rapid expansion and intensification of activities in the waters and airspace

The Defense of Japan 2013 (defense white paper) was reported on and approved at the Cabinet meeting on July 9. In principle, this 39th edition of the defense white paper published this year covers the events through the end of May 2013. The Defense of Japan 2013 features enhanced columns, figures, and tables to inform many more people in an easy to understand way about the security environment in the vicinity of Japan, which is becoming increas-ingly severe, as well as the broad range of

Defense of Japan 2013 Published

surrounding Japan. Part II discusses the revision of the National Defense Program Guidelines and the build-up of defense capa-bility, in FY2013 as well as measures to strengthen the Japan–U.S. security arrangements. Part III is focused on the domestic and overseas operations of the SDF, which is accompanied by improved figures, tables, and columns. The title for Part

III, Chapter 1, which had been called “Operations of Self-Defense Forces for Defense of Japan and Responses to Diverse Situations” through last year was revised this year to “Systems to Protect Citizens’ Lives and Property and Defend Japanese Territorial Land, Waters and Airspace” in light of the chapter’s content. In addition, a new chapter was created, which describes the maintenance and strengthening of defense produc-tion and technological bases. Following on from the previous year, an e-book version will be created to further increase the readership of the defense whitepaper. A digest version in Japanese will also be made available on smartphones from this year, which will enable the material to be presented in an easy to understand way to an even larger readership.



SPECIAL FEATURET O P I C S

<Key Participants>

GSDF

MSDF

Staff, etc.

U.S. Navy

U.S. Marine Corps

1 company of Western Army Infantry Regiment, Western Army

Western Aviation Group CH-47 JA × 2, AH-64D × 2

“ATAGO”, “HYUGA”, “SHIMOKITA”, ship borne helicopters

Joint Staff, Ground Staff, Air Defense Command, etc.

3rd Fleet

Marine Expeditionary ForceI

rom June 10 to 26, the Dawn Blitz field training exercise was held in the United States. For the first time, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) /the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) participated in this

exercise. During the exercise, Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels trained take off/landing and accommodation of the U.S. Osprey. On San Clemente Island and Camp Pendleton, trainings included landing training and firing using live ammunition.

This was the first time that the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces participated in a Japan–U.S. bilateral joint field training held overseas. Trainings were performed under an environment resembling actual warfare. The training contributed significantly to enhancing the SDF’s joint operational capability. Through the training, the SDF’s bilateral response capabilities with the U.S. forces were enhanced. Japan recognizes that the training contributed to further deepening and developing the Japan–U.S. defense cooperation.

F



T O P I C ST O P I C S

Record of Mission (April-June 2013)

Aerial activities of Japanese P-3C patrol aircraft off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden

1. Number of flights: 54 flights (Accumulated Total(AT): 923 flights)

2. Flight hours: Approx. 422 hours (AT: Approx. 7,160hours)3. Number of visually confirmed commercial ships: Approx.

4,840 ships (AT: 73,300 ships)4. Number of times information was provided to Japanese

destroyers, foreign warships, and/or commercial ships: Approx. 420 times (AT: Approx. 8,000 times)

Record of Mission (April-June 2013)

Escort operations performed by MSDF units in the same area

1. Number of escort operations: 26 times (The 446 – the 471th escort operation)(The 405th – 430th escort opera-tion under Japan’s Anti-Piracy Measures Law)

2. Number of escorted vessels: 86 vessels (AT of 2,998 escorted vessels since the start of operations under Japan’s Anti-Piracy Measures Law)

1. Number of escort operations: 26 times (The 446 – the 471th escort operation)(The 405th – 430th escort opera-tion under Japan’s Anti-Piracy Measures Law)

2. Number of escorted vessels: 86 vessels (AT of 2,998 escorted vessels since the start of operations under Japan’s Anti-Piracy Measures Law)

[Breakdown]Japanese-registered ships: 0 (AT: 15)Foreign ships operated by Japanese shipping companies: 10 (AT: 560)

Foreign ships other than above: 76 (AT: 2,423)

*The above record does not include the 1st – 41st escort operation performed as Maritime Security Activities.

[Breakdown]Japanese-registered ships: 0 (AT: 15)Foreign ships operated by Japanese shipping companies: 10 (AT: 560)

Foreign ships other than above: 76 (AT: 2,423)

*The above record does not include the 1st – 41st escort operation performed as Maritime Security Activities.

Extension of Anti-Piracy Activities / Measures against piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden

ADMM-Plus HADR / MM ExerciseADMM-Plus HADR / MM ExerciseFrom June 17 to 20, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) /the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) participated in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Military Medicine (MM) Exercise. This was the first field training exercise carried out under the ADMM-Plus framework. By way of conducting disaster relief drills with partici-pating countries (10 ASEAN countries plus 8 countries), Japan’s participation in the exercise aims to maintain and

On July 9, Security Council of Japan and cabinet meeting were held, where the extension of Anti-piracy activities off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden by JSDF was determined for an additional year.

improve operational capabilities related to international disaster relief activities, and to promote mutual understand-ing and cooperation between participating nations. From the MOD/SDF, approx. 400 personnel, 1 GSDF helicopter (UH-1), 1 MSDF Shirane-class escort vessel (DDH), 1 MSDF helicopter (SH-60J), and 2 ASDF trans-port aircraft (C-130H) were deployed and carried out training, including medical activity and transport training.

Following data shows the records of the measures against piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden through April and June, 2013.

8 AugustNo.43

A C T I V I T I E S

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